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Flight Instructor Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

PHI Health

Flight Paramedic

Leesburg, VA

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 ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Leesburg, VA

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 ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Damascus, MD

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 ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Potomac, MD

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 ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Adamstown, MD

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 ...

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All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in Frederick, MD

Flight Instructor information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$24.9K

$94.1K

$144.7K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Frederick, MD is $94,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $111,400.00 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.
More about Flight Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Frederick, MD? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Frederick, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Frederick, MD? For Flight Instructor jobs in Frederick, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Frederick, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Frederick, MD are:
What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Frederick, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,077 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Contract Pilot Instructor

FlightSafety International

Martinsburg, WV

Other

Posted 4 days ago

FlightSafety International rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 196 rated education and training

Job description

Position Purpose:

The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Conducts training using devices, such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, Computer-Based Trainers (CBT), and other ground training for all C-17 TS pilots in air drop, aerial refueling/transport operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.
  • Maintains a high level of subject knowledge, instruction capability, and expertise.
  • Conducts briefings and debriefings and counsels all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel for the purpose of developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency.
  • Performs administrative duties relative to training, such as interfacing with the user organization, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training development, and maintenance of training programs.
  • Provides inputs for courseware corrections and modifications and updates training policies and procedures.
  • Flies the WST (as required) to maintain instructional expertise.
  • Flies on the airplane (as required) in observer status to maintain currency on operational procedures and to observe student progress.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serves as C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, other personnel, and test events, as required.
  • Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA)(Lead), when assigned by the Employer.
  • Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer.
  • Accomplishes Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties when assigned by the Employer.
  • Assists in project and development work, as assigned.
  • Periodically attends Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB) and Training Review Panels (TRP), as well as Formal Training Unit (FTU) instructor meetings (when FCA is unavailable).
  • Attends Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, HQ AMC Stan/Eval Conferences, and/or Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC), as required (when FCA is unavailable).
  • Accomplishes Learning Center monitor duties, as assigned.
  • Accomplishes safety representative duties, as designated/assigned.
  • Accomplishes physical/cyber security representative duties, as assigned.
  • Accomplishes hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties, as designated/assigned.
  • Travels, as required.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.

 

Teammates are held accountable for all duties of this job.

 Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and responsibility satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the necessary qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

  • Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs.
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.
  • Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.

Education and Formal Training:

Bachelor's degree required.

Experience:

Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver.  Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics.  Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.

 Materials and Equipment Directly Used:

  • C-17 WST
  • C-17 Aircraft
  • CBT Systems
  • Overhead projectors, classroom presentation equipment
  • Training Management System / Graduate Training Management Information System (GTIMS)
  • Copy Machine
  • Computer
  • Software applications, such as, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

 Working Environment/Physical Situation:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Position Purpose:

The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum.

 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Conducts training using devices, such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, Computer-Based Trainers (CBT), and other ground training for all C-17 TS pilots in air drop, aerial refueling/transport operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.
  • Maintains a high level of subject knowledge, instruction capability, and expertise.
  • Conducts briefings and debriefings and counsels all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel for the purpose of developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency.
  • Performs administrative duties relative to training, such as interfacing with the user organization, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training development, and maintenance of training programs.
  • Provides inputs for courseware corrections and modifications and updates training policies and procedures.
  • Flies the WST (as required) to maintain instructional expertise.
  • Flies on the airplane (as required) in observer status to maintain currency on operational procedures and to observe student progress.

 

 Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serves as C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, other personnel, and test events, as required.
  • Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA)(Lead), when assigned by the Employer.
  • Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer.
  • Accomplishes Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties when assigned by the Employer.
  • Assists in project and development work, as assigned.
  • Periodically attends Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB) and Training Review Panels (TRP), as well as Formal Training Unit (FTU) instructor meetings (when FCA is unavailable).
  • Attends Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, HQ AMC Stan/Eval Conferences, and/or Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC), as required (when FCA is unavailable).
  • Accomplishes Learning Center monitor duties, as assigned.
  • Accomplishes safety representative duties, as designated/assigned.
  • Accomplishes physical/cyber security representative duties, as assigned.
  • Accomplishes hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties, as designated/assigned.
  • Travels, as required.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.

 

Teammates are held accountable for all duties of this job.

 

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and responsibility satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the necessary qualifications.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

  • Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs.
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.
  • Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.

 

Education and Formal Training:

Bachelor's degree required.

 

Experience:

Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver.  Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics.  Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired.

 

Materials and Equipment Directly Used:

  • C-17 WST
  • C-17 Aircraft
  • CBT Systems
  • Overhead projectors, classroom presentation equipment
  • Training Management System / Graduate Training Management Information System (GTIMS)
  • Copy Machine
  • Computer
  • Software applications, such as, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

 

Working Environment/Physical Situation:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

 

Position Purpose:

The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Conducts training using devices, such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, Computer-Based Trainers (CBT), and other ground training for all C-17 TS pilots in air drop, aerial refueling/transport operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.
  • Maintains a high level of subject knowledge, instruction capability, and expertise.
  • Conducts briefings and debriefings and counsels all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel for the purpose of developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency.
  • Performs administrative duties relative to training, such as interfacing with the user organization, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training development, and maintenance of training programs.
  • Provides inputs for courseware corrections and modifications and updates training policies and procedures.
  • Flies the WST (as required) to maintain instructional expertise.
  • Flies on the airplane (as required) in observer status to maintain currency on operational procedures and to observe student progress.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serves as C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, other personnel, and test events, as required.
  • Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA)(Lead), when assigned by the Employer.
  • Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer.
  • Accomplishes Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties when assigned by the Employer.
  • Assists in project and development work, as assigned.
  • Periodically attends Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB) and Training Review Panels (TRP), as well as Formal Training Unit (FTU) instructor meetings (when FCA is unavailable).
  • Attends Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, HQ AMC Stan/Eval Conferences, and/or Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC), as required (when FCA is unavailable).
  • Accomplishes Learning Center monitor duties, as assigned.
  • Accomplishes safety representative duties, as designated/assigned.
  • Accomplishes physical/cyber security representative duties, as assigned.
  • Accomplishes hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties, as designated/assigned.
  • Travels, as required.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.

 Teammates are held accountable for all duties of this job.

 Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and responsibility satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the necessary qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

  • Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs.
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.
  • Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.

Education and Formal Training:

Bachelor's degree required.

Experience:

Ei...

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