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Flight Instructor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

FLIGHT ATTENDANT IAD

Sterling, VA · On-site

$28 - $44/hr

GOJET AIRLINES - FLIGHT ATTENDANT LOCATION - DULLES/STERLING, VA and Overview Does getting paid to travel sound like a dream job? That is exactly what GoJet Airlines Flight Attendants do every day.

GN&C Flight Analyst Are you excited by the thought of evaluating missile and hypersonic aerospace vehicle performance using advanced simulation tools and real flight test data? Are you up to the ...

Responsibilities Position Summary As a Flight Attendant, you will impact PSA Airlines' business growth by aiding in safe and efficient flight operations. In servicing customers in a professional ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Instructor information

See Washington salary details

$28.3K

$107.2K

$164.8K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Washington is $107,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $126,800.00 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,166 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Site Lead / Formal Training Unit (FTU) Manager

CAE, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


CAE rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Who We Are:
  • CAE Vision: Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by revolutionizing our customers' training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety, efficiency and readiness.
  • CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop and maintain the highest levels of mission readiness.
  • CAE Values: Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity and OneCAE make us who we are and we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer:
  • Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance
  • A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe
  • Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions
  • Recognition, professional development, advancement and having fun!

Summary
Under the direction of the Program Manager, the C-17 Formal Training Unit (FTU) Manager oversees all FTU operations and ensures the effective execution of C-17 Training System activities. This role supports CAE USA Academic Services and Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs). The FTU Manager provides leadership to simulator and classroom instructors, maintenance technicians, and associated staff, ensuring full contract compliance. The position provides oversight and daily operational control over site subcontracted staff. The position directly supervises the site administrator.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Manages daily site operations and all personnel supporting C-17 ATD maintenance and aircrew instruction.
  • Serves as the primary liaison between the Government Program Office/Quality Assurance Representative (PO/QAR) and the CAE USA Program Manager.
  • Act as principal liaison between Government Contractor Officer's Representatives (CORs) and the Government CLS Project Officer (PO) on FTU related activities.
  • Ensures full contract compliance and fosters strong working relationships with USAF and other stakeholders.
  • Oversees timely submission of device utilization/maintenance/status, FTU student throughput reports, and all FTU related contract deliverables.
  • Establishes and maintains robust safety and security standards.
  • Plans and participates in conferences, coordination meetings, and reviews with USAF customers.
  • Ensures annual student throughput and contracted ATD/academic training requirements are met.
  • Manages execution of annual, monthly, and weekly training schedules.
  • Provides oversight of training programs for all site personnel and ensures sufficient staffing, materials, and resources.
  • Observes and evaluates instructor performance in both academic and device environments, as required.
  • Manages the site's quality assurance program to ensure compliance with AS9100D standards.
  • Ensures accurate and timely monthly CDRL data submissions.
  • Attends weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings as required by the Program Manager.
  • Represents the company during day-to-day site operations, local USAF base engagements, and community activities.
  • Coordinates with the Training System Support Center (TSSC) Manager regarding site-related support and facility requirements.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Provides guidance to management, staff, and internal stakeholders on technical matters related to training systems, facility capabilities, and cost considerations that influence quality and process improvements.
  • Oversees personnel scheduling and manages labor and material expenditures.
  • Responsible for scheduling personnel, as well as managing labor and material expenditures.
  • Maintain a safe and secure work environment

Qualifications and Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum four (4) years of flight operations and/or flight training management experience
  • Minimum eight (8) years total flying experience, including five (5) years military experience, with at least two (2) years as a flight instructor and within training management.
  • Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Word.
  • Ability to effectively deliver oral presentations to management and customers.
  • Ability to work independently while directing subordinate staff.
  • Ability to work overtime and adapt to varying shift schedules as required.

Security Responsibilities
Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.
  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.
Work Environment
  • This position primarily operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
  • While most work is performed in this climate controlled setting, the role may at times require work in subassembly shops, final assembly labs, customer sites, and occasionally outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • During these activities, individuals may be exposed to risks such as electrical shock, moving mechanical parts driven by high pressure hydraulics, extreme heat, airborne particles, and loud noise.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Extensive domestic and international travel as required.
  • Must be able to walk and/or climb stairs and ladder into a simulator or airplane cockpit.
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, and crawl on top of or under machinery.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.
Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com
About CAE
At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.
Position Type
Regular
Equal Opportunity Employer
CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com.
Data Privacy
Privacy Statement | CAE
As part of our process, we may use AI-supported tools to help review applications, with human decision-making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

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