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Flight Instructor Jobs in Kalamazoo, MI (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Lawton, MI

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

Augusta, MI

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

Marcellus, MI

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

Sturgis, MI

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

Kalamazoo, MI

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

Mattawan, MI

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

Bangor, MI

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

Hopkins, MI

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

Kalamazoo, MI

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

Bellevue, MI

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

Plainwell, MI

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

Athens, MI

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

Lawrence, MI

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

Hartford, MI

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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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in Kalamazoo, MI

Flight Instructor information

See Kalamazoo, MI salary details

$23.7K

$89.6K

$137.8K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Kalamazoo, MI is $89,644.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Kalamazoo, MI? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Kalamazoo, MI are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Kalamazoo, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Kalamazoo, MI are:
What cities near Kalamazoo, MI are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Kalamazoo, MI with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Kalamazoo, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,644 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Pilot-Flight Standards and Evaluation

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Details
Posting Summary
College
College Of Aviation
Executive Area
Provost & VP Academic Affairs
Department
College of Aviation
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S1674P
Job Type
Full Time, Regular
Pay Type
Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade
G
Campus Location
WMU-Battle Creek - College of Aviation
Salary Range
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
Multiple
General Summary
  • Ensures standardization of flight instructors through maintaining documents, training profiles, and evaluation checks.

Major Duties
  • Assists in the development of standardization of new-hire and recurrent training of flight instructors.
  • Develops and maintains standardization practices and publications.
  • Conducts and documents evaluations of flight instructors and certifies their qualifications to provide flight instruction.
  • Audits instructional practices for University standards compliance and federal aviation requirements.
  • Provides ground and in-flight progress evaluations and occasional specialty flight instruction.
  • Assists in executing safety related initiatives for flight operations.
  • Participates in post-incident debriefs. Provides training and policy change recommendations as applicable.
  • Trains and evaluates staff, student, and temporary employees.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution, or a Bachelor's degree in a non-related field from an accredited institution combined with relevant experience.
  • Three year's relevant experience.
  • Supervisory or lead experience.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Aviation industry experience.
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certification; Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL), Airplane Multi Engine Land (AMEL), Instrument Airplane.
  • FAA Instructor certification; Certified Flight Instructor, Airplane Single Engine (ASE), Instrument Airplane.
  • Pilot and instrumental ratings for relevant aircraft
  • Must meet FAA physical and medical standards for flight licensure.
  • Hold at least an FAA 2nd class medical; and have dexterity to fly WMU primary aircraft trainers (single engine and multi engine) from both pilot positions and accommodate weight and balance for at least 70% of the student population with standard fuel loads. As a reference, considering the average weight of our students and our current fleet, flight instructors could weigh up to approximately 260lbs.
  • Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
  • External applicants should use the WMU - Application.
  • Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.

Additional Position Information
  • There are multiple openings for this position. By applying to this posting, applicants will be considered for each position. Applicants may receive multiple email communications.
  • A physical examination may be administered by the employer's designated physician.
  • Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff
  • Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation

Physical requirements and working conditions
  • Light work with some physical demands such as continuously lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds, but rarely moving more than 25 to 50 pounds.
  • Work is performed with exposure to any number of elements which may occasionally require some precautions such as safety glasses, protective clothing, ear protection, etc.
  • Must be available to provide instruction or serve as pilot-in-command outside of normal business hours.

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