ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

People also search for

All JobsFlight Simulator Instructor JobsFlight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Michigan

Flight Simulator Instructor information

See Michigan salary details

$21.8K

$82.5K

$126.8K

How much do flight simulator instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulator instructor in Michigan is $82,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,100.00 and $97,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Flight Simulator Instructor do?

A Flight Simulator Instructor trains pilots using advanced flight simulation technology, helping them practice procedures, emergency scenarios, and aircraft operations in a safe, controlled environment. They develop lesson plans, conduct training sessions, assess pilot performance, and provide feedback for improvement. These instructors are essential for both new and experienced pilots to maintain their skills and stay updated on aviation regulations and procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Simulator Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Simulator Instructor, you need a solid background in aviation, a thorough understanding of aircraft systems, and typically a commercial pilot's license or equivalent flight experience. Familiarity with advanced flight simulation software and systems, as well as certifications such as FAA Flight Instructor or similar credentials, are often required. Strong communication, instructional ability, and patience are crucial soft skills for effectively teaching and assessing pilot trainees. These skills ensure safe, effective training and help pilots develop critical competencies in a controlled environment.

What is the difference between Flight Simulator Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFlight Simulator InstructorFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsFAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), simulator training certificationFAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), pilot license
Work EnvironmentFlight simulators, training centers, aviation academiesAircraft, flight schools, training aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, flight training centers, militaryFlight schools, private aviation, commercial airlines

Both roles require FAA certification and involve pilot training, but Flight Simulator Instructors focus on simulator-based instruction in controlled environments, while Flight Instructors teach in actual aircraft. The choice depends on whether training occurs in simulators or real flight settings.

What Does a Flight Simulator Instructor Do?

A flight simulator instructor provides instruction to a student training to become a pilot. Your main responsibilities revolve around teaching ground, simulator, and flight operations. Your duties include developing curriculum, providing lessons, reviewing and grading students, monitoring the condition of an aircraft and related equipment, and creating reports on your students. You cover aviation machinery, flying techniques, safety policies and procedures, and FAA regulations. You assist students throughout the course and answer questions to ensure their success. A flight simulator instructor may also help recruit new applicants to the program.

How does a Flight Simulator Instructor typically collaborate with pilots and training teams during simulation sessions?

Flight Simulator Instructors work closely with pilots, both students and experienced crew, by guiding them through realistic scenarios and providing immediate, constructive feedback. They often coordinate with training managers and other instructors to align simulation exercises with regulatory requirements and airline procedures. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as instructors must adapt to different learning styles and ensure training objectives are met. Collaboration extends to post-session debriefs, where instructors and trainees discuss performance and areas for improvement in a supportive environment.
More about Flight Simulator Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Michigan? For Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Michigan are:
Flight Simulator Instructor jobs near you
Faculty Specialist I / Faculty Specialist II - Aviation Specialist - Tenure Track

Faculty Specialist I / Faculty Specialist II - Aviation Specialist - Tenure Track

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 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

415th of 534 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
F324P
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.
  • First-class FAA medical certificate with at least second-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

What Western Michigan University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply