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Full Time Flight Instructor Jobs in Long Beach, CA

Full Time Flight Instructor information

See Long Beach, CA salary details

$26.3K

$99.5K

$153K

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time flight instructor in Long Beach, CA is $99,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $117,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time flight instructor?

Full time flight instructors are certified pilots who work primarily to teach student pilots how to fly aircraft. They are responsible for providing ground instruction, in-flight training, and helping students prepare for their pilot certification exams. These instructors work for flight schools, aviation academies, or as independent contractors, and they may teach a variety of courses ranging from private pilot to advanced certifications. Their duties also include monitoring student progress, ensuring safety during training flights, and maintaining accurate training records.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time flight instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Flight Instructor, you need strong aeronautical knowledge, advanced piloting skills, and a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, often accompanied by a commercial pilot’s license. Proficiency with flight simulators, electronic flight bags (EFBs), and aviation training management systems is commonly expected. Excellent communication, patience, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for effectively teaching and ensuring student safety. These competencies are vital for preparing safe, competent pilots and maintaining high standards in flight training environments.

What are some common challenges faced by full time flight instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Full-time flight instructors often face challenges such as varying student learning styles, managing unpredictable weather conditions, and balancing administrative tasks with flight time. Adapting teaching methods to fit individual students and maintaining clear communication can help ensure effective instruction. Staying updated with the latest regulations and dedicating time to thorough pre-flight planning also contribute to safety and efficiency. Building strong time-management skills and seeking mentorship from experienced instructors can further help address these challenges.

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

AspectFull Time Flight InstructorPart Time Flight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Same as full time, but may have less experience requirements
Work EnvironmentFull schedule at flight schools or training centersFlexible hours, often evenings or weekends
Employment StatusFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time, often freelance or contract
WorkloadConsistent hours, regular student trainingVariable hours, depending on student demand

Full Time Flight Instructors work regular hours with benefits and a steady schedule, while Part Time Flight Instructors have flexible hours and may work on a contract basis. Both roles require similar certifications and are essential in pilot training programs.

Are full time flight instructors in high demand?

Full-time flight instructors are generally in steady demand due to the need for pilot training and certification. The demand can vary based on regional aviation activity, pilot certification requirements, and the availability of flight schools, but overall, experienced instructors with proper certifications are often sought after in the aviation industry.

How much money can you make as a full time flight instructor?

Full-time flight instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the flight school. Entry-level instructors may start at lower wages, while experienced instructors with additional certifications can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by flight hours and student fees.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA?

The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Flight Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA?

For Full Time Flight Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Flight Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Flight Instructor jobs in Long Beach, CA are:

What cities near Long Beach, CA are hiring for Full Time Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Long Beach, CA with the most Full Time Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Full Time Flight Instructor job openings in Long Beach, CA as of August 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 $102,988 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Experimental Flight Test Pilot (Torrance)

Torrance, CA • On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Torrance, CA 90505

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $180,000.00 - $240,000.00 Salary/year

Job Shift: Day

Founded in 1973, Robinson Helicopter Company Inc., (RHC), is the preeminent manufacturer of civil rotorcraft located in Torrance, California. Robinson has built its reputation on a 50-year history of commitment to providing affordable and quality aircraft with a wide range of applications. We have a strong engineering team; almost 85% of our manufacturing processes, including production of parts and assembly, are done in our Torrance location. We also offer comprehensive overhaul services while rapidly responding to customers’ needs; to keep their aircraft flying. Our commitment to our vision of keeping our customers flying has earned RHC a variety of recognition from our customers.

Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

As an Experimental Test Pilot at Robinson Helicopter, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and certification of the most widely used civil helicopters in the world. The Experimental Flight Test Pilot is part of a small and nimble flight test team plans, executes, analyzes, and reports on ground and flight test of experimental rotorcraft and/or systems. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from development through certification.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as PIC for development, research, and certification flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
  • Conduct varying, complex flight test projects for rotorcraft including writing flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and test reports
  • Lead and/or participate in ground and flight tests as pilot, test crew member, or Test Conductor
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to develop test strategies, determine test configurations, plan, and execute test programs in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
  • Comply with department processes and standard operating procedures to ensure flight testing is accomplished with high levels of safety, effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency.
  • Contribute insights and innovations to improve the product and organization.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews and assist with resolving cross‑functional technical issues.
  • Participate in the Flight Test Safety Program to ensure safety objectives are accomplished including participation in flight test plan reviews, test flights, pre and post test flight briefings and test readiness reviews.
  • Interface with regulator (FAA, EASA, TCCA, etc) flight test personnel to conduct flight test aspects of aircraft certification.
  • Maintain required records and conduct audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures.
  • Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types.
Experimental Test PilotRequired Qualifications
  • Pilot graduate of a SETP recognized test pilot school or possess substantial experience in development and certification flight test programs.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years' experience as an experimental RW test pilot.
  • FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate.
  • FAA Second Class Medical.
  • Minimum 1,000 hrs Helicopter PIC time.
  • Significant experience managing Risk and Safety in the flight test environment.
  • Experience in development and type certification flight test programs for fixed or rotary-wing aircraft.
  • Excellent academic record.
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others
  • Able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically
  • Proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong project management, organization, and risk management skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products and engineering software tools
Desired Qualifications
  • Significant experience in multiple makes and models of rotorcraft.
  • DER and/or ODA experience.
  • Master's degree in engineering.
  • Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience.
  • FAA Helicopter Instructor pilot certificate and experience.
  • Previous experience with advanced flight controls.
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