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Full Time Flight Instructor Jobs in Riverside, CA

ROTC Instructor

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Overview of Project: Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps ... flight operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures. - Provide instruction in accordance with ...

Full Time Flight Instructor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$26.1K

$98.7K

$151.8K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time flight instructor in Riverside, CA is $98,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $116,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 5 hour rule for CFI?

The 5-hour rule for a full-time flight instructor (CFI) typically refers to the requirement to log at least 5 hours of flight instruction or related training within a specific period, often to maintain currency or meet certification standards. This rule helps ensure CFIs stay proficient and up-to-date with instructional skills and regulatory requirements.

What are full time flight instructors?

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 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 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.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

The demand for full-time flight instructors remains steady due to ongoing pilot training needs and pilot shortages in the aviation industry. Flight instructors with certified flight instructor (CFI) ratings and strong teaching skills are typically sought after at flight schools and training centers. Employment opportunities can vary based on regional aviation activity and industry growth.

How much can I make as a 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 often start at the lower end, while experienced instructors or those working at busy flight schools can earn higher salaries, sometimes supplemented by flight hours or additional certifications.

How much can a flight instructor earn?

Full-time flight instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the flight school. Many instructors supplement their income through hours flown, with some earning additional pay for teaching advanced or specialized training.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Flight Instructor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Flight Instructor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Full Time Flight Instructor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Full Time Flight Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Full Time Flight Instructor job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,714 per year, or $47.5 per hour.
ROTC Instructor

ROTC Instructor

6K Systems, Inc.

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$58K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Overview of Project:
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) selects, educates, trains, and commissions college students to be officers and leaders of character in the Total Air and Space Force.
Additionally, AFROTC instills the values of citizenship, national and community service, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment in college students.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
Aerospace Studies Instruction Services:
The Contractor shall apply knowledge and skills to provide the following services:
- Prepare and effectively teach Aerospace Studies Instruction, including Air Force organizational
structure, mission objectives, function, procedures, agency regulations, and policy pertaining to the
Department of the Air Force, individual and flight operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
- Provide instruction in accordance with AFROTC academic curricula, syllabi, and other
AFROTC-directed or emerging training in various settings on and off campus.
-Contractor shall ensure students are properly tested in class and successfully apply theory in
practice during training and assessment events outside of the classroom and the academic year.
-Plan, synchronize, assist, and coordinate oversight of Leadership Laboratory (LLAB),
observation of Cadet physical fitness program, coordinate training for cadet Professional Military
Training (PMT) and cadet Professional Development Training (PDT).
-Administer the AFOQT and assist in Cadet Evaluation and testing at Field Training
events, off-sites, and in classrooms.
- Review Cadet academic degree plans as part of Cadet progress reviews, ensure Cadets are
making academic progress to graduate on time, and ensuring the completed form is filed in the
Cadet's record.
- Perform various support activities for cadets utilizing the procedures in AFROTCI 36- 2011, Vol
3, to include Enrollment, Scholarship, Standards, Cadet Actions, and Medical.
- Support Cadet Pay Action IAW Holm Center Instruction 65-101; build Cadet records at DFAS,
pay actions, textbook payments, and military uniform commutation pay.
- Support resource management, administrative functions of resource management, and
Regional HQ tracking of Cadet Pay and tuition. Assist with data entries into WINGS to support Cadet
travel.
- Assist in the tracking of lesson plan updates, distribution of educational materials, and updating
of approved academic degree programs for scholarships and categorization at the Detachment,
Region, and HQ's level.
- Support compliance with the Automated AFROTC Mail Systems (ARMS) messages published
in WINGS.
- Assist with data entry of information on AFROTC Cadets and Prospects into WINGS or other
AFROTC information management systems.
- Assist with tracking of Det, Region, and HQ boards. Submit Cadet award packages, officer and
enlisted evaluations for review/approval, decorations for review/approval, promotion or Reduction-In-
Force boards, instructor qualifications, and staff packages for AETC master instructor badge nominations
- Support Det, Region, and HQ inspections, operational evaluations, and building inspections.
- Develop schedules, collect, compile, and distribute eval data, and prepare reports for publication.
- Support Cross Town Agreements that may exist with other local colleges and universities, to
include various events, training, and exercises.
- The Contractor may assist the Recruiting Officer (RO) and other cadre at recruiting and marketing
events (such as freshman orientations) by assisting with prospect development and data entry
requirements.
- The Contractor may assist the AFROTC program with its recruiting mission by participating in
and supporting events such as student orientations, college fairs, parades, high school visits, and
similar events.
- Have been a Commissioned Officer with a minimum grade of Captain with 6 years' experience in the U.S. Air Force Active Component or 10 years total service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard Component for former and current Guard and Reserve Commissioned Officers.
- Meet the academic institution's qualifications and requirements for instructor positions at that institution. Some positions must be approved by the college prior to acceptance as an instructor. Those instructor qualifications are specific to each institution
- Possess a thorough knowledge of the Air Force organizational structure, mission objectives, function, procedures, agency regulations, and policy pertaining to the Department of the Air Force.
- Have knowledge and experience of Air Force training and operations. Contractor personnel performing as instructors shall possess tactical and leadership skills gained from experience within a Commissioned Officer Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) without any derogatory performance.
- Cannot have had any negative administrative actions/offenses leading to UCMJ actions and no referral performance reports (evaluations).
- Have never received a discharge under less than honorable conditions.
- Possess computer skills, to include operation of Microsoft word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics programs, performance of user maintenance, Microsoft Windows environments, and familiarity with e-mail and internet environment and operations.
- Able to teach effectively in a classroom setting, presenting both standardized instruction and creative workshops. Contract personnel shall maintain certification IAW HCI 36-2601.
- AFROTC instructors shall be CPR certified by or to the standard of the American Red Cross and remain CPR certified throughout the span of their employment under this task order.
- AFROTC Instructors will be subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing.
- AFROTC Instructors must maintain the physical fitness standards set forth by the Air Force.
- AFROTC Instructors will be subject to background checks for Positions of Significant Trust and Authority (POSTA).
Requirements
• Have been within the U.S. Air Force Active Component, or former or currently in the U.S. Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard Component.
• Served on active duty within 5 years of proposed start date
• Possess a thorough knowledge of the Air Force organizational structure, mission objectives, function, procedures, agency regulations, and policy pertaining to the Department of the Air Force.
• Cannot have had any negative administrative actions/offenses leading to UCMJ actions and no referral performance reports (evaluations).
• Have never received a discharge under less than honorable conditions.
• Possess computer skills, to include operation of Microsoft word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics programs, performance of user maintenance, Microsoft Windows environments, and familiarity with e-mail and internet environment and operations.
• Subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing.
• Subject to background checks for Positions of Significant Trust and Authority (POSTA).
Clearance Requirement: None
Minimum Education Level Requirement: BA
Years of Experience Requirement: 6