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Flight Instructor Jobs in Gilbert, AZ (NOW HIRING)

UAS Operator / Pilot

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

Previous experience as a UAS instructor, military instructor, or flight instructor. * Experience developing and delivering technical training for UAS operators and maintainers. * Experience ...

Flight or transport experience and instructor certifications. Compensation & Benefits * Competitive Pay : Hourly rates based on experience, with annual earnings potential ranging from $97,452 to $139 ...

CAE Instructor Pilots - All for the pursuit of aviation excellence. As an Instructor Pilot at CAE ... Being in the flight deck without leaving your family. Impart your knowledge on your students while ...

New

Flight Paramedic

Eloy, AZ ยท On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Instructor certifications preferred. * FPโ€‘C within twentyโ€‘four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education ...

Learjet PIC

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$115K - $206K/yr

Part 135 experience or Flight Instructor experience preferred but not required. * Learjet or similar aircraft experience. * Ability to plan flight assignments and obtain briefing information ...

Flight Paramedic

Eloy, AZ ยท On-site

$85 - $110/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Learjet SIC

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$60K/yr

Part 135 experience or Flight Instructor experience preferred but not required. * Learjet or similar aircraft experience preferred. * Must be able to work varying duty slots including day and night ...

Prehospital Trauma certification, NRP, FEMA Courses, CFRN, CCRN, TCRN, CEN, CPEN, Instructor ... flight, and at a moderate level when in the hospital environment. Pre-employment and annual ...

Previous Maternal Flight Nurse experience, BSN, certification as BLS, NRP or ACLS Instructor preferred. * Effective human relations skills are required for interfacing with all levels of PHI Health ...

Previous Maternal Flight Nurse experience, BSN, certification as BLS, NRP or ACLS Instructor preferred. * Effective human relations skills are required for interfacing with all levels of PHI Health ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Instructor information

See Gilbert, AZ salary details

$24.9K

$94.3K

$145K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Gilbert, AZ is $94,318.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,800.00 and $111,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Gilbert, AZ?

For Flight Instructor jobs in Gilbert, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Gilbert, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Gilbert, AZ are:

What cities near Gilbert, AZ are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Gilbert, AZ with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Gilbert, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,318 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

UAS Operator / Pilot

SpektreWorks, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

$75K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

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Key responsibilities

  • Conduct safe and professional UAS flight operations, including developmental, operational, and customer-facing missions.

  • Support aircraft integration, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure aircraft readiness and performance.

  • Deliver customer training on aircraft operation, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.


Job description

SpektreWorks is seeking experienced UAS Pilots to support the testing, demonstration, training, and operational deployment of advanced unmanned aircraft systems. This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona, with frequent domestic and some international travel supporting customer demonstrations, flight testing, military exercises, training events, and operational missions.


Our pilots can serve as both Air Vehicle Operators and External/Safety Pilots, operating fixed-wing, VTOL, and multirotor aircraft in developmental, operational, and customer-facing environments. In addition to flight operations, pilots work closely with engineering teams, support aircraft integration and testing, and deliver customer training on aircraft, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.


We're looking for professionals who are technically capable, safety-focused, adaptable, and comfortable working independently in fast-paced, high-consequence environments.


Key Responsibilities


Flight Operations

  • Conduct safe and professional UAS flight operations in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Potential to operate as both an Air Vehicle Operator and External/Safety Pilot.
  • Perform developmental flight testing, functional check flights, customer demonstrations, training missions, and operational deployments.
  • Execute autonomous and manually controlled flight operations using multiple UAS platforms.
  • Conduct mission planning, risk assessments, weather analysis, and flight briefings.
  • Configure mission plans, geofences, and aircraft failsafe settings.
  • Complete post-flight inspections, flight logs, mission debriefs, and data analysis.


Aircraft Operations & Maintenance

  • Perform aircraft preflight and post-flight inspections.
  • Conduct basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repairs.
  • Support aircraft assembly, modifications, payload integration, and configuration changes.
  • Assist engineering with prototype development and system validation.
  • Maintain aircraft and support equipment in mission-ready condition.


Flight Test & Engineering Support

  • Support developmental flight testing and aircraft performance evaluations.
  • Collect, document, and analyze flight test data.
  • Assist engineers with avionics, payload, autonomy, and software validation.
  • Identify opportunities to improve aircraft reliability and mission performance.
  • Support customer demonstrations and operational evaluations.


Customer Operations, Training & Instruction

  • Conduct classroom and hands-on instruction for UAS operators, external pilots, and maintainers.
  • Deliver customer training on aircraft operation, mission planning software, payloads, and ground support equipment.
  • Develop and update lesson plans, practical exercises, checklists, and training materials.
  • Evaluate student performance and provide coaching to ensure safe and effective system operation.
  • Support customer qualification events, new equipment training, and fielding activities.
  • Represent SpektreWorks professionally during customer interactions and technical demonstrations.


Operational Support

  • Coordinate logistics for personnel, aircraft, batteries, support equipment, and payloads.
  • Prepare flight documentation, NOTAMs, airspace authorizations, and range coordination packages.
  • Maintain accurate operational records and mission documentation.
  • Assist with proposal support, technical documentation, and standard operating procedure development.
  • Perform additional operational and engineering duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Minimum 500 hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience (AVO and/or EP).
  • Experience operating fixed-wing and multirotor UAS.
  • Experience with ArduPilot, Mission Planner, or similar Ground Control Station software.
  • Strong understanding of autonomous mission planning and flight operations.
  • Ability to perform field troubleshooting and basic aircraft maintenance.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally on short notice.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering and flight-test environment.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Active Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.
  • FAA Issued Manned Pilot License.
  • 1,500+ hours of UAS Pilot-in-Command experience.
  • Previous experience as a UAS instructor, military instructor, or flight instructor.
  • Experience developing and delivering technical training for UAS operators and maintainers.
  • Experience instructing customers on mission planning software, ground control stations, payloads, and ground support equipment.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense UAS programs.
  • Experience operating Group 1, 2 or Group 3 UAS platforms.
  • Experience with VTOL aircraft and ISR payloads.
  • Flight test or developmental test experience.
  • Familiarity with autonomous flight systems and mission planning software.
  • Composite aircraft repair or fabrication experience.
  • Previous overseas deployment experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Aviation, or a related technical discipline.


Work Environment

  • Work is performed in office, laboratory, production, hangar, and outdoor flight-test environments.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequent domestic and international travel.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, to support flight operations and customer requirements.