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Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eagle Aircraft

Chief Flight Instructor

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Chief Flight Instructor : Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our ...

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Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor information

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$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do entry level chief flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level chief 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 the typical challenges faced by an entry-level Chief Flight Instructor, and how can they be managed effectively?

As an entry-level Chief Flight Instructor, one of the main challenges is balancing administrative duties, such as developing training programs and ensuring regulatory compliance, with hands-on instruction and mentoring of both students and flight instructors. Managing a diverse team and maintaining high safety standards can also be demanding, especially when addressing individual learning needs and adapting to changing aviation regulations. Effective time management, open communication, and continuous professional development are key strategies to overcome these challenges. Additionally, seeking mentorship from experienced instructors and staying updated with industry best practices can help you succeed in this leadership role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor, you need strong piloting skills, advanced knowledge of aviation regulations, and typically a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating with relevant flight hours. Familiarity with flight training management software, aviation weather systems, and simulator technology is important for effective instruction and administration. Leadership, clear communication, and organizational skills help you manage students and coordinate with staff. These skills ensure safe, consistent training standards and support the professional development of aspiring pilots.

What is an Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor?

An Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor is a professional responsible for overseeing flight training at a flight school or aviation organization, typically at the beginning stage of their management career. They supervise other instructors, ensure training programs meet regulatory standards, and help develop training materials. Although they are new to the chief instructor role, they usually have significant flight and instructional experience. Their job is crucial in maintaining safety, compliance, and high-quality training for student pilots.

What is the difference between Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectEntry Level Chief Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and often Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII)Commercial Pilot Certificate and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentLeads flight training programs, oversees other instructors, and manages training schedulesProvides individual flight training to students in flight schools or flight academies
Employer & Industry UsageFlight schools, aviation academies, and flight training organizationsFlight schools, flying clubs, and aviation training centers

The Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor typically has more responsibilities, including overseeing training programs and supervising other instructors, while a Flight Instructor primarily focuses on providing flight training to students. Both roles require similar certifications, but the chief instructor position involves leadership and management duties within the flight training environment.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Flight Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Chief Flight Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor jobs include:
Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor jobs near you
Chief Flight Instructor

Chief Flight Instructor

Eagle Aircraft

Valparaiso, IN • On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Chief Flight Instructor: Leads the charge in ensuring our programs reflect global best practices in flight safety, compliance, and instruction. Oversees flight instruction to reinforce our reputation as a leader in aviation education.

Principal Accountabilities

  • Ensures the flight school maintains training techniques, procedures, and standards acceptable to the FAA Administrator.  Builds and maintains a culture of excellence that maintains the organization’s reputation as a top tier aviation school.
  • Conducts initial and recurring proficiency checks for all assigned flight instructors.  Ensures every student and instructor operates within established safety protocols.
  • Supervises all flight training and evaluation activities.  Coordinates instructor and student schedules to maximize educational and training outcomes.  Mentors instructors to ensure consistency, compliance and safety.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact with the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) regarding operations, instruction, and safety matters.
  • Develops, reviews, and assists with the preparation of FAA Training Course Outlines (TCOs) and curriculum updates.  Develops and adapts training curricula to meet FAA and global standards.
  • Maintains student and instructor training records in accordance with FAA and school requirements.
  • Is available at the school or reachable by electronic means when training for an approved course is being conducted. 

Flight Time Requirements

The minimum flight experience requirements for a Chief Flight Instructor are outlined in 14 CFR § 141.35 and depend on the specific course(s) they are designated to oversee: 

Specific flight hour requirements depend on the course, such as those for recreational/private pilot certificates, instrument ratings, or other courses like commercial pilot or ATP. For detailed requirements, refer to 14 CFR 141.35 in the eCFR. Special considerations for gliders, balloons, or airships have reduced hour requirements (40%), and ground school chief instructors need one year of experience at a certificated pilot school. 

 

Qualifications

To be eligible for designation as a chief instructor for a course of training, a person must meet the requirements as outlined in § 141.35.  Here below is a brief summary.  Candidates must familiarize themselves with the FAA’s detailed requirements found at 14 CFR 141.35 in the eCFR

Minimum Chief Instructor Requirements – Instrument & Multi-Engine Training

The Chief Instructor assigned to Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine courses shall:

  • Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
  • Hold a current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI).
  • Hold the appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft used in training, including Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL).
  • Hold a current Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) certificate.
  • Meet the recent flight experience requirements of 14 CFR §61.57.
  • Successfully complete the FAA Chief Instructor knowledge and proficiency tests as required by 14 CFR Part 141.

Minimum Experience

  • At least 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
  • At least 100 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time.
  • Flight instructor experience consisting of either:
    • 3 years and 1,000 hours of flight instruction; or
    • 1,500 hours of flight instruction.
  • Instrument flight instructor experience consisting of either:
    • 2 years and 250 hours of instrument instruction; or
    • 400 hours of instrument instruction.

The Chief Instructor shall maintain all FAA certificates, ratings, qualifications, and currency necessary to conduct and supervise training in accordance with 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 141.

At iFly USA, we are redefining aviation education. Join us in creating the future of aviation!

Company Description

Our mission is to provide a seamless integration of safety, legality, and efficiency, bridging international aviation standards and creating unparalleled opportunities for our students.