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Contract Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caeus

Helicopter Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL

Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role. Preferred Skills * Associate of Science degree. * Graduate of DoD helicopter instructor pilot course. * Total Flight ...

Sun Country Airlines

Ground Instructor

Minneapolis, MN

$60K - $70K/hr

... full flight simulator training. * Develop and coordinate contract simulator training courseware ... Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) * Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) * Military ...

CAE, Inc.

Helicopter Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL · On-site

Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role. Preferred Skills * Associate of Science degree. * Graduate of DoD helicopter instructor pilot course. * Total Flight ...

Sun Country Airlines

Ground Instructor

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$70K/yr

... full flight simulator training. * Develop and coordinate contract simulator training courseware ... Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) * Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) * Military ...

AEVEX

Instructor Pilot 4

Tampa, FL

Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ... level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program ...

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AEVEX

Instructor Pilot 4

Tampa, FL · On-site

Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ... level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program ...

AEVEX

Instructor Pilot 4

Tampa, FL

Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ... level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program ...

Lockheed Martin

Test Pilot C-130J-Level 5

Marietta, GA · On-site

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) - Airplane Multi-engine Land • Flight Instructor (CFI) - Airplane ... and contract flight operations • Experience with C-130J Tactical Operations and/or Special ...

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All JobsContract Flight Instructor Jobs

Contract Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do contract flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract flight instructor in the United States is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 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 are Contract Flight Instructors?

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.
More about Contract Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Contract Flight Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Flight Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Flight Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Flight Instructor jobs are:
Contract Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 62% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
P-3 Pilot Instructor - Homeland Security

P-3 Pilot Instructor - Homeland Security

Team Carney

Jacksonville, FL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

This P-3 Pilot Instructor position supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the area of Support Services. The mission-critical program provides comprehensive training, safety, standards, curriculum development, and technical modernization services to ensure national border security agents can operate safely and effectively.
Frontline aviators face extreme weather and unpredictable operational environments. By teaching advanced flight maneuvers, instrument rules, and emergency procedures in simulators and classrooms, you prepare pilots to handle any scenario with complete calm and professionalism.
  • Location: Remote or Jacksonville, FL
  • Status: Full-Time / Contingent Upon Contract Award

Who You Are
You are a seasoned P-3 Orion pilot who loves passing on the craft of safe, tactical flying. You bring a calm, steady presence to the cockpit, exceptional situational awareness, and a dedication to strict standardization and safety protocols. You excel at providing constructive, structured feedback that transforms aspiring pilots into confident, mission-ready aviators.
What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)
  • Flight & Simulator Instruction: Lead rigorous classroom and flight simulator blocks focusing on normal maneuvers, tactical flight profiles, and emergency scenarios.
  • Evaluate Pilot Performance: Assess and certify pilot competency in Crew Resource Management (CRM), Risk Management, and instrument flight rules
  • Develop Training Materials: Create realistic training scenarios, update cockpit checklists, and author theoretical examinations.
  • Manage Training Calendar: Coordinate pilot-in-command (PIC) and second-in-command (SIC) event tracking to ensure all training blocks are met.
  • Record Uploads: Administer, grade, and upload completed pilot quizzes and exams directly to the secure tracking and reporting portal.

What You Bring (Qualifications)
  • Experience: Minimum of 3 years of recent experience as an Instructor Pilot in the P-3 Orion aircraft (within the last 2 years) .
  • Credentials: FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) or military equivalent.
  • Technical Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of aviation safety regulations, P-3 flight characteristics, and mission equipment.
  • Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a federal background suitability check.

Why You'll Love Working with Team Carney (Benefits & Perks)
When you join our team, you enjoy a robust suite of benefits tailored to support your "whole self":
  • Comprehensive Health: Competitive medical, dental, and vision options (BCBS CareFirst), plus HSA and FSA.
  • Financial Protection: 401(k) with corporate match, and fully paid life and disability insurance.
  • Work-Life Harmony: Generous PTO, 11 paid federal holidays, and 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
  • Professional & Personal Growth: Up to $5,000 annually in tuition assistance or student loan repayment, plus $200/year "Get Out and Learn" and $200/year "Get Out and Run" micro-benefits.
    EEO/Veteran/Disabled

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