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First Flight Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Icarus

Flight Operations Generalist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Experience with developmental flight test, first-flight events, or build-up test programs. * Background building RC or UAS aircraft (SAE Aero, Design Build Fly, or serious hobbyist). * FAA Airframe ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Generalist

Los Angeles, CA

Experience with developmental flight test, first-flight events, or build-up test programs. * Background building RC or UAS aircraft (SAE Aero, Design Build Fly, or serious hobbyist). * FAA Airframe ...

Icarus

Flight Operations Generalist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Experience with developmental flight test, first-flight events, or build-up test programs. * Background building RC or UAS aircraft (SAE Aero, Design Build Fly, or serious hobbyist). * FAA Airframe ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFirst Flight JobsFirst Flight Jobs in California

First Flight information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$46

How much do first flight jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for first flight in California is $27.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first flight?

First Flight jobs typically refer to positions involved in the operation, coordination, and support of an aircraft’s inaugural flight or the early stages of a new airline or aviation company's operations. These roles can include pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, maintenance technicians, and administrative staff who ensure that a new route, aircraft, or service is launched safely and efficiently. Employees in these positions play a critical role in establishing procedures, maintaining safety standards, and providing excellent customer service during the initial phase of operations. Working on a first flight can be exciting and challenging, as it often involves troubleshooting unforeseen issues and adapting quickly to new protocols.

What are some challenges that first flight attendants commonly face during their shifts, and how can new hires prepare for them?

First Flight attendants often encounter challenges such as managing passenger safety, handling difficult customer situations, and adapting to irregular schedules. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication skills, practicing patience under pressure, and becoming familiar with safety protocols. Building resilience and staying adaptable are key to thriving in this fast-paced environment, where teamwork and effective collaboration with pilots and other crew members are essential for a smooth flight operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first officer (airline pilot), and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Officer, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong understanding of aviation regulations, and proven flight experience. Proficiency with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and aircraft-specific simulators is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills help you manage cockpit responsibilities and coordinate with crew members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations.

What is the difference between First Flight vs Flight Attendant?

AspectFirst FlightFlight Attendant
Required CertificationsBasic safety training, airline-specific certificationSafety training, customer service certification
Work EnvironmentAirport ground operations, airline training centersIn-flight, airports, customer service roles
Industry UsageEntry-level role for new airline staffIn-flight service and passenger safety

First Flight typically refers to the initial flight experience or training for airline staff, whereas Flight Attendant is a role focused on passenger service and safety during flights. While both roles involve airline operations, First Flight is often associated with training or the first time flying, and Flight Attendant is a specific job position within the airline industry.

First Flight jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Flight job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,100 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Staff Flight Instructor (FT)

San Carlos, CA

San Carlos Flight Center
Aviation • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about San Carlos Flight Centerexternal

$44 - $62.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Staff Flight Instructor (FT)


Are you a flight instructor looking to join the best flight school in the country? San Carlos Flight Center is always looking for safe, and enthusiastic flight instructors. We accept applications year-round, but new instructors are hired in groups that start on the same day and go through two-week CFI Onboarding together.


Our application review period for the August 10 CFI Hiring Round is closing soon. Please be sure your application and teaching video are in before Monday, July 20, 2026.


Our next scheduled 2026 CFI hire dates for August 10th, and December 7th. Start dates in 2027 are currently planned for March 1st, May 17th, and August 23rd. We often make changes to start dates due to demand, so check back here for the most current information.


To Apply to be an SCFC Flight Instructor

  • View our CFI Applicant Information slide deck (here)
  • Submit an application here, then make a short (5-8 minute) video of you teaching one of these topics:
    • Lift: What a Pilot Needs to Know
    • Altimeter Setting and Errors
    • Drag: What a Pilot Needs to Know
  • Upload it somewhere we can access and send link to chiefpilot@sancarlosflight.com
  • We will follow up with a ground interview request for applicants that meet our standards.


The Flight Center is different from other flight schools and flying clubs in a number of ways. We have a strong flying club feel and a great community of pilots. We have many events each month that bring pilots together, both training and social. We are Part 61 and believe in a strong, thorough syllabus that includes many enhanced training experiences (e.g., tower tours, social dinner flights, etc.) We believe in training highly competent pilots who had a great time learning to fly.


Expectations of SCFC Instructors:

  • Focus on safety
  • Professional behavior
  • Prepared for student lessons
  • Adherence to FAA, airport, and club rules
  • Knowledge of our teaching methods
  • Good documentation of student training
  • Work well with others (ATC, line service, front desk, mx)
  • Effective, quality instruction
  • Care about quality and our brand
  • PIC command of your students' training paths


Compensation:

  • Training rate $19/hr (new hire training, team meetings, etc.)
  • Regular rate $44/hr (ground/flight work with students)
  • Kaiser health care contribution
  • Enrollment in company 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, etc.)
  • $200 annual flight credit and discounts on flight training and aircraft rental


San Carlos Flight Center is anequal opportunity employerand participates in theE-Verify Program. Note: we do not have a minimum dual given hours requirement. New CFIs are welcome to apply.

Apply