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Flight Hour Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Flight Instructor

South Bend, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Chief Flight Instructor

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Chief Flight Instructor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Chief Flight Instructor

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

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 ...

... hours total flight time • 1500 hours helicopter time • 1000 hours pilot in command • 1000 hours turbine • Minimum of 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided • 200 ...

... hours total flight time 1500 hours helicopter time 1000 hours pilot in command 1000 hours turbine Minimum of 100 hours night unaided, or 50 hours unaided with 100 hours aided 200 Instrument Hours ...

We offer currently comprehensive 30-40 hours of on-the-job training in house side by side with an ... Travels to satellite bases for flight relief duty as assigned. * Attends departmental and pilot ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Hour Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do flight hour pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight hour pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight hour pilot?

To thrive as a Flight Hour Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong aeronautical knowledge, and substantial flight experience. Familiarity with advanced avionics systems, flight management software, and adherence to regulatory requirements like FAA or EASA certifications is essential. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and effective communication set top pilots apart. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and professional operation of flights, meeting both regulatory and employer standards.

What are some common challenges flight hour pilots face when balancing flight schedules with regulatory rest requirements?

Flight Hour Pilots often encounter the challenge of managing demanding flight schedules while adhering to strict regulatory rest and duty time limitations. This can require adjusting personal routines and staying flexible as assignments may change due to weather, maintenance, or operational needs. Pilots must remain vigilant about fatigue management and proactively communicate with dispatch and crew scheduling teams to ensure safety and compliance. Effective time management and self-care are crucial for maintaining performance and meeting both company and regulatory standards.

What is a flight hour pilot?

Flight Hour Pilots are professional aviators who are responsible for operating aircraft and accumulating flight hours as part of their job requirements. These hours are often crucial for career advancement, licensing, and qualification for specific roles within the aviation industry. Flight Hour Pilots may work for commercial airlines, charter services, or private operators, and they must adhere to strict safety protocols and regulations. Gaining sufficient flight hours demonstrates a pilot's experience and proficiency, which are essential for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. Typically, Flight Hour Pilots continue to build their hours to qualify for higher-ranking positions, such as captain or airline transport pilot.

What is the difference between Flight Hour Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFlight Hour PilotFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Flight HoursCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), CPL, Flight Hours
Work EnvironmentAirlines, charter services, cargo carriersFlight schools, training aircraft, flight training environments
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, private operators, cargo companiesFlight training academies, flight schools

Flight Hour Pilots primarily accumulate flight hours for various aviation roles, often working for airlines or private operators. Flight Instructors, on the other hand, teach new pilots and help them gain necessary flight hours. While both roles require similar certifications, Flight Instructors focus on training, whereas Flight Hour Pilots focus on accumulating flight experience for career advancement.

More about Flight Hour Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Hour Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Flight Hour Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Flight Hour Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Hour Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Hour Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Chief Flight Instructor

Eagle Aircraft

South Bend, IN • On-site

$83K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 19 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.