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Ground Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for the management and scheduling of their assigned students; perform flight and ground ... Instructor abilities will be evaluated primarily by the Stage Check pass rates of students * Flight ...

Responsible for the management and scheduling of their assigned students; perform flight and ground ... Instructor abilities will be evaluated primarily by the Stage Check pass rates of students * Flight ...

Responsible for the management and scheduling of their assigned students; perform flight and ground ... Instructor abilities will be evaluated primarily by the Stage Check pass rates of students * Flight ...

Flight Instructors develop pilots by emphasizing safety and risk mitigation during flight ... and ground instruction as assigned by supervisory personnel • Maintain training records, and ...

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Watkins, CO · On-site

$20.43 - $26.43/hr

Responsible for the management and scheduling of their assigned students; perform flight and ground ... Instructor abilities will be evaluated primarily by the Stage Check pass rates of students * Flight ...

Flight Instructor

Austin, TX · On-site

$46 - $55/hr

Provide flight and ground instruction under Part 61 (and Part 141, if applicable) * Prepare ... Participate in instructor meetings, standardization sessions, and safety briefings Qualifications

Provide flight and ground instruction per standards defined in Cirrus policy and procedure ... Current FAA Flight Instructor Certification (CFII) * Airplane Single engine * Instrument Airplane

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Ground Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do ground flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground flight instructor in the United States is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ground flight instructor?

Ground Flight Instructors are aviation professionals responsible for teaching student pilots the theoretical knowledge required for flying. They conduct ground school classes covering subjects like aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, regulations, and aircraft systems. Their instruction prepares students for written exams and helps build a strong foundation before actual flight training. Ground Flight Instructors play a crucial role in ensuring student pilots understand essential concepts and safety procedures.

What are some common challenges ground flight instructors face when managing student progress and learning outcomes?

Ground Flight Instructors often encounter students with varying levels of aviation knowledge and learning styles, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone keeps pace with the curriculum. Balancing classroom instruction, hands-on simulations, and individual student needs requires strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, instructors must stay updated on regulatory changes and technological advancements to provide the most current information. Effective time management and adaptability are crucial for overcoming these challenges and helping students succeed.

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

To thrive as a Ground Flight Instructor, you need a thorough understanding of aeronautical principles, flight regulations, and instructional techniques, typically supported by a valid ground instructor certificate from the FAA or equivalent. Familiarity with flight simulation software, training management systems, and relevant aviation regulations is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles make instructors stand out. These skills ensure that students receive clear, effective instruction that fosters safety and competence in aviation environments.

What is the difference between Ground Flight Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectGround Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsGround Instructor Certificate, CFI (Ground)Flight Instructor Certificate, CFI (Air)
Work EnvironmentClassroom, simulator, ground trainingIn-flight training, aircraft operation
Employer & Industry UsageFlight schools, aviation academiesFlight schools, private operators

Ground Flight Instructors focus on ground-based instruction, including safety, regulations, and aircraft systems, while Flight Instructors primarily teach students to operate aircraft in-flight. Both roles are essential in pilot training, often working together to prepare students for certification and safe flying.

What cities are hiring for Ground Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities with the most Ground Flight Instructor job openings:

What states have the most Ground Flight Instructor jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Ground Flight Instructor jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Ground Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Staff Flight Instructor (FT)

San Carlos, CA • On-site

San Carlos Flight Center
Aviation • 11 - 50 employees

$44 - $62.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct student flight lessons and training sessions in accordance with FAA, airport, and club rules.

  • Prepare for student lessons by understanding and applying the school's teaching methods and maintaining good documentation of student training.

  • Collaborate with other staff and personnel such as ATC, line service, front desk, and maintenance to ensure safety and effective instruction.


Job description

Staff Flight Instructor (FT)
Are you a flight instructor looking to join the best flight school in the country? San Carlos Flight Center is always looking for safe, and enthusiastic flight instructors. We accept applications year-round, but new instructors are hired in groups that start on the same day and go through two-week CFI Onboarding together.
Our application review period for the August 10 CFI Hiring Round is closing soon. Please be sure your application and teaching video are in before Monday, July 20, 2026.
Our next scheduled 2026 CFI hire dates for August 10th, and December 7th. Start dates in 2027 are currently planned for March 1st, May 17th, and August 23rd. We often make changes to start dates due to demand, so check back here for the most current information.
To Apply to be an SCFC Flight Instructor
  • View our CFI Applicant Information slide deck (here)
  • Submit an application here, then make a short (5-8 minute) video of you teaching one of these topics:
    • Lift: What a Pilot Needs to Know
    • Altimeter Setting and Errors
    • Drag: What a Pilot Needs to Know
  • Upload it somewhere we can access and send link to chiefpilot@sancarlosflight.com
  • We will follow up with a ground interview request for applicants that meet our standards.

The Flight Center is different from other flight schools and flying clubs in a number of ways. We have a strong flying club feel and a great community of pilots. We have many events each month that bring pilots together, both training and social. We are Part 61 and believe in a strong, thorough syllabus that includes many enhanced training experiences (e.g., tower tours, social dinner flights, etc.) We believe in training highly competent pilots who had a great time learning to fly.
Expectations of SCFC Instructors:
  • Focus on safety
  • Professional behavior
  • Prepared for student lessons
  • Adherence to FAA, airport, and club rules
  • Knowledge of our teaching methods
  • Good documentation of student training
  • Work well with others (ATC, line service, front desk, mx)
  • Effective, quality instruction
  • Care about quality and our brand
  • PIC command of your students' training paths

Compensation:
  • Training rate $19/hr (new hire training, team meetings, etc.)
  • Regular rate $44/hr (ground/flight work with students)
  • Kaiser health care contribution
  • Enrollment in company 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, etc.)
  • $200 annual flight credit and discounts on flight training and aircraft rental

San Carlos Flight Center is an equal opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify Program. Note: we do not have a minimum dual given hours requirement. New CFIs are welcome to apply.