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Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Columbia, SC

Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$13

$20

$28

How much do freelance flight simulator instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance flight simulator instructor in Columbia, SC is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,503 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Simulator Console Operator Shaw AFB (Contingent Upon Award)

B3H Corporation

Shaw Air Force Base, SC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview
B3H Corporation is seeking qualified Simulator Console Operators to support the 25th Attack Group at Shaw AFB. This position is contingent upon award fall 2025
B3H is a leader in building winning DoD and corporate teams. B3H provides the full spectrum of strategic planning, program management, acquisitions management, systems engineering & integration, cost analysis, training, systems requirements analysis, and instructional system design for the DoD. B3H delivers quality performance with complete government visibility and control. Corporate headquarters are in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Responsibilities
  • Provide real-time MQ-9 Simulator (including Desktop Trainer [DTT] and Distributed Mission Operations [DMO], if applicable) mission support to on-going simulator missions, including Emergency Procedures, Launch and Recovery, Mission Control Element, Weapons School Spin-up, CT, regular syllabus missions, and VIP and/or guest demonstrations.
  • Responsible for loading the appropriately scheduled missions ahead of the arrival of the instructor and student crew scheduled for the simulator, DMO or DTT, as applicable.
  • Maintain an immediate presence during the conduct of the mission to provide real-time tactical adjustments as directed by the instructor or CT crew.
  • Provide troubleshooting assistance for maintenance or programming issues that may occur with the simulator, DMO or DTT.
  • Maintain the time-use log for the MQ-9 Simulator and maintain a daily log of simulator discrepancies for coordination with MQ-9 Simulator manufacturer's representatives on site.
  • When MQ-9 Simulators are not fully in use, SCOs will work with Weapons (DOW), Training (DOT), and Current Ops to refine training event dance cards, Zeus, CAVOK (or follow-on tactical situation display [TACSIT]) profiles, and program MQ-9 Simulator training event profiles via the MQ-9 Simulator and Modern Air Combat
  • Environment (MACE) or follow-on software.
  • Coordinate with instructor aircrew prior to scheduled MQ-9 Simulator DMO or DTT training events to identify any required voice or mIRC injects for the scenario. As relayed by the Instructor, the SCO may then be required to provide white cell support as one or more of the other players listed in the dance card during the execution of the training event. These roles may include outside agencies, other aircraft, enemy forces, ground forces, or others as deemed necessary by the script or Instructor.
  • Support mission debrief by providing event feedback to instructors, students, and other crew members as required.
  • Make real-time adjustments to the tactical scenario based on crew actions.Link MQ-9 Simulators together for multi-ship operations.
  • MQ-9 SCOs will also operate MQ-9 Simulators on a non-instructional basis to support CT requirements or instruction provided by another instructor. In this capacity they will provide real-time adjustments based on IP or crew inputs to satisfy mission objectives and replicate external agencies as requested by the IP or crew to create a realistic training environment. Examples include support to continuation training, safety investigation boards, accident investigation boards, Air Force test programs, and distinguished visitors or other guests.

Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience with flight training simulators. Candidates must possess at least one (1) of the following:
    One (1) year of MQ-1 or MQ-9 simulator (PMATS) experience; or
    Two (2) years of experience executing military flight simulator training; or
    Two (2) years of Close Air Support (CAS) operational experience as a qualified aircrew member, intel support, or JTAC (Joint Terminal Air Controller).Ideal candidates will have MQ-1/9 experience.
  • Current DoD Security Clearance

B3H Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status

B3h logo

About B3h

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Shalimar, FL, US

Year founded

1990