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Flight Instructor Jobs in Portage, 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

Tekonsha, 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

Decatur, 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

Otsego, 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

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 ...

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

Parchment, 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

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

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

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

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in Portage, MI

Flight Instructor information

See Portage, MI salary details

$23.5K

$88.8K

$136.6K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Portage, MI is $88,840.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $105,200.00 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.
More about Flight Instructor jobs
What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Portage, MI with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Portage, MI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,840 per year, or $42.7 per hour.
Faculty Specialist I / Faculty Specialist II - Aviation Specialist - College of Aviation - Tenure...

Faculty Specialist I / Faculty Specialist II - Aviation Specialist - College of Aviation - Tenure...

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 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

418th of 537 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
F327P
Job Type
Tenure Track
Pay Type
Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade
FS1/FS2
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
2
General Summary
The College of Aviation at Western Michigan University invites applications for a fiscal year, tenure-track flight faculty position. As an Aviation Specialist-Lead Flight Instructor, applicants will have the opportunity to teach the next generation of pilots in state-of-the-art airplanes. Applicants will join a supportive and collegial environment that values collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. This position represents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a dynamic academic community and to bring professional flight experience into the airplane to enhance student learning.
Major Duties
  • Serve as a full-time flight instructor, providing flight, simulation, and ground instruction to assigned/scheduled aviation flight students.
  • Assist with the training, standardization and mentoring of assigned temporary flight instructors.
  • Assist the assigned Chief Flight Instructor as needed/directed.
  • Assist the Student Progress Specialist in monitoring student progress.
  • Maintain accurate, timely records/reports regarding student progress.
  • Support the diverse curricula by maintaining the appropriate qualifications, proficiencies, and certificates to comply with governmental, organizational and accreditation requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • FAA commercial pilot or airline transport pilot certificate with airplane SEL, MEL, and Instrument ratings.
  • Second-class FAA medical certificate with at least third-class privileges.
  • Unexpired FAA Flight Instructor certificate with airplane single-engine and instrument ratings.

Desired Qualifications
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Airline, military/governmental, charter, or corporate flight experience as PIC or SIC.
  • Multi-engine instructor rating
  • Collegiate FAR Part 141 aviation teaching experience.
  • Other FAA Certificate (Dispatch, A&P, etc.)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Special Instructions to Applicants
For Other documents, please submit copies of front and back of all FAA certificates.
Additional Position Information
  • WMU's College of Aviation has a storied 85-year history. With three distinct programs in flight, maintenance, and management, the College attracts students and faculty from all over the world. As a world-renowned program with one of the most modern fleets in collegiate aviation, WMU seeks to expand its students' aviation opportunities. The College of Aviation offers its employees generous educational benefits, opportunities to train the next generation of aviators, and an excellent quality of life.
  • 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.
  • 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://wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-faculty

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