1

Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Columbus, MS

Flight Simulator Instructor information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$24.4K

$92.5K

$142.2K

How much do flight simulator instructor jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight simulator instructor in Columbus, MS is $92,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,400.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbus, MS? For Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbus, MS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbus, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbus, MS are:
Infographic showing various Flight Simulator Instructor job openings in Columbus, MS as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,462 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
IFF Flight Instructor Pilot

IFF Flight Instructor Pilot

The Air Force Civilian Service

Columbus, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Turn Your Operational Experience into Mission Shaping Impact-Guide the Next Wave of Combat Pilots to Strengthen America's Air Dominance.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is currently looking civilian IFF Flight Instructor, GS-2181-13 at the 49th Fight Training Squadron at Columbus AFB, Columbus, MS.
Salary Range: $131,000 - 149,000
No 180-day waiver required
** Special Salary Rate: https://www.opm.gov/special-rates/2026/Table076704052026.aspx
Recruitment and Retention Incentives may be available based on eligibility.
THIS POSITION CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLY NOW!/P>
Qualifications:
to provide ground and airborne flight instruction/evaluator pilot per the USAF Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) T-38C (AETC Syllabus B/F-V5A-K) and Basic Fighter Introduction (International) (AETC Syllabus B/F-V5A-I) syllabus in advanced formation, navigation, low-level navigation, and instrument flight at installations performing IFF training. To serves as a pilot in command during flying and simulator training missions and to provide instruction to pilots in methods of instruction and to evaluate their proficiency to engage in flight instruction. To perform special projects involving comparable responsibility and skill; or combinations of these assignments.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements (Flight Logs are mandatory):
• 1500 Total Flight Hours
• 250 Pilot-In-Command Hours
• 75 Night Flying Hours
• 75 Instrument Hours (at least 10 hours must be in actual instrument conditions)
• 500 Instructor Flight Hours (Fixed Wing)
• 100 hours flown in the last 12 months
Mandatory documents:
• Flight Logs (military and civilian)
• DD 214 (if applicable)
• SF 50 (if applicable)
• Flying Class II form
• FAA Certs
Additional Requirements:
o Must be a US Civilian
o Must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret clearance
o This is a designated Drug Testing Position
o Experience as a rated military aviator (pilot) is critical to the successful completion of assigned duties.
o Fighter aviation experience is required
o Previous experience as an instructor in a military aircraft is highly desirable
o Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, aerodynamics, flying fundamentals, aircraft instrumentation, ground and flight emergency procedures, and instrument and visual flight rules, as well as knowledge of training aircraft, and of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of the corresponding aircraft simulator.
o Knowledge of the methods, principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources.
o Skill in the use of a variety of computer applications and software, to include simulator systems sufficient to meet desired learning objectives.
o Skill in demonstrating flying procedures and maneuvers in an aircraft simulator.
o Must be able to maintain USAF Flying Class II physical standard qualifications IAW AFI 48-123 administered by a properly credentialed DoD flight surgeon (as defined by AFI 48-123).
PROBATIONARY PERIOD STATEMENT: Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above./p>
Your application package (resume, supporting documents) will be used to determine your eligibility, and qualifications.
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload your two-page resume to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). As of 27 September 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length. To learn more about the new resume requirements visit https://afciviliancareers.com/resumetips/ OR https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/agency-guidance-on-the-two-page-limit-on-resume-length/
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal work age.
AFCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

What Air Force Civilian Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom