ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Flight Instructor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

All JobsContract Flight Instructor JobsContract Flight Instructor Jobs in Tennessee

Contract Flight Instructor information

See Tennessee salary details

$22.7K

$85.9K

$132.1K

How much do contract flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract flight instructor in Tennessee is $85,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,600.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract flight instructor?

Contract Flight Instructors are certified pilots who provide flight training services on a contractual basis, rather than as full-time employees of a flight school or organization. They may work independently or for multiple employers, offering instruction in various types of aircraft or simulators. Their responsibilities typically include teaching students how to fly, preparing them for pilot certification, and ensuring adherence to aviation safety standards. Contract Flight Instructors often have flexible schedules and may also assist with recurrent training or specialized courses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract flight instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Flight Instructor, you need a valid commercial pilot's license with instructor ratings, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, and significant flight experience. Familiarity with flight simulators, electronic logbooks, and training management systems is typically required, along with up-to-date certifications such as CFI or CFII. Exceptional communication, patience, and adaptability are essential soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring diverse student pilots. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, effective flight training and help students achieve proficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by contract flight instructors, and how can they be managed?

Contract Flight Instructors often encounter challenges such as fluctuating student schedules, adapting to different aircraft types, and maintaining clear communication with both students and flight school management. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are key to managing these hurdles. Instructors should proactively coordinate with students to set reliable training sessions, keep their qualifications current for various aircraft, and foster an open line of communication with all parties to ensure smooth operations and effective learning.

What is the difference between Contract Flight Instructor vs Part-Time Flight Instructor?

AspectContract Flight InstructorPart-Time Flight Instructor
CredentialsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Commercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed or hired per contract, variable locationsPart-time employment at flight schools or flight training centers
Employer/Industry UsageHired directly by flight schools or as independent contractorsEmployed by flight schools on a part-time basis

Contract Flight Instructors typically work independently or on a contractual basis, often at multiple locations, while Part-Time Flight Instructors are employed by flight schools for limited hours. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in employment structure and work arrangement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Tennessee?

For Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Flight Instructor jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Contract Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Contract Flight Instructor job openings:

Contract Flight Instructor jobs near you

Director-Authorized Service & Training Network

Cirrus Aircraft

Alcoa, TN • On-site

$149K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Overview
Cirrus Aircraft partners with a global network of authorized providers-Cirrus Training Centers (CTCs), Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs), and Authorized Service Centers (ASCs)-to deliver consistent, high-quality training and service aligned to Cirrus safety and customer standards. The Director-Authorized Network Services will lead a transformation in how Cirrus enables and manages its third-party network. This leader will consolidate RTMs and RFSMs into a unified team of Regional Development Managers (RDMs) accountable for network standards, performance, and partner development across training and maintenance-anchored by the Partner Scorecard. Partnering with multiple internal stakeholders and 3 rd party service providers, the Director will build the operating model, systems, and talent mix to scale the network. The team will cross-train while maintaining functional SMEs, and the leader will strengthen capabilities in information systems, continuous improvement, financial acumen, and business leadership.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the integration of flight training and aircraft maintenance network oversight into one team of Regional Development Managers (RDMs), with clear roles, decision rights, cross-training, and designated functional SMEs.
  • Own the Partner Scorecard and partner KPI operating rhythm; build the systems, data definitions, dashboards, and governance required to proactively manage network performance.
  • Establish a continuous improvement operating system to drive consistent partner outcomes and faster issue resolution; capture global best practices and curate the Authorized Network Playbook and e-procedures with strong version control and adoption.
  • Lead the team's adoption of AI-enabled tools and ways of working to improve decision-making, productivity, and partner/customer outcomes.
  • Own partner program governance, including the network tiering system and partner contracts (commercial and legal terms), in close partnership with Legal, Finance, and internal stakeholders.
  • Coach partners on sustainable operations using strong business leadership and financial acumen (P&L drivers, capacity, pricing, labor utilization, and investment planning) aligned with Cirrus standards and brand experience.
  • Build and scale the Authorized Network's capability to generate qualified aircraft sales leads, including process, training, tools/CRM integration, and incentive alignment with Sales and Marketing.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Aviation, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
  • 12+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in field operations, service delivery, and/or third-party partner network management with measurable business outcomes.
  • Proven people leader and change leader-experienced building teams, integrating diverse disciplines, aligning stakeholders, and driving sustained adoption in ambiguous environments.
  • Data- and systems-driven operator with experience deploying Partner Scorecards/KPI frameworks, dashboards, and CRM discipline; able to translate performance into priorities and executive-ready recommendations.
  • Strong continuous improvement capability and financial acumen-able to build business cases, manage budgets, and run a governance operating system (standards, tiering, contracts, e-procedures, and playbooks) that drives measurable partner performance improvement.
  • Commercial and partner enablement skills, including partnering with Legal/Finance on agreements and building a partner-driven aircraft sales lead generation motion with Sales/Marketing.
  • Strong field leadership and partner coaching skills; able to influence without authority and build durable relationships across a geographically distributed network.
  • Strong working knowledge of flight training, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft operations. FAA pilot certificate and/or FAA A&P certificate strongly preferred (IA preferred).

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

What Cirrus Aircraft employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply