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Ground Flight Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Aviation Instructor - Adjunct

Auburn, WA · On-site

$101.95 - $113.93/hr

... Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate (CFII) or a Basic or Advanced Instrument Ground Instructor ... Certificate (BGI, AGI, IGI) Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or 1500 hours flight experience ...

... Management, Instructor Crew Resource Management, Instrument Refresher Course, and any other ... In coordination with the Squadron DOT Flight Chief, schedule members for required ground training ...

... Management, Instructor Crew Resource Management, Instrument Refresher Course, and any other ... In coordination with the Squadron DOT Flight Chief, schedule members for required ground training ...

... Management, Instructor Crew Resource Management, Instrument Refresher Course, and any other ... In coordination with the Squadron DOT Flight Chief, schedule members for required ground training ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ground Flight Instructor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$28.5K

$107.7K

$165.6K

How much do ground flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ground flight instructor in Seattle, WA is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $127,500.00 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.

Infographic showing various Ground Flight Instructor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Flight Instructor -Seattle

Seattle, WA • On-site

FlightSafety International
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees

$92K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 228 rated education and training


Job description

Salary Range: $92,575.00-$157,550.00

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, education, skills, and experience as well as market demands. These factors impact the salary/wage offered. 

Benefits:

FlightSafety offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes vacation, sick leave, a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.

About FlightSafety International      

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Flight Instructor delivers exceptional ground and simulator flight instruction in accordance with aviation regulations and FlightSafety Training principles.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pilot ground and simulator training for clients receiving core, specialty or enrichment training courses.
  • Develop and prepare training materials that support training delivery to meet the client needs in accordance with the applicable curriculum.
  • Evaluate and measure trainee progress and recommend for qualification, or additional training.
  • Complete accurate training records specific to each client, aiding their success in achieving the requested objective(s).
  • Identify client training issues and seek assistance prior to execution.
  • Maintain Instructor qualifications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Minimum Experience
  • Must be able and willing to participate in FlightSafety's DOT Drug and Alcohol testing program
  • An unrestricted ATP certificate, or an ICAO member state Airline Transport Pilot License
  • If no ATP, must meet the requirements of:
  • 14 CFR part 61.153
  • 14 CFR part 61.64 without a Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) limitation. 
  • A minimum of one unrestricted PIC type rating;
  • Preferred: FAR Part 135, FAR Part 121, or military training experience;
  • Preferred: 2,500 hours of total flight time
    Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
    • Knowledge of aviation safety standards and practices
    • Knowledge of common aviation regulations
    • Ability to manage classes and teach effectively
    • First-level facilitation skills
    • First-level customer service skills
    • Ability to be coachable and receive feedback to support development
    Physical Demands and Work Environment

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

    Must possess physical range of body motion to perform the following: Reach, exert pressure and manipulate the rudder controls and/or anti-torque with both feet. Reach and manipulate numerous controls within the Simulator device from the Instructor's chair. Enter and exit from the Simulator device via the provided ramp. Move between the Instructor station, screen and podium while instructing in the classroom. Exit from malfunctioned Simulator while the device is in a severely pitched attitude. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

    The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee may work in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.

    FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

    Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant’s ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A “U.S. Person” includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

    This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

    Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.


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