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Flight Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

SkyWest Airlines

Flight Attendant

Portland, OR

Primary Job Duties The primary role of a SkyWest Flight Attendant is to ensure the safety of our passengers while they are onboard our aircraft. Important responsibilities also include caring for our ...

Coulson Aviation

CH47 Flight Mechanic

Portland, OR · On-site

$30.50 - $40/hr

Your expertise directly supports flight operations, crew safety, and the successful execution of critical emergency service missions. HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE TO THE GLOBAL MISSION: * Assist pilots ...

Life Flight Network

Aircraft Mechanic II

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$38.32 - $44.52/hr

Life Flight Network is one of the most prominent not-for-profit air ambulance organizations. As the industry's trailblazers, we constantly raise the bar for safety, excellence, social justice, and ...

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All JobsFlight Instructor JobsFlight Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Flight Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$26.5K

$100.3K

$154.3K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Portland, OR is $100,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $118,800.00 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 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.

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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR? For Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,345 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Helicopter Flight Instructor

Helicopter Flight Instructor

Hillsboro Aero Academy

Troutdale, OR • On-site

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

*** PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION SUCCESSFULLY ON OUR CAREER WEBSITE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ONE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@flyhaa.com***

General Position Summary:

Provide flight, simulator and ground instruction with Hillsboro Aero Academy. This position includes involvement in the HAA Safety Management System including risk analysis and mitigation. Flight instructors are expected to maintain adequate records, meeting course standards, fulfilling training requirements and objectives and ensuring satisfactory student progress.

Essential/Major Responsibilities:

• Perform flight instructor duties authorized by the Federal Aviation Regulation and in accordance with the approved training course outlines

• Ensure compliance with and promotion of the HAA Safety Management System and company SOPs

• Maintain satisfactory student progress through the course(s), ensure course standards and training requirements are met and communicate delays to supervisor

• Accurately maintain all appropriate records associated with student training

• Attend weekly meetings

• Determine aircraft airworthiness

• Attend administrative, standardization, in-service training and instructor development meetings, as assigned

• Maintain and apply effective teaching and evaluation techniques

• Reconcile billable hours reports to complete bi-weekly payroll

• Communicate with potential students about flight training

• Other duties as assigned ie assistance fueling aircraft, driving company vehicles, etc.

Specific Job Skills:

• Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures using FAA Practical Test Standards

• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight

• Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations

• Ability to work well with others, in a fast-paced environment and provide superior customer service

• Demonstrate and exercise sound judgment

• Strong communication and teaching skills

Supervisory Responsibility:

Supervise students and student progress.

Interpersonal Contact:

Flight instructors must demonstrate exceptional customer service to current and potential students. Instructors will work closely with other flight instructors, maintenance technicians, safety personnel, dispatch personnel, line service, etc.

Education and/or Experience:

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor rating, Flight Instructor-Instrument required

• Must hold or be able to obtain a second class medical certificate

• Successful completion of FAA Part 141 Proficiency Check

• Completion of Special Federal Aviation Regulation 73 (b)(5) training with endorsement

• Have completed the Robinson Helicopter Safety Course or demonstrate ability to have course completed prior to employment

• Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures using FAA Practical Test Standards

• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight

• Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations

• Ability to work well with others, in a fast-paced environment and provide superior customer service

• Demonstrate and exercise sound judgment


This position will remain open until filled. Please do not contact Hillsboro Aero Academy regarding the status of your application.

Hillsboro Aero Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

*** PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION SUCCESSFULLY ON OUR CAREER WEBSITE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ONE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@flyhaa.com***