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Flight Instructor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with iFLY Flight Instructors to demonstrate how everyday objects behave in our wind tunnel. * Facilitate a grade-appropriate science activity or experiment. * Engage with school teachers ...

Eight years total flying experience, five years military experience, with at least two years KC-135 Pilot flight instructor and training management experience. Must have recent experience as a KC-135 ...

Eight years total flying experience, five years military experience, with at least two years KC-135 Pilot flight instructor and training management experience. Must have recent experience as a KC-135 ...

Eight years total flying experience, five years military experience, with at least two years KC-135 Pilot flight instructor and training management experience. Must have recent experience as a KC-135 ...

Eight years total flying experience, five years military experience, with at least two years KC-135 Pilot flight instructor and training management experience. Must have recent experience as a KC-135 ...

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

Instructor certifications preferred. * FP-C within twenty-four months of hire. * Flight or transport experience preferred. * Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation ...

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Flight Instructor information

See Reston, VA salary details

$26K

$98.4K

$151.4K

How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Reston, VA is $98,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,800.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much can a flight instructor earn?

Flight instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of flight hours they teach. Many instructors supplement their income by working part-time or gaining additional certifications to increase their earning potential.

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.

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, sometimes supplemented by flight hour bonuses or additional responsibilities.

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 often completing additional training on instructional techniques and safety procedures.

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. Flight instructors with certified flight instructor (CFI) ratings and strong teaching skills are typically in higher demand, especially in regions with active flight schools and pilot training programs.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructor job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,438 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Aircraft Pilot (Fixed Wing Multi-Engine/H60M Instructor Pilot)

Aircraft Pilot (Fixed Wing Multi-Engine/H60M Instructor Pilot)

Yulista

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$185K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Yulista rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Yulista Support Services LLC Regular

Primary Function

  • This position serves as a H-60M Instructor/Project Pilot operating rotary-wing and FW aircraft in support of Army aviation system integration, experimentation, and operational testing.

  • Serves as a fixed-wing (FW) multi-engine Project pilot.

  • Duties include project flight tests, flight instruction/evaluation, and other assigned aviation duties in support of Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) missions.

* Salary Range: $ 142752 - $185580 annually. Compensation is based on relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity.


Essential Duties

  • Serve as a H-60M Instructor/Project Pilot on our H-60 L/M aircraft.

  • Serve as a FW, multi-engine Project Pilot.

  • Conduct developmental, operational, and project evaluation flight missions.

  • Perform mission planning, including weather analysis, flight routing, and airspace coordination.

  • Support aviation test planning and execution in coordination with engineers and test personnel.

  • Prepare flight reports, evaluations, and technical documentation.

  • Perform additional aviation-related duties such as assigned.

  • This position requires one or more additional duties (Operations officer, Safety officer) as assigned by the Lead Pilot.

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • This position will not have any direct reports.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Desired Flight Hour Experience:

  • Previous flight test or RDT&E experience highly desired.

  • Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine helicopters (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds).

  • Total flight time: 1,500 hours total time

  • (RW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC): 250 hours

  • Night flight/NVG: 75 hours

  • Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC)

  • Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months.

  • (FW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC) 250 hours

  • Night flight: 75 hours

  • Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC)

  • Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine airplanes (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds).


Required Qualifications

  • Applicants must be H-60M Instructor Pilot qualified.

  • Applicant must be U.S. Department of War FW multi-engine qualified.

  • Applicant must be able to complete physiological training (Hypobaric Chamber).

Additional Requirements:

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

  • Subject to random drug testing.

  • Temporary Duty (TDY) travel varies, approximately 30%.

  • This position requires rotating shift work.

  • This position requires unscheduled overtime work.


Required Documents:

  • Resume detailing flight experience and qualifications.

  • Pilot certificates and ratings

  • Medical certification documentation

  • Flight-hour documentation/logbooks

  • Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms (DA form 759), or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.

  • Active Secret Security Clearance is required.

The H60M Instructor/Project Pilot and FW Project Pilot will work in an RDT&E Environment and will be evaluated on the following competencies consistent with the GS-2181 Aircraft Pilot series:

  • Technical Competence

  • Attention to Detail

  • Oral Communication

  • Planning and Evaluating

PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.


PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.


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