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Flight Instructor Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$124K - $195K/yr

Title: MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical ... As part of the world's largest independent flight test organization, supporting both US Government ...

KBR

MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$124K - $195K/yr

Title: MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical ... As part of the world's largest independent flight test organization, supporting both US Government ...

KBR

C/KC-130 Pilot

California, MD · On-site

$155K - $225K/yr

Instructor experience or designation as a flight crew check pilot and a Type/Model/Series Instructor in C/KC-130J and/or Legacy C-130 aircraft platforms. * Must be able to maintain an FAA Class II ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Solomons, MD

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Aquasco, MD

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

KBR

RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$95K - $143K/yr

We are seeking an RC & Large Model Aircraft Pilot - UAS External Pilot (Manual LOS Flight) to ... instructor duties for new unqualified aircrew, and maintenance and repair of assigned UAS. * This ...

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All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in California, MD

Flight Instructor information

See California, MD salary details

$24K

$90.7K

$139.4K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in California, MD is $90,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $107,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long does it take to become a flight instructor?

Becoming a flight instructor typically requires obtaining a commercial pilot certificate, accumulating around 250 hours of flight time, and completing instructor training, which can take several months to a year depending on the individual's schedule and progress. Once certified, flight instructors often continue to build flight hours and experience for career advancement.

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.

What is the 5 hour rule for CFI?

The 5 hour rule for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) refers to the requirement that CFIs must log at least 5 hours of flight training with each student before endorsing them for solo flight or certain checkrides. This ensures adequate instruction time and skill development before students fly solo or progress further in their training.

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 meeting age and medical requirements. Flight instructors typically teach students in flight schools or training centers, helping them gain experience and meet certification standards.

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. Many flight schools and training centers seek qualified instructors to help students obtain certifications such as the private and commercial pilot licenses, making it a viable career path for those with proper certifications and experience.

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 cities near California, MD are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near California, MD with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in California, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,673 per year, or $43.6 per hour.
MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor

MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor

KBR, Inc.

Patuxent River, MD • On-site

$124K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor
KBR's Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation, cyber transformation, air vehicle mission integration, and lifecycle support. As a trusted partner with a proven history in mission technology, KBR collaborates closely with clients to develop innovative and effective solutions. With a strong ethical framework, KBR prioritizes data security, privacy, and responsible information management to ensure mission success.
KBR is seeking a highly qualified MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor to support tasking at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) for VUQ-10 and the UX-24 Test Squadron in Patuxent River/Webster Field, MD. As part of the world's largest independent flight test organization, supporting both US Government and commercial agencies, you will be joining a highly talented and experienced aircrew services team that has provided over 40 continuous years of aircrew support for NAVAIR. As a long-term incumbent and leader in test aircrew expertise, the selected applicant will work within the VUQ-10, UX-24, and MQ-25 Integrated Test Team environments composed of government, military, contractor, and industry personnel.
Role & Responsibilities:
  • This position serves as an MQ-25 Aircrew Instructor and will provide all aspects of instructor duties for the MQ-25 program, instructing both test and initial accession aircrew. This is a non-flying position.
  • Training will be provided on the current aircraft configuration, capabilities, and associated ground and control equipment.
  • The selected applicant will assist in developing and aligning training material with doctrinal standards, providing classroom and simulator instruction for new MQ-25 Air Vehicle Pilots (AVPs).
  • When designated by appropriate approving authority, the selected applicant may conduct squadron level training in areas such as Instrument Ground School, Crew Resource Management, and NATOPS.

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS/BA & 2 years of instructor experience
  • Experience maintaining training records that accurately reflect student performance and progress, documents student deficiencies and suggests corrective actions, and motivates students having problems with performance or adaptation to the flight environment.
  • Experience instructing ground-based flight simulators.
  • Experience developing and refining training materials to ensure they are current and up to date with the latest aircraft developments and changes.
  • Clearance & Citizenship: Must have a current DoD Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain. Contract requires US Citizenship. Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Certification: Selected applicant will obtain and maintain an Instructor NATOPS qualification

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Masters Degree is preferred
  • A minimum of 1,000 flight hours in fixed/rotary/unmanned aircraft
  • 2 years direct experience in operation of Group 4/5 UAS
  • 10 years of experience as an instructor in ground-based flight simulators is highly desired
  • Aircraft carrier experience in a tactical aircraft is highly desired
  • Aircraft refueling experience is highly desired
  • Prior experience as a E-2 NFO, F-18 NFO, or MQ-4/MQ-9 Pilot is desired
  • FRS experience

Basic Compensation: $124,000-$195,000The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.
Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.
Benefits: KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development. #LI-KW1
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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