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Flight Instructor Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

CAE, Inc.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

Eight years total flying experience, five years military experience, with at least two years KC-135 Pilot flight instructor and training management experience. Must have recent experience as a KC-135 ...

CAE, Inc.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

Eight years total flying experience, five years military experience, with at least two years KC-135 Pilot flight instructor and training management experience. Must have recent experience as a KC-135 ...

PHI Health

Flight Paramedic

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

PHI Health

Flight Paramedic

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

Phi Health, LP

Flight Paramedic

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

GoJet Airlines

FLIGHT ATTENDANT IAD

Sterling, VA · On-site

$28 - $44/hr

GOJET AIRLINES - FLIGHT ATTENDANT LOCATION - DULLES/STERLING, VA and Overview Does getting paid to travel sound like a dream job? That is exactly what GoJet Airlines Flight Attendants do every day.

PSA Airlines

Flight Attendant

Arlington, VA

Responsibilities Position Summary As a Flight Attendant, you will impact PSA Airlines' business growth by aiding in safe and efficient flight operations. In servicing customers in a professional ...

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Flight Instructor information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$25.6K

$96.7K

$148.7K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Fairfax, VA is $96,717.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

Are flight instructors in high demand?

Flight instructors are generally in steady demand as they are essential for training new pilots and maintaining safety standards in the aviation industry. The demand can fluctuate based on factors such as pilot retirements, industry growth, and regional needs, but overall, the role remains a critical part of aviation training programs.

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 and additional benefits.

What qualifications do you need to be a flight instructor?

To become a flight instructor, you must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, have a minimum of 250 flight hours, and obtain a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate from the FAA or relevant authority. Additional requirements often include passing written and practical exams, demonstrating teaching ability, and meeting age and language proficiency standards.
More about Flight Instructor jobs

What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Fairfax, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Fairfax, VA are:

What cities near Fairfax, VA are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Fairfax, VA with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Fairfax, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $96,717 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

CAE, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

CAE rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Who We Are:
  • CAE Vision: Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by revolutionizing our customers' training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety, efficiency and readiness.
  • CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop and maintain the highest levels of mission readiness.
  • CAE Values: Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity and OneCAE make us who we are and we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer:
  • Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance
  • A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe
  • Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions
  • Recognition, professional development, advancement and having fun!

Description
Provide KC-135 Aircraft Systems/operational procedures instruction in aircraft/ classroom/ simulator and/or practical environments. Assist as Subject Matter Expert in development of curriculum for new type courses as required. May provide additional special services such as courseware review and other additional administrative duties such as publications, safety, quality audits, FCIF, scheduling, and other duties as maybe assigned, etc.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments.
  • Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT).
  • Provides Crew Resource Management (CRM) training.
  • Assists as a Subject Matter Expert in the development of curriculum for new type courses as required.
  • Acts as a Lesson Subject Matter Expert to review existing lessons and/or changes to existing lessons.
  • Provides suggestions to improve and update training policies and procedures.
  • Promotes a positive attitude towards learning and embracing new technologies and tasks.
  • Conducts ground training for other crewmembers to include diagnosis and remediation of student issues.
  • Assists in project and development work as assigned.
  • Performs administrative duties such as scheduling, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, quality assurance, safety, security, and maintenance of training programs and equipment.
  • Must be physically able to enter simulator, experience simulator motion and take cognizance of attendees' safety when on board the simulator.
  • Must be able to stand up and conduct academic instruction in simulator and classrooms for up to six hours each day.
  • Must maintain proficiency in operation of essential KC-135 Aircrew Training Devices.
  • Aviation instruction is a highly specialized function that requires the instructor to have prior aircraft operating experience and the ability to hold creditability and the attention of the customer attendees.
  • Must acquire and maintain instrument, take-off, landing, and emergency procedure proficiency.
  • Other duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Eight years total flying experience, five years military experience, with at least two years KC-135 Pilot flight instructor and training management experience. Must have recent experience as a KC-135 Instructor Pilot or Evaluator Pilot.
  • Completion of a formal USAF Instructor training course.
  • Strong facilitation, and data analysis skills required

Security Responsibilities
Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.
  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.
Qualifications
Candidate must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to participate in periodic aircraft familiarization flights.
  • Must acquire and maintain proficiency in emergency procedures.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Must be able to work overtime as required.
  • Must be willing to work any shift or day of the week as required.
  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Language Skills
Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Will be required to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints. Must be able to generate effective oral and written presentations and proposals on complex subjects.
Mathematical Skills
Must be able to calculate figures and amounts, prices, commissions, and percentages, and to draw and interpret graphs.
Reasoning Ability
Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. An ability to interpret complex customer requirements and attitudes from verbal, non-verbal, and written communication is desirable.
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Domestic and international travel as required.
  • Must be able to walk and/or climb stairs and ladder into a simulator or airplane cockpit.
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, and crawl on top of or under machinery.
  • Must be able to detect odors or hear noises, bangs, etc., or other sounds to detect problems or flaws in the functioning of simulators and its surrounding environment.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work in a regular office environment; communicate via personal computer, telephone and fax.
  • Will be working in areas with risk of electrical shock and from moving mechanical parts driven by hydraulics under high pressure.
  • Will at times be exposed to the following conditions: extreme heat, airborne particles, and loud noises.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.
Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com
About CAE
At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.
Position Type
Regular
Equal Opportunity Employer
CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com.
Data Privacy
Privacy Statement | CAE
As part of our process, we may use AI-supported tools to help review applications, with human decision-making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

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