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Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Wing Aviation

Ground Instructor

Columbus, OH · On-site

$60K/yr

As a Ground Instructor with Vista America, you will provide classroom and simulator training to ... Vista America, an operating partner of Vista - the world's leading global business aviation company ...

New

Tradewind

Ground Instructor

Middlebury, CT · On-site

Tradewind Aviation is a leading Part 135 commuter and on-demand private charter operator with ... For more details visit www.flytradewind.com Ground Instructor at Oxford. * Conduct Initial Ground ...

CommutAir

Ground Instructor

Houston, TX

Ground Instructor Who we are CommutAir is a regional airline operating flights on behalf of United ... Previous airline or aviation classroom teaching experience preferred * Ability to work additional ...

Tradewind Aviation

Ground Instructor

Middlebury, CT · On-site

Founded by aviation enthusiasts in 2001 on the premise that all flights deserve the highest quality aircraft, crew, and service, Tradewind provides personal air travel-both private and scheduled ...

Caeus

JAL Ground Instructor

Mesa, AZ

CAE is seeking a Ground Instructor to support the Japan Airlines (JAL) Multi-Crew Pilot Licensing ... Clean aviation record with no aviation accident or regulatory violation convictions. * Ability to ...

New

PSA Airlines

Ground Instructor

Charlotte, NC

At PSA we are defining the standard in regional aviation by focusing on The PSA Standard - our ... Position Summary The Ground Training Instructor is responsible for ground school modules, recurrent ...

PSA Airlines

Ground Instructor

Charlotte, NC · On-site

At PSA we are defining the standard in regional aviation by focusing on The PSA Standard - our ... Responsibilities Position Summary The Ground Training Instructor is responsible for ground school ...

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Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor information

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$37.5K

$61.5K

$106.5K

How much do freelance aviation ground instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance aviation ground instructor in the United States is $61,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance aviation ground instructor?

To thrive as a Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor, you need in-depth aviation knowledge, instructional experience, and typically a valid ground instructor certificate (such as AGI or IGI from the FAA). Familiarity with flight training software, learning management systems, and regulatory resources like the FAR/AIM is essential. Strong communication, adaptability, and organizational skills help you effectively convey complex concepts and tailor lessons to diverse student needs. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and successful student outcomes in aviation training.

How much do freelance aviation ground instructors make?

Freelance aviation ground instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the training. Their income can vary based on the number of clients, certifications held, and the level of instruction provided.

What is a freelance aviation ground instructor?

A Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor is a certified professional who teaches aspiring pilots the theoretical knowledge required for aviation, such as air regulations, navigation, meteorology, and flight principles. Unlike instructors employed by a specific flight school, freelance instructors work independently, often contracting with multiple schools or individual students. They prepare students for written exams and may customize training to fit unique schedules or needs. This flexibility allows freelance instructors to reach a wider range of students and often requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance aviation ground instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance Aviation Ground Instructors often face challenges such as inconsistent scheduling, variable student preparedness, and staying current with changing aviation regulations. To address these, it's important to maintain flexible availability, develop adaptable lesson plans that cater to diverse student backgrounds, and regularly participate in professional development opportunities. Networking with local flight schools and aviation organizations can also help secure a steady flow of students and keep instructional skills sharp.

What is the difference between Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectFreelance Aviation Ground InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsGround Instructor Certificate, possibly additional ratingsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate
Work EnvironmentClassroom, simulator, online, or on-site ground trainingAircraft, flight schools, or training centers
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent, contract-based, or part-time ground training providersFlight schools, airlines, or private training

Freelance Aviation Ground Instructors primarily focus on ground-based training, including classroom and simulator instruction, requiring ground instructor certifications. Flight Instructors, on the other hand, teach students to fly aircraft and hold a flight instructor certification. Both roles are essential in aviation training but differ in their work environment and certification requirements.

More about Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Ground Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Aviation Ground Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor jobs are:
Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Aviation Ground Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,549 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Full-Time Curriculum Aviation Instructor - Chief Instructor - 9 Month

Sandhills Community College

Pinehurst, NC • On-site

$48K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Salary: $48,600.00 - $52,000.00 Annually
Location : Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Rd, Pinehurst
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600130
Department: LEARN
Division: Aviation
Opening Date: 05/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Desired Start Date: 08/01/2026
At Sandhills Community College, we are committed to the health and well-being of our employees, their families, and children across North Carolina. Recently, we became a Family Forward NC Certified Employer. Family Forward NC Employer Certifications, issued by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation's (NCECF) Family Forward NC initiative, designate employers that offer policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and children.
Summary
The Aviation Instructor/Chief Instructor (AI/CI) reports to the Department Chair of Transportation and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Sandhills Community College FAA Part 141 Ground Training program.
The position serves as the primary point of contact with the FAA for ground training operations and works collaboratively with the Aviation Program Coordinator and Department Chair to ensure program quality, compliance and student success.
The Aviation Instructor provides instruction in aviation courses, supports student advising, and contributes to program development, outreach, and continuous improvement efforts.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
  • Maintain Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) credentials in good standing with the FAA.
  • Instruct aviation ground school and support simulator-based instruction.
  • Oversee ground and simulator training activities, including syllabus updates, Training Course Outline (TCO) support, and recordkeeping.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA Part 141 regulations and other applicable standards.
  • Advise and support aviation students in academic and career progression.
  • Maintain accurate instructional and student records in accordance with FAA and institutional requirements.
  • Monitor scheduling and utilization of simulator and instructional resources.
  • Collaborate with program leadership to support program assessment and continuous improvement.
  • Participate in student recruitment, outreach, and community engagement activities.
  • Support coordination with partner flight training organizations and airport stakeholders.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience
  • An associate degree in an aviation-related field from a regionally accredited institution is required.
  • A minimum of one (1) year of experience as a ground school instructor at a certified pilot school or military pilot training program is required.
  • Current Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) certifications issued by the FAA are required.
  • Demonstrated ability to instruct aviation content in accordance with FAA standards is required.
Chief Instructor Qualification Requirement
Sandhills Community College operates as a Part 141 Ground School and requires this position to serve as Chief Instructor.
Candidates who do not currently meet all FAA requirements for Chief Instructor designation at the time of hire may still be considered, provided they:
  • Meet baseline FAA certification requirements (including CFI/CFII or AGI/IGI and appropriate pilot certification), and
  • Demonstrate the ability to obtain Chief Instructor designation within the first semester of employment.
FAA Qualification Expectations (Summary)
In accordance with 14 CFR §141.35, candidates must be able to meet applicable requirements for Chief Instructor designation, including:
  • Appropriate Commercial or ATP pilot certificate with instrument rating
  • Recent flight experience in accordance with 14 CFR §61.57
  • Successful completion of FAA-required knowledge and proficiency evaluations
  • Demonstrated instructional competency aligned with approved course standards

Preferred education and experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in an aviation-related field from a regionally accredited institution preferred.
  • Experience in a Part 141 or Part 61 training environment preferred.
  • Experience with FAA Training Course Outlines (TCOs), simulator-based instruction, or aviation program coordination preferred.
  • Prior teaching or training experience in a postsecondary or structured training environment preferred.

Sandhills Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, religion, age, ancestry, mental or physical disability, military status or veteran status.
We're proud to be a Family Forward NC Certified Employer. We're also proud members of the Moore and Hoke county communities, and we recognize that the more family-friendly workplaces we have here, the better for children and families.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including the North Carolina State Health Plan, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page:

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