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Flight Instructors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Check Instructor

Mankato, MN ยท On-site

$44K - $50K/yr

Observe flight and ground lessons conducted by other flight instructors when stage checks cancel. Help improve quality of training by noting trends and raising awareness of items to be worked on with ...

Check Instructor

Mankato, MN ยท On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

Schedulers ensure "quantity" of lessons, and Flight Instructors ensure "quality" of lessons. EEO/AAP/Drug Free Workplace Requirements * Physical Demands: * Frequent standing, walking, bending ...

Flight Instructor

Huntington, WV ยท On-site

$38K - $50K/yr

Position Information Position Title Flight Instructor Banner Position Number 002851 E-Class NC - Nonclassified - .53 or > Department Aviation Program - MU2006 This position is located at the Yeager ...

Flight Instructor

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$40K - $44K/yr

Knowledge and instructor certification appropriate to the position sought * Knowledge of various flight instruction instrumentation and equipment * Interpersonal/human relations skills * Verbal and ...

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Flight Instructors information

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$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do flight instructors jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight instructors in the United States is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 a commercial pilot license with appropriate instructor ratings, strong knowledge of aerodynamics, and teaching proficiency. Familiarity with flight simulation software, GPS navigation systems, and FAA regulations is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to give constructive feedback are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure safe, effective pilot training and to foster student confidence and competence.

What are some common challenges flight instructors face when training new pilots?

Flight instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting their teaching style to accommodate students with varying learning speeds and backgrounds. Ensuring safety while allowing students to make and learn from mistakes in a controlled environment can be demanding. Additionally, instructors must stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and evolving technology in the aviation industry, all while managing administrative tasks and maintaining their own proficiency. Effective communication and patience are key skills for overcoming these challenges and ensuring student success.

What is the difference between Flight Instructors vs Flight School Pilots?

AspectFlight InstructorsFlight School Pilots
CredentialsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Commercial Pilot Certificate, often with additional ratings
Work EnvironmentFlight training environments, flight schoolsFlight operations, training flights, sometimes charter or rental
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in flight training and educationInvolved in flight operations, including training and transportation

Flight Instructors focus on teaching student pilots and obtaining instructor certifications, while Flight School Pilots often operate aircraft for training, transportation, or charter services. Both roles require similar pilot certifications, but their primary responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are flight instructors?

Flight instructors are certified pilots who are qualified to teach students how to fly aircraft. They provide both ground and in-flight training, covering topics such as flight maneuvers, navigation, safety procedures, and aviation regulations. Flight instructors help aspiring pilots earn their licenses or endorsements and ensure that they understand the theory and practice of flying. Their role is essential in maintaining high safety standards and preparing students for solo flights and certification exams.
More about Flight Instructors jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Instructors jobs? Cities with the most Flight Instructors job openings:
What states have the most Flight Instructors jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Instructors jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Instructors job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
Check Instructor

Check Instructor

North Star Aviation

Mankato, MN โ€ข On-site

$44K - $50K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description

Purpose:

To ensure safe flight practices by maintaining training standards through stage checks and lesson observations. Check Airmen will also provide mentorship to our students in a safe and comfortable environment and work together with instructors to overcome challenges in the learning process. Our Check Airmen work to ensure compliance with applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and North Star Aviation policy in respect to training students and conducting stage checks.ย 


Tasks:

Ensure safety of flight

Conduct stage checks in a professional manner and uphold the standards of North Star Aviation's Training Course Outlines.

Provide thorough, productive, and constructive debriefs to students and their instructors after completion of a stage check event.

Prescribe re-training requirements following Unsatisfactory Stage Check events.

Observe flight and ground lessons conducted by other flight instructors when stage checks cancel.

Help improve quality of training by noting trends and raising awareness of items to be worked on with Flight Instructors.

Attend meetings as scheduled by the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor (Standards).

Be an ambassador to safety by following applicable FOM procedures, file reports using the current safety reporting system, attend periodic safety meetings, and maintain a general safety mindset.

Ensure student records are kept in an orderly and accurate manner.ย 

Periodically audit all records pertaining to students in their care and correct any errors while following applicable NSA procedures.ย 

Work in conjunction with assigned scheduler to ensure adequate student progress towards applicable flight lab completion deadlines. ย Student progress is a shared responsibility. Schedulers ensure "quantity" of lessons, and Flight Instructors ensure "quality" of lessons.


EEO/AAP/Drug Free Workplace

Requirements

  1. Physical Demands:
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling.
  • Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. routinely and up to 100 lbs. occasionally
  • Frequent work in small places, extreme temperatures, heights above six feet and noisy environments.

Education & Experience:

Must hold CFI, CFI-I, and MEI and meet the pilot-in-command recent flight experience requirements of FAR 61.57

Must be able to comply with the NSA Flight Operations Manual and FAR 141.37.

Possesses unblemished flight record

Having signed off at least one student in each TCO is preferred, but not required.

Must have evaluation and debrief skills.

Must be able to relate to instructors and students.

Strong consideration will be given to candidates with substantial dual given hours and a high number of students instructed in Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Instructor Part 61 and 141 TCOs, with particular emphasis on their pass rates.

Additional experience relevant to performing the duties of a check airman will be highly valued.