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Flight Instructor Jobs in Lakeland, FL (NOW HIRING)

Minimum of seven years' experience as a flight engineer and three years' experience as a C-130/L-382 Aircraft Flight Engineer Instructor * Minimum of 2000 hours of flight time as a C-130/L-382 Flight ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Instructor information

See Lakeland, FL salary details

$23.3K

$88.2K

$135.6K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Lakeland, FL is $88,207.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,300.00 and $104,400.00 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 Lakeland, FL?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Lakeland, FL are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Lakeland, FL?

For Flight Instructor jobs in Lakeland, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Lakeland, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Lakeland, FL are:

What cities near Lakeland, FL are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Lakeland, FL with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Lakeland, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,207 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

C-130 L-382 Instructor Flight Engineer

Caeus

Tampa, FL

$59K - $67K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

About This Role

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide C130/L-382 instruction in flight and performance manual subjects.

  • Provide instruction in crew resource management and night vision systems.

  • Ensure all instruction is conducted with safety as the number one priority.

  • Develop curriculum, syllabus, lesson plan and courseware for courses.

  • Generate post training evaluation reports.

  • Direct, coordinate and lead all activity for the aircrew during simulator training sessions.

  • Operate simulator Instructor Operator Station (IOS) during fixed training device/simulator training sessions.

  • Maintain a current level of knowledge by attending training courses and self-study.

  • Hold creditability and the attention of the customer attendees.

  • Display excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Clearly express procedures and physical processes and concepts to both our domestic and international customers.

  • Maintain math skills necessary to conduct aviation related mission planning/execution such flight plans, fuel consumption

  • Calculations and other performance calculations.

  • Display sufficient intellectual and personal skills to evaluate, and where necessary, re-direct students.

  • Maintain proficient with Microsoft Office software.

  • Work a flexible schedule.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • Minimum of seven years' experience as a flight engineer and three years' experience as a C-130/L-382 Aircraft Flight Engineer Instructor

  • Minimum of 2000 hours of flight time as a C-130/L-382 Flight Engineer

  • Previous experience in curriculum development.

  • Ability to hold creditability and the attention of the customer attendees.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Ability to clearly express procedures and physical processes and concepts to both our domestic and international customers.

  • Math skills necessary to conduct aviation related flight plans and fuel consumption calculations.

  • Sufficient intellectual and personal skills to evaluate, and where necessary, re-direct attendees.

  • Detail oriented

  • Proficient with Microsoft office software

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule

Preferred Skills

  • Associate's degree

  • Night vision goggle (NVG) experience

  • Airdrop experience

  • Bi-lingual (English and Spanish)

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Candidate must be able to provide US military or civil airline records of prior flight and/or simulator time.

Security Responsibilities

Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.

  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.

Work Environment

This job operates in office, classroom, and simulator environments. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

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.

  • Ability to do foreign travel for extended assignments.

  • Ability to stand up and conduct academic instruction in classrooms, simulator or other platform for up to eight hours each day

  • Ability to hear and tolerate simulation vibration and acoustic environment.

  • Ability to climb stairs to enter and exit simulator.

  • Ability to sit in normal instructional type aircraft chair, lift hands above head and reach controls as necessary.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com

Position Type

On Call (Fixed Term)

CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com.