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Contract Flight Instructor Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Contract Flight Instructor information

See Utah salary details

$22.8K

$86.1K

$132.5K

How much do contract flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract flight instructor in Utah is $86,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Utah? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Contract Flight Instructor jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Contract Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Flight Instructor job openings in Utah as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,139 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

KC-130H/T Flight Engineer

Gauss Management Research & Engineering

Ogden, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description:

JOB SUMMARY

The permanent duty location is currently to be determined and remain as Government Designated (TBD). The position will require frequent travel in support of depot Functional Check Flight operations at Fleet Readiness Center East (MCAS Cherry Point, NC). This position is contingent based on contract award.

Serves as a KC-130H/T Flight Engineer responsible for supporting Functional Check Flights (FCFs), Acceptance Flights, and Ferry Flights in support of depot maintenance operations. The primary mission of this position is to ensure the safe operation, monitoring, and management of aircraft systems during depot flight operations at Fleet Readiness Center East (MCAS Cherry Point), while maintaining readiness to operate from a Government-designated home station. The Flight Engineer serves as a technical subject matter expert on aircraft systems and assists the Aircraft Commander in the safe execution and documentation of all assigned flight operations.


ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Exercises substantial responsibility for the technical competence, standardization, flight safety, and mission readiness of KC-130H/T Flight Engineers.
  • Conducts initial, transition, requalification, continuation, upgrade, mission, and remedial training for KC-130T-30 Flight Engineers.
  • Provides instruction in aircraft systems, engines, propellers, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, environmental, fire protection, auxiliary power, and related aircraft systems.
  • Instructs aircraft performance computation, takeoff and landing data, cruise control, fuel planning, weight considerations, operating limitations, and aircraft performance monitoring.
  • Demonstrates and instructs preflight, through-flight, post-flight, and applicable aircraft inspection procedures.
  • Provides instruction in aircraft system operation during normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions.
  • Instructs fuel management, fuel transfer, fuel balancing, aerial refueling system configuration, and aircraft system management, as applicable.
  • Develops trainee proficiency in malfunction analysis, checklist execution, emergency procedures, technical recommendations, and communication with the Aircraft Commander.
  • Observes trainee performance and identifies deficiencies in technical knowledge, procedural compliance, judgment, checklist discipline, situational awareness, and crew coordination.
  • Intervenes when trainee actions could result in aircraft damage, exceedance of operating limitations, unsafe system configuration, or degradation of flight safety.
  • Conducts preflight briefings, post-flight critiques, technical debriefings, and trainee progress assessments.
  • Documents training performance and recommends continuation, additional training, qualification, requalification, advancement, or removal from training.
  • Develops and reviews lesson plans, system training materials, training scenarios, examinations, courseware, and training records.
  • Participates in standardization conferences, instructor development programs, technical working groups, training review boards, and aircrew training program assessments.
  • Maintains expert knowledge of KC-130H/T aircraft systems, technical publications, operating procedures, aircraft performance, and instructional methodology.

WHY WORK FOR GMRE?

GMRE is a small veteran-owned company who cares about our employees. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws, paid holidays, and life insurance to all permanent full-time employees. GMRE’s mission is to provide high quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed.

GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements:

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Ability to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short notice as needed.
  • Ability to maintain professional appearance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Must be a fully qualified KC-130T-30 Flight Engineer, meet applicable experience prerequisites, successfully complete prescribed instructor training and evaluation requirements, maintain required flight qualifications, and be formally designated as an Instructor Flight Engineer. (REQUIRED)
  • At least 100 hours of total military flight time, (Preferred).

SECURITY CLEARANCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have a minimum of an active U.S. SECRET clearance and be subject to a government security investigation.
  • Driving or renting a car for company business is expected with some frequency. For insurance purposes, a valid driver’s license is required.
  • Do you have the ability to pass a background check to be granted access to the specific working location installation bases to perform work for GMRE? (Pertains to Technical Services positions)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have a FAA Class II medical physical
  • Prolonged periods of standing or sitting in a stationary position for an extended period of time.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
  • Ascend and descend stairs to and from and off and on aircraft.
  • Operate aviation equipment, tools, computers, and devices requiring the ability to move fingers and hands.
  • See and read various monitors and documents.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

  • Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position for meetings, training, and/or site visits.