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Flight Instructor Jobs in Ankeny, IA (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

HELICOPTER PILOT

Boone, IA

$110K/yr

Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. * Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. * Experienced in performing or ...

Army National Guard Units

HELICOPTER PILOT

Boone, IA · On-site +1

$110K - $144K/yr

Conducts flight checks following repairs, maintenance, or installation of approved aircraft system modifications. Responsible for transportation of cargo and transporting passengers, among a variety ...

Unifi

Duty Manager (UA) - DSM

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Join our team and see where the flight benefits can take you. Job Summary: The Duty Manager is responsible for ensuring the daily airport operation runs in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective ...

SkySpecs

UAS Pilot

Des Moines, IA

You will combine a passion for autonomous flight operations and drone electrical and mechanical troubleshooting knowledge. You will be responsible for executing on-site inspection work for our ...

SkySpecs

UAS Pilot

Des Moines, IA · On-site

You will combine a passion for autonomous flight operations and drone electrical and mechanical troubleshooting knowledge. You will be responsible for executing on-site inspection work for our ...

Unifi

Airport Ramp Agent- Part Time Delta -DSM

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Flight Benefits - exclusive travel privileges for yourself and your family * Competitive pay with daily access to earned wages * Paid holidays and Paid time off * Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and ...

Menzies Aviation

Passenger Service Agent

Des Moines, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure correct boarding passes are provided to each passenger for the assigned charter flight. * Verify ticket and seat reservations. * Match manifest to on-board count * Assist with various ...

Menzies Aviation

Passenger Service Agent

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Ensure correct boarding passes are provided to each passenger for the assigned charter flight. * Verify ticket and seat reservations. * Match manifest to on-board count * Assist with various ...

All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in Ankeny, IA

Flight Instructor information

See Ankeny, IA salary details

$23.4K

$88.7K

$136.4K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Ankeny, IA is $88,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,700.00 and $105,000.00 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 job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Ankeny, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Ankeny, IA are:
What cities near Ankeny, IA are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Ankeny, IA with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Ankeny, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,670 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

HELICOPTER PILOT

US Department of the Army

Boone, IA

$110K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
This position is restricted to current Military members of the Iowa Army National Guard.
LOCATION: C Co 2/147 AVN, Boone, IAQualifications:In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration. Your resume must contain your own words. Resumes that are verbatim, from this announcement, any PD's, or any other applicants will not be considered.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must have a competent understanding of the occupation's basic principles and concepts. Applicants should have a minimum of one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level.
Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-2181-12: Must haveexperience in the following:
  • Must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation
  • Experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups.
  • Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information.
  • Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings.
  • Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments.
  • Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance.
  • Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures.
  • Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs
Education:Must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs or must have aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum.
To receive credit for education, you must provide college transcripts to support your educational claims.Employment Type: OTHER

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About US Army

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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