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Entry Level Chief Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cochise College

FT Aviation Mechanic

Sierra Vista, AZ · On-site

$47K - $53K/yr

... Chief Flight Instructor to coordinate maintenance schedules with flying schedules; informs Director of Aviation Programs and Chief Flight Instructor of ongoing maintenance issues and problems ...

Caeus

Helicopter Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL

The employee will conduct contact flight training and instrument familiarization in support of the ... In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and ...

CAE, Inc.

Helicopter Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL · On-site

The employee will conduct contact flight training and instrument familiarization in support of the ... In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and ...

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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 Jun 27, 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
Full-Time Curriculum Aviation Instructor - Chief Instructor - 9 Month

Full-Time Curriculum Aviation Instructor - Chief Instructor - 9 Month

Sandhills Community College

Pinehurst, NC • On-site

$48K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $48,600.00 - $52,000.00 Annually
Location : Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Rd, Pinehurst
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600130
Department: LEARN
Division: Aviation
Opening Date: 05/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Desired Start Date: 08/01/2026
At Sandhills Community College, we are committed to the health and well-being of our employees, their families, and children across North Carolina. Recently, we became a Family Forward NC Certified Employer. Family Forward NC Employer Certifications, issued by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation's (NCECF) Family Forward NC initiative, designate employers that offer policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and children.
Summary
The Aviation Instructor/Chief Instructor (AI/CI) reports to the Department Chair of Transportation and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Sandhills Community College FAA Part 141 Ground Training program.
The position serves as the primary point of contact with the FAA for ground training operations and works collaboratively with the Aviation Program Coordinator and Department Chair to ensure program quality, compliance and student success.
The Aviation Instructor provides instruction in aviation courses, supports student advising, and contributes to program development, outreach, and continuous improvement efforts.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
  • Maintain Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) credentials in good standing with the FAA.
  • Instruct aviation ground school and support simulator-based instruction.
  • Oversee ground and simulator training activities, including syllabus updates, Training Course Outline (TCO) support, and recordkeeping.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA Part 141 regulations and other applicable standards.
  • Advise and support aviation students in academic and career progression.
  • Maintain accurate instructional and student records in accordance with FAA and institutional requirements.
  • Monitor scheduling and utilization of simulator and instructional resources.
  • Collaborate with program leadership to support program assessment and continuous improvement.
  • Participate in student recruitment, outreach, and community engagement activities.
  • Support coordination with partner flight training organizations and airport stakeholders.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
  • An associate degree in an aviation-related field from a regionally accredited institution is required.
  • A minimum of one (1) year of experience as a ground school instructor at a certified pilot school or military pilot training program is required.
  • Current Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) certifications issued by the FAA are required.
  • Demonstrated ability to instruct aviation content in accordance with FAA standards is required.
Chief Instructor Qualification Requirement
Sandhills Community College operates as a Part 141 Ground School and requires this position to serve as Chief Instructor.
Candidates who do not currently meet all FAA requirements for Chief Instructor designation at the time of hire may still be considered, provided they:
  • Meet baseline FAA certification requirements (including CFI/CFII or AGI/IGI and appropriate pilot certification), and
  • Demonstrate the ability to obtain Chief Instructor designation within the first semester of employment.
FAA Qualification Expectations (Summary)
In accordance with 14 CFR §141.35, candidates must be able to meet applicable requirements for Chief Instructor designation, including:
  • Appropriate Commercial or ATP pilot certificate with instrument rating
  • Recent flight experience in accordance with 14 CFR §61.57
  • Successful completion of FAA-required knowledge and proficiency evaluations
  • Demonstrated instructional competency aligned with approved course standards

Preferred education and experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in an aviation-related field from a regionally accredited institution preferred.
  • Experience in a Part 141 or Part 61 training environment preferred.
  • Experience with FAA Training Course Outlines (TCOs), simulator-based instruction, or aviation program coordination preferred.
  • Prior teaching or training experience in a postsecondary or structured training environment preferred.

Sandhills Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, religion, age, ancestry, mental or physical disability, military status or veteran status.
We're proud to be a Family Forward NC Certified Employer. We're also proud members of the Moore and Hoke county communities, and we recognize that the more family-friendly workplaces we have here, the better for children and families.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including the North Carolina State Health Plan, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page:

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