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Flight Instructor Jobs in Manhattan, KS (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Specialist

Manhattan, KS

$31K - $41K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Cook

Wamego, KS

$12 - $15/hr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

Junction City, KS

$32K - $43K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

Wamego, KS

$26K - $35K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Cook

Ogden, KS

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Culinary Specialist

Ogden, KS

$32K - $42K/yr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Cook

Manhattan, KS

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Cook

Junction City, KS

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... perform in flight food service duties when assigned. What to Expect Fast paced food service ... Instructor duty. Enlist as a Culinary Specialist and complete accession training, with rating ...

Flight Instructor information

See Manhattan, KS salary details

$21.2K

$80.4K

$123.6K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Manhattan, KS is $80,366.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,600.00 and $95,100.00 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.
What cities near Manhattan, KS are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Manhattan, KS with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Manhattan, KS as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,366 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

You will serve as the Flight Instructor for the USDA, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services (WS) Aviation Program is responsible for the evaluation and analysis of the aviation safety and flight crew proficiency for all rotary or fixed wing aviation activities that fall within WS operations and research programs.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
Medical Requirements
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.
Note:
Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. Total Flight Time --1500 HRS- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
  2. Pilot-In-Command -- 250 HRS- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  3. Night Flying -- 75 HRS-- For in service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments.
  5. Instructor Time --500 HRS-- Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled. If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.
In addition to the meeting the above criteria you must also show the specialized experience below:
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Flying single engine tail wheel aircraft.
  • Operating single engine, tail wheel aircraft at low airspeeds (near stall) and low altitudes (100 feet above ground level).
  • Aerial predator control operations in mountainous environments.
  • Low level flight experience with an Airplane similar to the Piper Cub (tailwheel airplane) or a make and model of aircraft of similar type (i.e. Single Engine Piston). Please ensure the aircraft type that meets this experience is listed in your resume along with total hours Pilot in Command (PIC), PIC time for the preceding 12 months, and total hours spent as PIC for wildlife damage or similar operations.
Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER