1

Flight Instructor Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Instructor information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$23.1K

$87.5K

$134.6K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Columbia, SC is $87,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $103,600.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC? For Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,536 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor - CAE

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor - CAE

Republic Airways

West Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Republic Airways rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Job Category:
LIFT Academy
POSITION PURPOSE
Assists in leading Part 141 ground and flight instructors. Conducts stage checks, end of course checks, and provides ground instruction in accordance with Part 61 and 141, FAA regulations, Airmen's Information Manual, advisory circulars, airport operations, and LIFT Academy policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Performs facilities tours and familiarizes customers with LIFT Academy's policies, procedures, and flight training courses.
  • Performs flight instructor, and check instructor duties authorized by the Federal Aviation Regulations, and as designated by the chief flight instructor in accordance with the approved Training Course Outline.
  • Reports on student progress and accurately maintains and updates all appropriate records.
  • Audits student records, preforms student enrollments, and graduations as designated by the chief flight instructor.
  • Ensures that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by all assigned students as required by the Training Course Outline.
  • Monitors the maintenance condition of the training aircraft, and informs LIFT maintenance personnel of any questionable items.
  • Recommends and develops curriculum and courseware improvements when appropriate.
  • Attends administrative, standardization, in-service training, and instructor development meetings as assigned.
  • Manages a team of flight instructors.
  • Screens, interviews and makes recommendations for hiring potential employees. Coaches and provides leadership, direction, motivation and supervision of direct reports. Appraises performance, provides performance feedback, takes corrective actions and oversees training and development of staff.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE.
  • Specialty training beyond high school in FAA and/or Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
    • FAA Certified Flight Instructor, Airplane Single Engine Land: Airplane Multi-Engine Land, Instrument
    • At least 1 year of experience as a flight instructor, and 500 flight hours
  • Must hold a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
    • Must meet the minimum requirements for an ATP or RATP certificate.
    • Meet the current hiring minimum age and flight hours requirements set by the FAA and Company.
    • Must have full knowledge of all curriculums authorized to teach.
  • Knowledge of and the ability to apply effective instructional technique in the classroom and in flight.
    • Ability to teach and perform well in classroom setting. Computer skills are required.
  • Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures.
  • Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations and related administrative and operational procedures and requirements.
  • Strong customer service skills.

PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • G1000 experience is preferred.
  • 141 experience is preferred
  • Check instructor experience is preferred

REGULATORY
  • Must be able to pass an initial and on-going drug and alcohol testing program.
  • Must pass a Federal Background check.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
REASONING/PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
DECISION MAKING
Makes day to day decisions used to support strategic direction. Decisions often require some thought and are somewhat structured. Decisions tend to be short term and usually moderate cost.
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.
  • Able to stand at least 70% of the time.
  • Able to lift or move up to 25 pounds up to 35% of the time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Potential need to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short-notice.
  • Ability to work well under pressure in fast-paced and noisy environment while exercising sound judgement at all times.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to travel up to 15% of the time, including overnight and weekend travel.
Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability and Veteran Accommodations
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

What Republic Airways employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom