Helicopter Pilot
Yakima, WA · On-site
$106K/yr
Flight hour information MUST in the body of the resume . Your application packet MUST include a copy of certificates/military ratings. Flight hour requirements: Total flight time: 1750 hours; Pilot ...
Helicopter Pilot
Yakima, WA · On-site
$106K/yr
Flight hour information MUST in the body of the resume . Your application packet MUST include a copy of certificates/military ratings. Flight hour requirements: Total flight time: 1750 hours; Pilot ...
Helicopter Pilot
$106K/yr
Flight hour information MUST in the body of the resume . Your application packet MUST include a copy of certificates/military ratings. Flight hour requirements: Total flight time: 1750 hours; Pilot ...
Helicopter Pilot
$106K/yr
Flight hour information MUST in the body of the resume . Your application packet MUST include a copy of certificates/military ratings. Flight hour requirements: Total flight time: 1750 hours; Pilot ...
Flight Instructor information
See Yakima, WA salary details
$25.1K - $36K
0% of jobs
$36K - $47K
3% of jobs
$47K - $58K
9% of jobs
$58K - $69K
11% of jobs
$71.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$69K - $80K
7% of jobs
$80K - $90.9K
6% of jobs
The median wage is $97.5K / yr.
$90.9K - $101.9K
22% of jobs
$110.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$101.9K - $112.9K
20% of jobs
$112.9K - $123.9K
17% of jobs
$123.9K - $134.9K
1% of jobs
$134.9K - $145.8K
3% of jobs
$25.1K
$94.8K
$145.8K
How much do flight instructor jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructor in Yakima, WA is $94,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $112,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Flight Instructor vs Pilot?
| Aspect | Flight Instructor | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate | Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license |
| Work Environment | Flight schools, training aircraft, instructional settings | Airlines, charter companies, cargo, private flights |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Flight training academies, flight schools | Airlines, 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 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 cities near Yakima, WA are hiring for Flight Instructor jobs?
Cities near Yakima, WA with the most Flight Instructor job openings:
$106K/yr
Full-time
Re-posted yesterday
U.S. Department Of Defense rating
7.8
Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
28th of 49 rated military and defense
Job description
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: As a Helicopter Pilot is located in the Headquarters section of the United States Army Air Ambulance Detachment located at the Yakima Training Center in Washington State.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Operating a twin-engine helicopter at minimum controllable speeds and at low altitudes and 2) Over unfavorable terrain while providing lifesaving medical evacuation for a MEDEVAC Detachment and 3) Analyzing present and future weather conditions along the route of flight, avoiding unfavorable weather considering alternate routes and destinations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates, and/or military rating, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position. Flight hour information MUST in the body of the resume. Your application packet MUST include a copy of certificates/military ratings.
Flight hour requirements:
Total flight time: 1750 hours;
Pilot in Command: 1150 hours;
Night flying: 75 hours;
Last 12 months: 100 hours;
Heavy Helicopter: 500 hours;
Instrument: 75 hours.
Please review the OPM qualification standard for specific flight requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/aircraft-operation-series-2181/
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12).Education:Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permittedEmployment Type: OTHER
About the Position: As a Helicopter Pilot is located in the Headquarters section of the United States Army Air Ambulance Detachment located at the Yakima Training Center in Washington State.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Operating a twin-engine helicopter at minimum controllable speeds and at low altitudes and 2) Over unfavorable terrain while providing lifesaving medical evacuation for a MEDEVAC Detachment and 3) Analyzing present and future weather conditions along the route of flight, avoiding unfavorable weather considering alternate routes and destinations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates, and/or military rating, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position. Flight hour information MUST in the body of the resume. Your application packet MUST include a copy of certificates/military ratings.
Flight hour requirements:
Total flight time: 1750 hours;
Pilot in Command: 1150 hours;
Night flying: 75 hours;
Last 12 months: 100 hours;
Heavy Helicopter: 500 hours;
Instrument: 75 hours.
Please review the OPM qualification standard for specific flight requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/aircraft-operation-series-2181/
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12).Education:Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permittedEmployment Type: OTHER
What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About United States Department of Defense
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US
Year founded
1949