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Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Hanahan, SC

At least two years of flight instructor and training management experience. * Due to U.S ... May require work in simulator environments involving exposure to hydraulics, electrical systems ...

Site Manager

Charleston, SC · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Observe and evaluate instructor performance in both classroom and simulator environments. * Manage ... At least two years of flight instructor and training management experience. * Due to U.S.

New

At least two years of flight instructor and training management experience. * Due to U.S ... May require work in simulator environments involving exposure to hydraulics, electrical systems ...

Squadron Scheduling Specialist (Remote)

Charleston, SC · Remote

$65K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Coordinate with simulator contractors as required for simulator events. * Track crewmember leave ... Track daily flight/ground/academic training requirements and accomplishments to facilitate accurate ...

Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor information

See Hanahan, SC salary details

$12

$19

$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 Hanahan, SC is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $21.73 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 cities near Hanahan, SC are hiring for Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor job openings in Hanahan, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,515 per year, or $20 per hour.

Pilot Instr-FMS

FlightSafety International

Charleston Air Force Base, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 222 rated education and training


Job description

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based training of C 17 pilots, including instructing and measuring training progress of crewmembers who train in the established Training System (TS) curriculum.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conducts training using devices, such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, Computer-Based Trainers (CBT), and other ground training for all C-17 TS pilots in air drop, aerial refueling/transport operating procedures, including diagnosis and remediation of student problems.
  • Maintains a high level of subject knowledge, instruction capability, and expertise.
  • Conducts briefings and debriefings and counsels all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel for the purpose of developing and maintaining a high level of proficiency.
  • Performs administrative duties relative to training, such as interfacing with the user organization, record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training development, and maintenance of training programs.
  • Provides inputs for courseware corrections and modifications and updates training policies and procedures.
  • Flies the WST (as required) to maintain instructional expertise.
  • Flies on the airplane (as required) in observer status to maintain currency on operational procedures and to observe student progress.
  • Serves as C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, other personnel, and test events, as required.
  • Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA)(Lead), when assigned by the Employer.
  • Serves as Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, when assigned by the Employer.
  • Accomplishes Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties when assigned by the Employer.
  • Assists in project and development work, as assigned.
  • Periodically attends Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB) and Training Review Panels (TRP), as well as Formal Training Unit (FTU) instructor meetings (when FCA is unavailable).
  • Attends Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, HQ AMC Stan/Eval Conferences, and/or Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC), as required (when FCA is unavailable).
  • Accomplishes Learning Center monitor duties, as assigned.
  • Accomplishes safety representative duties, as designated/assigned.
  • Accomplishes physical/cyber security representative duties, as assigned.
  • Accomplishes hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties, as designated/assigned.
  • Travels, as required.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.
Minimum Education
  • Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum Experience
  • Eight (8) years flying experience, five (5) years of which as a C-17 pilot with air drop and aerial refueling experience, or able to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver.
  • Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience in air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics.
  • Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification desired. 
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Ability to fluently read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Ability to clearly relay information, both verbally and written, to others.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to TSs.
  • Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications, such as, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.
  • Possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.
Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the teammate is regularly required to talk or hear; to sit, stand or walk; and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls. The teammate is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop or kneel. The teammate is frequently required to ingress/egress from the simulator and aircraft, work in inclement weather and temperature extremes as set forth in the Air Force and company guidelines. The teammate must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 35 pounds. Noise levels range from quiet to extremely loud. The teammate must be able to exit the WST by way of escape ladder down to the floor.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.


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