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Flight Instructor Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (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 ...

... Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. Must have tactical flying recency within the preceding five (5) years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD ...

Military Security Officer

Stilwell, OK

$15 - $19/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Charleston, AR

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Pocola, OK

$16 - $20.50/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Mansfield, AR

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Dyer, AR

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Heavener, OK

$14 - $17.75/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Sallisaw, OK

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Bonanza, AR

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

Mulberry, AR

$16.50 - $21/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

Military Security Officer

West Fork, AR

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

... flight lines, harbor security boats, and in patrol vehicles, kennels, armories, and security ... Instructor, Crew-Served Weapons Instructor, Protective Service Specialist, and Criminal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Instructor information

See Fort Smith, AR salary details

$24.3K

$92K

$141.5K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Fort Smith, AR is $92,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $108,900.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Fort Smith, AR?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Fort Smith, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:

What cities near Fort Smith, AR are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Fort Smith, AR with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,039 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

FLIGHT SERVICES SPECIALIST (Title 5)

Air National Guard Units

Fort Smith, AR • On-site, Remote

$61K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
This National Guard position is for a FLIGHT SERVICES SPECIALIST (Title 5), Position Description Number T5287000 and is part of the AR ANG 188 WGH WG, National Guard.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Provides preflight briefings to military and civilian aircrews, including those of foreign governments and civilian contractors on CONUS/International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plans. Furnishes pilots with full range of necessary information pertinent to planning and completing their intended flight safely and assists them in making preflight decisions and calculations when required. Reviews and evaluates proposed flight plans for technical accuracy and compliance with USAF, FAA, DOD and ICAO directives. Ensures flight plan information is in proper format prior to processing plans into the FAA flight planning Aeronautical Information System (AIS). Performs quality control on proposed flight plans with aircrews and provides special briefings to pilots of civilian and non-DOD government aircraft on flight planning procedures. Briefs aircrews on air traffic control, noise abatement, and Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) procedures to include special departure procedures, radar departures, communications requirements, and airfield conditions and restrictions. Ensures aircrews are briefed on Foreign Clearance Guide requirements for OCONUS flight operations. Briefs pilots on alternate airfields' facilities, status and limitations of navigational aids, restricted areas, radio frequency changes, call letters, airfield obstructions, and other information necessary to accomplish the flight safely. Recommends revision and/or changes to flight plans as appropriate. Provides taxi, run-up, and takeoff information. Obtains and coordinates Pilot Report (PIREP) information to appropriate agencies related to mission profiles. Briefs Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) as required prior to all flights. Provides flight following as required on all flight plans. Initiates special actions and /or precautions when VIPs, hazardous cargo, and air evacuation flights are involved. Maintains, issues, and destroys classified and COMSEC material for unit and transient aircraft.
Through the use of air-to-ground communications, communicates with pilots in flight with information regarding flight plans; clearances; advisories on local, enroute, and destination airfield conditions; messages; and other data effecting safety of flight. Coordinates with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) and control Tower on all flight plan changes. Provides special flight following services based on weather elements, airfield conditions, and aircraft characteristics. Sends and receives notifications of inbound and outbound air traffic including emergencies with FAA and local authorities.
Schedules and coordinates use of military special use airspace/facilities including air refueling areas, military operating areas, and landing and drop zones. Determines appropriate action in implementing emergency, Quick Reaction Checklist (QRCs), and operations plans. Activates secondary crash phone network for aircraft accidents, and in-flight and ground emergencies. Evaluates seriousness of incidents and notifies proper agencies. Initiates communications search for overdue and unreported military aircraft, and upon confirmation, implements search and rescue procedures. Conducts anti-hijacking procedures during passenger processing activities. Coordinates response activities with air traffic control and crash and rescue agencies and supports local authorities. Operates FAA flight planning communications equipment for input of flight plans, receiving arrival/departure messages, making queries concerning overdue aircraft and notifying the appropriate authorities. Monitors primary crash phone system, and activates and transmits emergency information on secondary crash circuits as required.
Is subject to Air Traffic Systems Evaluations IAW applicable Air Force, MAJCOM, and NGB directives. This includes individual testing, performance certification, and program management assessment. Inspections and tests are conducted by the Flight Standards Branch (the same unit that inspects the Control Tower).
DUTIES CONTINUE IN THE EDUCATION SECTION
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Conditions of Employment
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Information Assurance Certification is a condition of employment. Per DoD 8570.01-M, the incumbent must achieve the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment of these duties.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance
  • Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
  • May be required to travel by car, in military and/or commercial aircraft, and by other means of transportation as appropriate to perform temporary duty assignments
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.

Qualifications
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
3 years of progressively responsible experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, that demonstrates the ability to:
  1. Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions;
  2. Plan and organize work; and
  3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Work involves supervising or performing administrative or technical work involved in the provision of transportation service. Additionally, applicants must have experience, education, or training in following directives and regulations. Experience interpreting and applying published directives or regulations. Experience communicating with others.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade. Experience, education, or training in mission planning for preflight, in-flight, ground or command and control (C2) duties according to specific transportation functions. Receives, interprets, extracts, and disseminates relevant data for mission planning or execution. Experience coordinating and negotiating with organizations/personnel both orally and in writing to resolve differences/problems.
Education
DUTIES CONTINUED
Inspects or ensures the inspection of ANG tarmac parking and Federal taxi ways daily (or more often as required) for such flying safety hazards as: foreign object debris, violations of lateral clearance criteria, and hazards to landing, take-off, taxiing or parking areas. These inspections focus on condition of taxiways, aprons, and ramps, and the operational status of airfield lighting systems and arresting systems. Monitors repairs and construction projects for ANG property as they affect operations of the airdrome. Initiates and cancels NOTAMs on airfield facilities/conditions. Maintains current NOTAM file IAW governing directives and other required flight information and aeronautical publications. Measures aircraft braking action on runway and taxiways and prepares information for entry on the weather sequence. Coordinates local drop zone activities with base flying units and Air Traffic Control agencies. Processes reports of adverse public reactions in accordance with applicable directives. Disseminates severe weather warnings to base activities.
Performs other duties as assigned
Additional information
Veteran Preference may apply if the first area of consideration are not met.
Veterans Information: Veterans' information must be validated by formal submissions including all necessary supporting documentation. You must provide acceptable documents for eligibility. Acceptable documentation may be:
1. A copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions.
2. A "certification" that is a written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed.
3. You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center or online. If claiming over 30% disability a SF-15 is required to be submitted with your letter.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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