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Flight Instructor Jobs in Beaufort, SC (NOW HIRING)

Aircraft Mechanic I - MAG-31

Beaufort, SC

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

The Aircraft Mechanic I troubleshoots malfunctions in aircraft structure, landing gear, flight surfaces and controls, anti-icing, pneumatic, hydraulic, engines, auxiliary power unit, and ventilation ...

Airport Ramp Agent - HHH

Hilton Head Island, SC · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Join our team and see where the flight benefits can take you. Job Summary: Responsible for marshalling aircraft in and out of gate, loading, unloading and sorting baggage. Also responsible for ...

Aircraft Mechanic II - MAG-31

Beaufort, SC

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

This mechanic maintains repairs and modifies aircraft structures and structural components of moderate difficulty, maintains and repairs aircraft components including but not limited to flight ...

... flight controls, engines, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel systems and mechanical components, and applies technical knowledge of airframe and power plant systems in determining equipment malfunctions and ...

Flight Instructor information

See Beaufort, SC salary details

$22.8K

$86.2K

$132.5K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Beaufort, SC is $86,154.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $102,000.00 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.
What cities near Beaufort, SC are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Beaufort, SC with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Beaufort, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,154 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Aircraft Mechanic I - MAG-31

Career Site

Beaufort, SC

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

PENDING CONTRACT AWARD

Task Description: Aircraft Mechanic I (23021):

Aircraft Mechanics I must have a combination of experience to repair engines, sheet metal, structural, hydraulic, electrical, power train and general mechanical maintenance of moderate difficulty, required to meet the assigned missions. Makes repairs to aircraft and follows direction of higher graded workers. The Aircraft Mechanic I troubleshoots malfunctions in aircraft structure, landing gear, flight surfaces and controls, anti-icing, pneumatic, hydraulic, engines, auxiliary power unit, and ventilation and heating systems. This mechanic repairs, replaces, and rebuilds aircraft structures, such as wings and fuselage, and functional components including rigging, surface controls, and plumbing and hydraulic units, using hand tools, power tools, machines, and equipment such as shears, sheet metal brake, welding equipment, rivet gun, and drills. This worker reads and interprets manufacturers' and airline's maintenance manuals, service bulletins, technical data, engineering data, and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components. Work involves replacing or repairing worn or damaged components, such as carburetors, alternators, magnetos, fuel controls, fuel pumps, oil pumps, and engine mounted gearboxes, and compressor bleed valves using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment; removing engine from aircraft, using hoist or forklift truck, disassembling and inspecting parts for wear, cracks, security, or other defects, and repairing or replacing defective engine parts and reassembles and installs engine in aircraft. Job duties require that this mechanic adjusts, repairs, or replaces electrical wiring system and aircraft accessories, performs preflight, thru-flight, and post-flight maintenance inspections, performs miscellaneous duties to service aircraft, including flushing crankcase, cleaning screens and filters, greasing moving parts, and checking brakes. Supervises the jacking and towing of aircraft, enters in the maintenance records description of the work performed and verifies the work was performed satisfactorily, service engines and airframe components at line station making repairs, short of overhaul, required to keep aircraft in safe operating condition, specialize in work, repair and modification of structural, precision, and functional spare parts and assemblies, and specialize in engine repair. May be required to be licensed by Federal Aviation Administration. May require specialization in sheet-metal, electric work, avionics or other aircraft systems related disciplines.

Skill and Knowledge: Shall have the ability to troubleshoot malfunctions in various aircraft systems and be able to perform general Organizational Level maintenance and possess one or more of the specialties of the assigned aircraftbelow:

Corrosion Control/Aircraft Painting/Low Observable Material Restoration

Responsibility: Performs requirements in accordance with the procedures established in the PWS. Performs diagnosis and corrective actions, disassembles, inspects, evaluates, and accomplishes necessary repairs, lays out work according to technical instructions and technical directives. Determineswhat repairs, modifications, and part replacements are required. May be required to verify work performed by another for which he/she is qualified to perform.

Task Requirements:

  • Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance support for assigned F/A-18 and F-35 aircraft
  • Aircraft maintenance action documentation via logs, records, forms, and electronic means
  • Support Equipment(SE) operationand inspections
  • Aircraft inspections
  • Aircraft movement
  • Corrosion Control/Aircraft Painting/Low Observable Material Restoration
  • Preservation and de-preservation
  • General aircraft maintenance
  • Low Observable Health Assessment System Data Entry
  • Perform general housekeeping and organization of workstation(s), shop(s), maintenance facility to provide a clean, safe, and FOD free environment
  • Perform shift work and/or overtime as required
  • Perform other tasks as directed.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Six or more years' F/A-18 and or F-35 experience
  • Six or more years' aviation maintenance experience
  • Familiarity and ability to use NAVAIR IETMS.
  • Four or more years' experience with NALCOMIS/OOMA
  • Basic Corrosion Control Course
  • Advanced Corrosion Control Course/Paint and Final Finish
  • Hydraulic Contamination Qualification
  • Aircraft Engine/APU Qualification
  • Aircraft Jacking Qualification
  • Previously certified F/A-18 and or F-35 CDI/CDQAR

Basic Qualifications:

  • Four or more years' F/A-18 or F-35 experience
  • Low Observable Paint Qualified
  • Individual (I) Aircraft Maintenance Qualification
  • Must be able to work shift schedules as required per Performance Work Statement (PWS)
  • Must be able to work work-week schedules i.e. M-F, Sn-Th or as required per PWS
  • Must be able to pass a background check
  • Must be able to obtain favorable National Agency Check with Written Inquires (NACI), IAW DTM-08-003 "Next Generation Common Access Card (CAC) Implementation Guidance
  • Secret security clearance
  • Must be able to climb ladders, raised platforms, and aircraft
  • Must be able to use hand and power tools
  • Must have dexterity to handle small parts
  • Must be able to pass employment physicals
  • Must be able to deploy to support off station exercises and perform other support duties if required

Compensation

$37.96/hour

Other Compensation

Employees will receive a health and welfare benefit of $2.65 for every hour worked.

Benefits

Employees are offered medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees can enroll in KAI's 401k plan. Employees have a minimum of eleven paid holidays. After completing one year of service, employees will have two weeks' paid vacation.

Employment is contingent on (a) your ability to provide appropriate proof of your identity and eligibility to work in the United States; (b) your references and any background check being satisfactory to the Company; (c) you successfully passing a pre-employment drug test; and (d) your ability to get a required clearance by your effective start date, if needed; and (e) KAI commencing performance on this contract.

Equal Opportunity Employer Disability/Vets