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Flight Instructor Jobs in Dothan, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Instructor information

See Dothan, AL salary details

$22.7K

$86K

$132.3K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Dothan, AL is $86,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,700.00 and $101,800.00 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.
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Flight Instructor jobs near you
Manager, Standardization Instructor Pilots - Flight School Next (Ozark, AL)

Manager, Standardization Instructor Pilots - Flight School Next (Ozark, AL)

Bell Flight

Ozark, AL

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

We're more than aviation experts, we're pioneers. We challenge what's possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you!

Flight School Next

Bring your experience and ideas and help ensure all pilot training and partner operations are carried out to the highest standards for Flight School Next, to the satisfaction of contract specifications, and in compliance with application regulations of regulatory agencies like the FAA, the United States Army, and Aviation Center of Excellence. You will oversee Instructor Pilots in our train-the-trainer model for the Bell 505 as well as the overall flight instructor training program. This role will be based in Ozark, AL with travel to the Bell Training Academy in Fort Worth, TX as required.

What You'll Be Doing as a Manager, Standardization Instructor Pilots

        Lead and supervise the Standardization Instructor Pilots, ensuring safe operation, high-quality instruction, instruction standardization, and alignment with Bell values

        Oversee all instructor training and evaluation activities, including teaching techniques, CRM/human factors, standardization processes, initial evaluations, stage checkrides, and instructor proficiency checks, ensuring compliance with Flight School Next, FAA, and U.S. Army requirements

        Assign and schedule instructors for all training and evaluation events, balancing qualifications, workload distribution, operational demand, and coordination with scheduling and operations teams.

        Serve as a subject matter expert on the Bell 505 and Flight School Next training systems, supporting Ozark and additional training sites with guidance on instructional, standardization, and evaluation practices.

        Ensure full regulatory compliance by managing instructor qualifications, records, documentation, and updates to SOPs, training syllabi, courseware, and Aircrew Training Manuals.

        Track, analyze, and report instructor performance metrics, quality indicators, evaluation trends, and student outcomes, recommending corrective actions to strengthen consistency and training effectiveness.

        Ensure PMP goals and objectives for all direct reports are coordinated and integrated with the Director of Flight Operations and aligned with Flight School Next's annual objectives.

Skills You Bring to this Role

  • Bachelor's degree 
  • 10 years Flight Instruction experience
  • 3000 hours of helicopter flight experience
  • 2500 hours as a Flight Instructor
  • Supervisory experience
  • Helicopter ATP

  • CFI/CFII rating 

  • Organizational, communications, leadership, interpersonal, and customer relationship skills
  • Current Class II Physical
  • Preferred:

    • NVG Training Experience, Primary Flight Training Experience, 

      Pilot ground training experience 

What We Offer You in Return

  • 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
  • 120 hours Vacation time
  • 12-13 paid holidays per year
  • 6 weeks parental leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Competitive salary
  • Comprehensive health insurance
  • And so much more

Contingent Hiring Notice

Bell may issue conditional job offers that depend on Government contract award, funding, contract execution, and required approvals. If the Government does not award or fund the contract, cancels the solicitation, or stops contract execution, all contingent offers automatically become void.

It's time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let's make history together. 

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices and values.

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