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Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airbus Miami currently has capacity for additional Flight Instructors to deliver training in the simulator. Currently there are both full time and more temporary, part time positions available.

Airbus Miami currently has capacity for additional Flight Instructors to deliver training in the simulator. Currently there are both full time and more temporary, part time positions available.

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Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor information

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

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance flight simulator instructor in the United States is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

More about Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor job openings:

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

The most popular types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor jobs include:

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Flight Simulator Instructor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,943 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Flight Ops Flight Instructor - HDQ

Dallas, TX • On-site

Southwest Airlines
Aviation • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Southwest Airlines rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Flight Operations Flight Instructor

All of Southwest's People come together to deliver on our Purpose; Connecting People to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The Flight Operations Flight Instructor supports the Flight Operations Department by providing training to Pilots in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Advanced Qualification Program Manual (AQPM), Flight Operations Training Manual (FOTM), and Company requirements/agreements. This role conducts training in the classroom and in simulators to ensure Pilots have the knowledge and hands-on experience to provide our Customers with a safe and reliable flight. The Flight Operations Flight Instructor has great interpersonal and communication skills which help them facilitate proper flight instructions.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and conduct classroom and simulator training in accordance with FARs, Training Policies / Manuals, and Company requirements.
  • Facilitate pilot learning
  • Develop and create instructional and evaluation media/materials for support of training programs
  • Maintain course material and procedural integrity through self-study, skills practice, critique review, and instructor meetings
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge and experience in the operation of training equipment that includes computer based training workstations
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
  • Knowledge of flight training instructional duties along with a good working knowledge of FAR training requirements
  • Must possess excellent English verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to read technical aircraft documents, follow technical instructions, learn and understand new technical concepts and prepare written technical documents that will convey information or guidance to others in an understandable manner
  • Ability to accomplish accurate work under tight time constraints while maintaining a high degree of flexibility
  • Ability to work various assigned hours as necessary, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, with a rotating assigned work schedule to cover the operational hours (which includes 365 day a year up to 24 hours a day)

Education:

  • Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

  • Required: Flying experience operating an aircraft

Licensing/Certification:

  • Required: USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The certificate must display the following:
    • "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings
    • "English Proficient" limitation
  • Required: Paper or electronic logbook with at least the last 500 hours of flight time recorded
  • Required: Must possess a valid United States Driver's License
  • Required: Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain Flight Deck Jumpseat Access; this position requires successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back

Physical Abilities:

  • Must have vision ability to view and read computer/video/flight deck displays on a frequent basis
  • Must be able to participate in the FAR directed Line Observation Program and be able to enter and exit the aircraft under normal and emergency conditions
  • Must be able to enter and exit the flight simulator, cabin simulator or mock-up, briefing rooms under normal and emergency conditions
  • Must be able to sit in the simulator uninterrupted for up to 4 hours
  • Ability to perform work duties from limited space work station/desk/office area for extended periods of time
  • Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
  • Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
  • Ability to move/transport 25 lbs on an occasional basis (under 50%)
  • Ability to work at elevated heights and operate a Flight Simulator
  • Ability to manipulate applicable flight controls at full deflection
  • Ability to pass annual flight evaluation
  • Ability to converse/present/facilitate for up to 8 hours
  • Ability to make/receive audible call outs in classroom and/or simulator settings

Other Qualifications:

  • Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
  • Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
  • Must be at least 23 years of age
  • Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future
  • Must have a professional behavior on and after Company hours and at Company events
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime
  • Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information
  • Air travel with overnight stays required
  • Ability to work extended hours as needed

Pay & Benefits:

Pay of $78.94 per hour*, with the opportunity for future increase per applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale based on time in position. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

Benefits you'll love:

  • Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
  • Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution up to 10% of your eligible earnings**
  • Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Planwhen Southwest profits, you profit***
  • Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
  • Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
  • Explore more benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*The pay amount doesn't guarantee employment for any particular period.

**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.

***Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.


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