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Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Tennessee

... instructors, content developers, copy writers, media specialists, engineers, and other key partners ... This position works on the Flight Standards division within the Flight Operations & Training ...

... instructors, content developers, copy writers, media specialists, engineers, and other key partners ... This position works on the Flight Standards division within the Flight Operations & Training ...

Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor information

What is a freelance flight simulator instructor?

A Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor is a professional pilot or aviation expert who provides training and instruction on flight simulators, typically on a contract or per-session basis rather than as a full-time employee of a flight school or airline. They help students or pilots practice procedures, improve their flying skills, and prepare for certifications or proficiency checks using advanced simulation equipment. These instructors may work with private individuals, flight schools, or corporate clients, offering flexible scheduling and tailored training programs. Their expertise ensures that trainees receive realistic, high-quality instruction to enhance safety and proficiency in real-world flying.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance flight simulator instructor?

To thrive as a Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor, you need in-depth aviation knowledge, relevant pilot certifications (such as a CPL or ATPL), and experience with flight training. Familiarity with specific flight simulator platforms (like Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, or FAA-approved training devices) and associated training software is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and adaptability help tailor instruction to diverse student needs and learning styles. These skills ensure effective training, student safety, and a high standard of instruction in both simulated and real-world aviation environments.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance flight simulator instructors, and how can they be managed?

Freelance flight simulator instructors often encounter challenges such as managing irregular work schedules, adapting to various client learning styles, and keeping up with the latest simulator technology and aviation regulations. To manage these, it's helpful to maintain a flexible calendar, invest in ongoing professional development, and actively communicate with clients to tailor instruction to individual needs. Building a strong professional network can also help identify new opportunities and provide support for staying current with industry trends.

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

AspectFreelance Flight Simulator InstructorFlight School Flight Instructor
CertificationsFlight instructor certification, simulator trainingFlight instructor certification, simulator training
Work EnvironmentVarious locations, self-employed, flexible scheduleFlight school facilities, fixed schedule
EmployerSelf-employed or contractedFlight schools or training centers
Work FocusProviding simulator training to individual clients or groupsTraining students within a structured program

Freelance Flight Simulator Instructors operate independently, offering flexible, personalized simulator training to clients, while Flight School Flight Instructors work within established flight schools, following structured curricula. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and employment structure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Simulator Technician 1 - Overnight

Cirrus Aircraft

Alcoa, TN • On-site

$34.32 - $51.49/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The Flight Simulator Technician performs complex maintenance, repair, testing, calibration, and modification of Cirrus Aircraft's Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD), including Full Flight Simulators (FFS), Fixed Training Devices (FTD), and Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD) to ensure continued operation with minimum downtime while maintaining qualifications under 14 CFR Part 60 and CS-FSTD(A) regulations as well as operation and maintenance goals. Additional projects may include design or experimental modifications. The Flight Simulator Technician adheres to Cirrus Aircraft Simulator Quality Management System (SQMS) and Compliance Monitoring System (CMS) Policies.
  • Performs
    preventive maintenance following the manufacturers schedule and
    procedures.
  • Performs
    corrective maintenance using basic troubleshooting skills and guidance
    from senior technicians.
  • Performs
    power-up and power-down procedures as required.
  • Follows
    company procedure to maintain inventory records up to date.
  • Provides
    customer service support in a timely and professional manner.
  • Performs
    housekeeping tasks as necessary to maintain highest quality and
    presentation of the training devices.
  • Works
    proactively in a team environment performing timely pre-flights,
    corrective, and preventive maintenance on the companys training devices.
  • Interfaces
    directly with Cirrus customers and instructors to resolve maintenance and
    equipment performance-related issues.
  • Operates
    Quality Test Guides (QTG), including evaluating, annotating, filing, and
    organizing presentation of QTG test results.
  • Performs
    installation and testing of new, modified, and repaired equipment.
  • Offers
    suggestions and champions initiatives to improve training equipment
    performance and reliability.
  • Ensures
    FSTD training devices are ready for training at scheduled times with the
    correct software and hardware configurations.
  • Follows
    company procedures and tools to keep documentation of all maintenance
    actions in the appropriate records. Records and tools include but are not
    limited to: daily communication, including email, compliance documents,
    simulator management system, QTG records system, inventory database, and
    work history logbooks. Provide equipment status reports as required and
    requested.
  • Contributes
    to the success of Cirrus Training Center and the Flight Simulator Operations
    department objectives.
  • Effectively
    monitors and communicates the status of all equipment currently in
    operation, undergoing maintenance, repair, and/or modification, using
    Cirrus available tools.
  • Executes
    simulator diagnostics using software and utility tools provided by the
    simulator manufacturer.
  • Must
    be flexible and willing to work any shift required by the Cirrus Vision
    Center operation, including weekends, nights, and holidays.
  • Other
    duties as assigned.

  • AS Degree or above in Electronics, Avionics, A&P Certificate, Computer science, engineering or similar technical discipline, 2 Year Vocational Technical Education certificate in Electronics, Avionics, A&P Certificate, Computer science, engineering or similar technical discipline, or 2 Years Military experience and training related to Electronics, Avionics, A&P Certificate, Computer science, engineering or similar technical discipline required. Bachelor's degree preferred.  3 years of equivalent experience.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • 0 to 1 years direct flight simulator technical support

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

What Cirrus Aircraft employees say

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Benefits

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