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Flight Instructor Jobs in Louisville, KY (NOW HIRING)

Flight Qualified Leaders Explore your next opportunity at a Fortune Global 500 organization ... Previous training/instructor experience in the military or aviation industry * 14 CFR Part 121 ...

Military Security Officer

Charlestown, IN

$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

Fox Chase, KY

$16.50 - $20.75/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

Rineyville, KY

$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

Bancroft, KY

$16 - $20.25/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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Flight Instructor information

See Louisville, KY salary details

$24K

$90.9K

$139.8K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Louisville, KY is $90,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $107,600.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Louisville, KY?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Louisville, KY are:

What cities near Louisville, KY are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Louisville, KY with the most Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Louisville, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,913 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Flight Qualified Leader

UPS US

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Flight Qualified Leaders

Explore your next opportunity at a Fortune Global 500 organization. Envision innovative possibilities, experience our rewarding culture, and work with talented teams that help you become better every day. We know what it takes to lead UPS into tomorrowpeople with a unique combination of skill + passion. If you have the qualities and drive to lead yourself or teams, there are roles ready to cultivate your skills and take you to the next level.

Who Exactly Are Our Flight Qualified Leaders?

It's a talented group of individuals who are passionate about managing and leading a Flight Operations team. These aviation professionals fly UPS aircraft and help manage and oversee the UPS Airlines FAA Operating Certificate. They are a part of our Technical and Safety Teams, Daily Operations Team, Chief Pilot Division, and/or our Flight Training Division. Join them and you'll certify as a Flight Qualified Captain or First Officer, depending on experience, on one of the UPS aircraft fleet types (B747, B757/B767, or A300), where you'll be assigned a position based on your experience, qualifications, and available openings.

What Does It Take To Move The World Forward As Part Of Our Aviation Team In This Position?
  • Strong desire to be a leader that owns a culture of safety and service, by being a professional who embraces continuous learning through teamwork
  • Previous leadership/management experience in the military or aviation industry
  • Current unrestricted ATP certificate with an airplane category multi-engine class rating and English proficiency endorsement
  • Must have a minimum of 4,000 total flight hours
  • Minimum of 1,000 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) hours in fixed-wing jet and/or fixed-wing multi-engine turboprop per 14 CFR 1.1 and 14 CFR 121.436
  • Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
  • Valid passport and documentation allowing for entry into the U.S. after an international flight
  • Authorization to work in the U.S.

In accordance with 14 CFR 121.436, a prospective Pilot in Command (PIC) may apply flight experience accrued in Part 121 operations prior to July 31, 2013 toward meeting the regulatory requirements for PIC qualification.

Specifically, 121.436(d) permits the use of PIC flight time obtained before this date to satisfy the 1,000-hour experience threshold required under 121.436(a)(3). The regulation outlines the following key provisions:

  • PIC Experience Requirement ( 121.436(a)(3)) To qualify as PIC in Part 121 operations, a pilot must have accumulated at least 1,000 hours of applicable flight experience, which may include:

    • Second-in-Command (SIC) time in Part 121 operations
    • PIC time in Part 91, Part 135, or eligible on-demand operations
    • Any combination of the above
  • Recognition of Pre-July 31, 2013 Experience ( 121.436(d)) PIC flight time in Part 121 operations accrued prior to July 31, 2013 may be credited toward the 1,000-hour requirement.

  • Grandfather Provision ( 121.436(e)) Pilots who were actively serving as PIC in Part 121 operations on July 31, 2013 are exempt from the 1,000-hour experience requirement.

  • For the purpose of satisfying the flight hour requirement in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, a pilot may credit 500 hours of military flight time provided the flight time was obtained

    • (1) As pilot in command in a multiengine, turbine-powered, fixed-wing airplane or powered-lift aircraft, or any combination thereof;
    • (2) In an operation requiring more than one pilot.

Supporting Regulatory References

  • 121.436(a)(3): Establishes the 1,000-hour experience requirement for PIC eligibility in Part 121 operations.
  • 121.436(d): Authorizes the use of PIC experience obtained prior to July 31, 2013 to meet the experience requirement.
  • 121.436(e): Provides an exemption for pilots who held PIC positions in Part 121 operations as of July 31, 2013.

Note: Candidates that meet all of the other requirements to be considered but do not meet the requirements of 121.436 (a)(3) as stated above can apply and may be considered based on overall aviation experience initially in a management First Officer role.

UPS will allow military candidates to add a plus (.3) per sortie factor to flight times.

Preferred Skills
  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Previous training/instructor experience in the military or aviation industry
  • 14 CFR Part 121 airline or other turbojet/turboprop instructor experience and/or airline or equivalent military management experience is desired
  • Willingness to self-relocate to job location
Additional Notes

As part of the UPS pre-employment process for a safety sensitive position, a drug screen is required. UPS must receive a negative test result before you can be put into a safety sensitive position (14 CFR Part 120.107).

Please be advised that you will be tested in accordance with 14 CFR Part 120.109(a)(5) and 14 CFR 120 Subpart E to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opiates (including codeine, heroin-6AM, morphine), opioids- hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone & oxymorphone, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines/methamphetamines (including MDMA, MDA) or metabolites of these drugs.

UPS is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. UPS is an equal opportunity employer. UPS does not discriminate on the basis of race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Basic Qualifications: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National of the U.S., an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. for this employer.