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Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$25.2K

$95.5K

$146.8K

How much do full time cfi flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time cfi flight instructor in Philadelphia, PA is $95,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time CFI flight instructor?

A Full Time CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) Flight Instructor is a professional pilot who teaches students how to fly aircraft. They provide both ground and flight instruction to help students earn various pilot certificates and ratings, such as Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Instrument Rating. Working full time means the instructor dedicates the majority of their working hours to training students, conducting checkrides, and ensuring safety compliance. CFIs play a crucial role in developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence of aspiring pilots. Their responsibilities also include maintaining accurate training records and adhering to FAA regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time CFI flight instructor?

To thrive as a Full Time CFI Flight Instructor, you need a valid Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, solid aeronautical knowledge, instructional ability, and a strong safety record. Familiarity with flight training devices, aviation weather analysis tools, and logbook management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for effectively teaching diverse students and managing risk. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure student progress, regulatory compliance, and the highest safety standards in flight training.

What are some common challenges full time CFI flight instructors face when balancing student needs and flight safety requirements?

Full Time CFI Flight Instructors often encounter the challenge of adapting their teaching methods to accommodate students' varying skill levels while maintaining strict adherence to flight safety protocols. Balancing the progression of each student's learning with the need to ensure all regulatory and safety procedures are followed can require strong communication and judgment skills. Additionally, instructors must manage their schedules to optimize flight time, weather conditions, and aircraft availability, making flexibility and time management essential. Collaboration with other instructors and flight school staff is also key to providing consistent training experiences and ensuring safety standards are met across the board.

What is the difference between Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor vs Part Time Cfi Flight Instructor?

AspectFull Time Cfi Flight InstructorPart Time Cfi Flight Instructor
CertificationsRequired CFI certificate, possibly additional ratingsSame certifications as full time
Work EnvironmentFull schedule, consistent hours at flight schools or training centersFlexible hours, often evenings or weekends
Employer & Industry UsageTypically employed full time by flight schools or academiesOften independent or part-time instructors supplement income

Full Time Cfi Flight Instructors work regular hours, often as their primary job, with full employment benefits. Part Time Cfi Flight Instructors usually work flexible hours, often alongside other jobs or studies. Both roles require the same certifications and operate within the same industry environment, but differ mainly in hours and employment status.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Cfi Flight Instructor jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Full Time Cfi Flight Instructor job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,479 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


PSA Airlines rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Overview

Let your career take off with PSA Airlines

About PSA

PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and professional development. We value teamwork and inclusivity and strive to create a safe, respectful, and happy work environment for our more than 5,500 team members.

At PSA we are defining the standard in regional aviation by focusing on The PSA Standard - our foundation for operation. Through our six Winning Behaviors - safe and caring, customer-centric and quality-focused, dependable and ethical, fact-based, focused and flexible, on-time, and cost-conscious - our team members are showing up every day for our customers and each other. Join our team to enjoy comprehensive benefits, including travel privileges on the American Airlines global network, so you can explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Responsibilities

Program Overview

PSA is one of the first regional airlines to launch its Cadet Program to help the most promising future pilots make a smooth transition from the classroom to the cockpit. The Cadet Program initiative is just one other way PSA Airlines offers the most comprehensive benefits to its pilots. PSA Airlines is the fastest-growing regional airline in the country and with the fastest upgrade time in the industry and a true pilot-flow-through agreement to American, your career as a mainline pilot can start here.

  • Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate.

  • Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program.

    • Cadets are offered numerous opportunities, including mentorship with airline industry experts and internships.

  • Upon completion of your Senior Cadet Interview, you are eligible for tuition reimbursement paid to you as follows:

    • $7,500 after the Senior Cadet Interview

    • $7,500 at time building (when they are within 500 hours of ATP minimums)

      • Total: $15,000

  • ATP-CTP Course paid upon reaching ATP/R-ATP minimum flight experience requirements.
    • PSA will pay for the ATP-CTP course (valued at $5,000) for qualified candidates needing to complete the ATP written exam prior to new hire training.
    • Hotel accommodations and ground transportation during the ATP-CTP course will be provided.
  • Get placed into the next available class at PSA upon reaching minimums, no additional interviewrequired.
  • Flow-through to American Airlines with no additional interview, once completing requirements at PSA.

Interview ProcessInterview process is broken down into 3 sections:

  • Section 1 - HR Interview - Cadet
  • Section 2 - Technical Evaluation - Senior Cadet
  • Section 3 - Cadet Instructor Check-in and Logbook review - Cadet Instructor

Qualifications

  • Must have at least a private pilot certificate
  • Must be a current flight student OR CFI, actively instructing
  • No more than three check ride failures
  • No accident or incident determined by the NTSB to be negligent on behalf of the pilot/aviator
  • Ability to obtain a First-Class Medical
  • Ability to obtain a Valid Passport
  • Ability to obtain FCC Restricted Radio Operator's Permit
  • Must be able to meet the necessary hours and qualification under the ATP requirements or the restricted ATP requirements
  • Cadets eligible for a R-ATP (1000 or 1250 hours), must have no more than 700 hours
  • Cadets requiring ATP (1500 hours), must have no more than 1200 hours
  • If hired, must be able to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the US
  • Must be able to speak, read and write in English
Position Specifics

Competencies

To be successful at PSA, you should be:

  • Driven
  • Reliable
  • Caring
  • Engaging Communicator
  • Decisive
  • Results Driven

Additional Information

Work Environment: This job operates inside a climate-controlled building. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, facsimile machines and filing cabinets.Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb up and down stairs; lift weight up to 25 lbs; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.Security Clearance: All employees are required to pass the fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) per 49CFR1542.209. AAP/EEO Statement: PSA Airlines is an equal opportunity employer; qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What PSA Airlines employees say

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