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Flight Instructor Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 2, 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.

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

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

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Fairfax, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,717 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


PSA Airlines rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Overview

Let your career take off with PSA Airlines

About PSA

PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and professional development. We value teamwork and inclusivity and strive to create a safe, respectful, and happy work environment for our more than 5,500 team members.

At PSA we are defining the standard in regional aviation by focusing on The PSA Standard - our foundation for operation. Through our six Winning Behaviors - safe and caring, customer-centric and quality-focused, dependable and ethical, fact-based, focused and flexible, on-time, and cost-conscious - our team members are showing up every day for our customers and each other. Join our team to enjoy comprehensive benefits, including travel privileges on the American Airlines global network, so you can explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

ResponsibilitiesPosition 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 manner and in accordance with company objectives and standards, you will help to provide customer satisfaction.

Job Responsibilities
  • Assisting the Captain in the safe and efficient conduct of the flight planning through termination.
  • Complying with all applicable FARs, TSA, DOT regulations, company procedures and policies.
  • Performing the correct and timely completion of all duties assigned by either the company or Captain.
  • Conducting a preflight inspection of all cabin emergency equipment applicable to the type of aircraft as outlined in the Inflight Manual.
  • Promptly reporting any mechanical discrepancies to the Captain.
  • Advocating directly and clearly to the Captain perceptions he or she may have relative to the safety of the passengers.
  • Maintaining a high degree of crew coordination and professionalism.
  • Performing duties in a professional, efficient and cordial manner at all times when on duty.
  • Completing of records and reports as required.
  • Responsible for the Company's Security and Safety Management System (SMS) and associated Safety Risk Management and Safety Assurance outputs. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department and company.
Position SpecificsQualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • College education or 2 years of customer service experience.
  • Ability to speak/read/write in English.
  • Must be at least 20 years of age.
  • Ability to relocate/commute to assigned domicile.
  • Maximum height of 6.0 ft and minimum height of 5 ft. 2 in. with shoes.
  • Must be in possession of a valid US or Foreign Passport with applicable VISAs.
  • If hired, must be able to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Additional Information

Delegation: In absence, responsibilities delegated to Manager of Inflight Operations. 

Authorities: None 

Supervisory Responsibility: This is not a supervisory position. 

Work Environment: This job operates in an airplane. This role will occasionally use standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, facsimile machines and filing cabinets.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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb up and down stairs; lift weight up to 25 lbs; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.Security Clearance: All employees are required to pass the fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) per 49CFR1542.209 as well as a pre-employment drug screen. AAP/EEO Statement: PSA Airlines is an equal opportunity employer; qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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