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Flight Instructor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Cirrus Aircraft

Flight Instructor 4

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

DESCRIPTION The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus customers. To meet the demands of discerning customers who look for the absolute best, training ...

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Flight Instructor information

See Arizona salary details

$23.3K

$88.2K

$135.6K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Arizona is $88,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,300.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much can a flight instructor earn?

Flight instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of flight hours they teach. Many instructors supplement their income by working part-time or gaining additional certifications to increase their earning potential.

What is the difference between Flight Instructor vs Pilot?

AspectFlight InstructorPilot
Required CertificationsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, training aircraft, instructional settingsAirlines, charter companies, cargo, private flights
Employer & Industry UsageFlight training academies, flight schoolsAirlines, charter services, corporate aviation

While both Flight Instructors and Pilots operate aircraft, Flight Instructors focus on training and certifying new pilots, requiring specific instructional certifications. Pilots typically operate aircraft for transportation or commercial purposes, holding higher-level licenses. The roles often overlap in aircraft operation but differ mainly in purpose and certification requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Instructor, you need comprehensive aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation weather systems, and logbook management software is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles are crucial soft skills. These capabilities ensure effective and safe pilot training, fostering student confidence and aviation safety standards.

How much money can you make as a flight instructor?

Flight instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of flight hours they teach. Entry-level instructors often start at the lower end, while experienced instructors or those working for larger flight schools can earn higher wages, sometimes supplemented by flight hour bonuses or additional responsibilities.

What are Flight Instructors?

Flight Instructors are certified pilots who teach student pilots how to fly aircraft safely and efficiently. They provide both ground instruction and in-flight training, covering topics such as aviation regulations, aircraft operation, navigation, and emergency procedures. Flight Instructors play a crucial role in helping students gain the skills and experience needed to earn pilot licenses and ratings. They are responsible for ensuring that students understand safety protocols and develop the confidence to operate aircraft independently.

What Is a Flight Instructor?

A Flight Instructor teaches students to fly an aircraft utilizing in-class instruction, a flight simulator, and through test airplane flights. Flight Instructors train students on the physics of aerodynamics, how to manage the navigation and emergency systems, and provide pre- and post-flight checklists. The training process also covers radio procedures and includes practice flights. Flight Instructors are certified pilots themselves, often with hundreds or thousands of hours of flight time, and must remain current on all training and requirements.

How can I become a flight instructor?

To become a flight instructor, you must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, accumulate the required flight hours, and obtain a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate from the FAA or relevant authority. This process involves passing written and practical exams, demonstrating teaching ability, and often completing additional training on instructional techniques and safety procedures.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

The demand for flight instructors remains steady due to ongoing pilot training needs and pilot shortages in the aviation industry. Flight instructors with certified flight instructor (CFI) ratings and strong teaching skills are typically in higher demand, especially in regions with active flight schools and pilot training programs.

What are some common challenges Flight Instructors face when working with student pilots, and how can they address them?

Flight Instructors often encounter students with varying learning styles and confidence levels, which can make it challenging to tailor lessons effectively. Weather conditions and scheduling constraints can also disrupt training plans, requiring flexibility and adaptability. To address these challenges, instructors regularly assess each student's progress, adapt their teaching techniques, and maintain clear communication to ensure safety and comprehension. Building rapport and fostering a supportive learning environment helps students overcome anxiety and develop their skills more effectively.
More about Flight Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Arizona are:
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What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
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Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,175 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Flight Instructor 4

Flight Instructor 4

Cirrus Aircraft

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

 DESCRIPTION

The Flight Instructor provides industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus customers.  To meet the demands of discerning customers who look for the absolute best, training is provided in iconic Cirrus Aircraft SR and SF model airplanes at the premier Cirrus Services Center in Scottsdale, AZ.   

The training follows a structured syllabus with proprietary course material for streamlined training to support the learning process. Ancillary duties include identifying and communicating pilot progression and opportunities, record keeping, safety management, flight planning and preparation, lesson planning and preparation, complex problem solving, mastery of subject matter material, and recommending process improvements. Duties include acting as pilot in command of Cirrus aircraft while performing 14 CFR part 91 corporate flight operations (demonstration, repositioning, and post-maintenance flights) when needed, flight reviews, proficiency checks, and other similar pilot and flight instructor duties. The Cirrus Factory Direct instructor reports to the Flight Operations Supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Adhere to all industry and Cirrus established safety procedures and policies when performing job duties  
  • Provide excellent and professional customer service  
  • Make timely and accurate decisions regarding safety of flight  
  • Conduct training events following program guidance and requirements  
  • Provide flight and ground instruction per standards defined in Cirrus policy and procedure documents.  
  • Meticulously record all training event activities and results in pilot training records  
  • Recommend students for FAA written and practical tests  
  • Assess pilot performance in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains for each training event  
  • Discover opportunities to customize training events to fit individual student needs  
  • Act as pilot in command of Cirrus aircraft while performing corporate flight missions, ferry flights, internal training flights, and demonstration flights  
  • Perform normal pre-flight and post-flight inspections, clean, fuel, add oil and de-ice fluid, update chart subscriptions, etc.  
  • Continuous learning of the latest developments in the Cirrus Aircraft line of aircraft products  
  • Process and maintain a deep level of aircraft knowledge and be a model aviator, flight instructor, and Cirrus representative  
  • Maintain communication with students as required pre- and post- training  
  • Enhance flight safety by providing excellent, high quality, and standardized flight and ground instruction  
  • All other duties as assigned  

 Qualifications 

  • Three year’s pilot experience required  
  • 1000 dual given hours or 750 hours in Cirrus required  
  • SF50 Type rating required; ATP certificate preferred  
  • Current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate  
  • Airplane Single engine  
  • Instrument Airplane  
  • Hold FAA Pilot Certificate  
  • Commercial Airplane Single Engine Land  
  • Instrument Airplane  
  • Current Second-class Airman Medical Certificate or higher  
  • IFR in congested airspace, mountain flying, extensive IMC, international flight, and night experience preferred  
  • Meet ATP Single Engine requirements as outlined in the FAR 61.159 (1,500 total time, 500 XC, 100 Night, 75 Instrument, 250 Airplane PIC)  
  • 150 hours turbine time or experience currently employed as a pilot by Cirrus

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting.
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
  • Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
  • Generous PTO: 120 hours accrued within the first year.
  • Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

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