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Flight Instructor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

LAT CFI

Goodyear, AZ ยท On-site

We are seeking a highly motivated Certified Flight Instructor willing to take that extra step. The ideal candidate is someone who can "teach by example", fostering United's CORE4 values. Eligibility:

SIM Instructor

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

Meets the Flight Instructor qualifications of 14 CFR 121.412. * Excellent communication skills. Preference given to previous or present Mesa Airlines, Inc. employees.

Meets the Flight Instructor qualifications of 14 CFR 121.412. * Excellent communication skills. Preference given to previous or present Mesa Airlines, Inc. employees.

UH-60 Blackhawk Instructor Pilot

Marana, AZ ยท On-site

$87 - $157/hr

Leidos is hiring in-flight instruction of AATS assigned UH-60 A/L aircraft and instructor qualification courses, readiness level progressions, regional and foreign military training. The selected ...

Leidos is hiring in-flight instruction of AATS assigned UH-60 A/L aircraft and instructor qualification courses, readiness level progressions, regional and foreign military training. The selected ...

Leidos is hiring in-flight instruction of AATS assigned UH-60 A/L aircraft and instructor qualification courses, readiness level progressions, regional and foreign military training. The selected ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Instructor information

See Arizona salary details

$23.3K

$88.2K

$135.6K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are flight instructors in high demand?

Flight instructors are generally in steady demand as they are essential for training new pilots and maintaining safety standards in the aviation industry. The demand can fluctuate based on factors such as pilot retirements, industry growth, and regional needs, but overall, the role remains a critical part of aviation training programs.

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 and additional benefits.

What qualifications do you need to be a flight instructor?

To become a flight instructor, you must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, have a minimum of 250 flight hours, and obtain a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate from the FAA or relevant authority. Additional requirements often include passing written and practical exams, demonstrating teaching ability, and meeting age and language proficiency standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of 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:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in AZ?

For Flight Instructor jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,175 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

sUAS/TUAS Flight Instructor - 15X

AOC Global Services

Huachuca City, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

  • Individuals serving as sUAS/TUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System/Tactical Unmanned Flight System) instructors will provide flight and simulation instruction in support of the US Army's sUAS and TUAS programs of instruction for the 2-13th Aviation Regiment located at Ft Huachuca, AZ.
  • Responsibilities
  • Develops; tests; maintains; and delivers moderately complex flight and simulations training programs; typically 90% of daily effort.
  • Establishes and reviews course content as required.
  • Maintains records of training activities; participant progress; and flight information.
  • Updates course documentation on a regular basis to ensure timeliness and relevance, as required.
  • May provide leadership and evaluation for other instructors, as assigned.
  • Stays current with new training; educational; and multimedia technologies.
  • Maintains current knowledge (currency) of all equipment and software utilized by our customer to provide training.
  • Participates in special projects within the scope of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), on a limited and/or rotational basis.
  • May be required to operate/instruct any of the customer's UAS platforms, based on customer's training throughput (surge)
  • Must be able to work all shifts and/or modified split shifts.

Requirements
Required:
  • Graduate of Army UAS Groups 3-5.
  • Must have at least four years' operational flying experience in Groups 1-5 UAS.
  • 200 hours of live flight or simulation on Groups 1-5 UAS
  • 20 hours as Aircraft Commander (AC) (Can substitute 20 IO hours for AC hours but must have AC designation in records.
  • Must have System qualification/ verification:
  1. Army Qualification Certificates, DD214, DA 7122)
  2. Contractors who have both Army and civilian qualifications, Mil forms and DCMA (1821, signed and approved 2628 stating qualifications) is preferred.
  3. Must have been AC designated/verified via DD form 759, or DCMA/OEM.
  4. Must be able to obtain and maintain a flight physical per AR 95-20.
  • Must be a US citizen
  • Must be able to ascend and descend stairs; stand for an extended period of time up to at least 50 minutes.
  • Must be able to satisfactorily complete all evaluations per AR 95-20 to include:
  1. TRADOC instructor evaluations.
  2. Oral academic evaluations.
  3. No-notice evaluations.
  4. Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization (DES) evaluations.
  5. Proficiency Flight evaluations (PFEs).
  6. Standardization Flight Evaluations (SFE).
  • Strong interpersonal, coaching and team building skills
  • Current active US Secret Clearance
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with U.S. Army Aviation or other Government contracting agencies.
  • IO course graduate
  • Prior TRADOC experience as an instructor

Education Requirement
High School Graduate, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, or work/military experience.
Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

AOC Global Services, LLC is an EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, veteran status, gender or sexual orientation.