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Ground School Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tradewind Aviation

Ground Instructor

Middlebury, CT · On-site

Conduct Initial Ground school curriculum for PC-12 * Assist the Director of Training in researching ... Collaborate with flight instructors and other staff members to ensure seamless integration of ...

Miamioh

Outdoor Instructor Non Student

Center, TX · On-site

Job Title Outdoor Instructor Non Student Department Outdoor Pursuit Center JM Worker Type Temporary (Fixed Term) Pay Type Period Activity Pay Benefit Eligible No Summary Responsibilities are to ...

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How much do ground school instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground school instructor in the United States is $29.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Ground School Instructor do?

A Ground School Instructor teaches aspiring pilots the theoretical knowledge required for aviation, such as aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, regulations, and flight planning. They prepare students for written exams and practical training by delivering classroom lessons, creating coursework, and assessing student progress. Ground School Instructors play a crucial role in ensuring that student pilots understand all necessary concepts before moving on to in-flight training.

What are some common challenges faced by Ground School Instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Ground School Instructors often encounter challenges such as engaging a diverse group of students with varying levels of aviation knowledge and learning styles. To address this, instructors can incorporate interactive teaching methods, utilize real-world examples, and adapt their approach based on student feedback. Additionally, staying current with the latest regulations and aviation technologies is essential, which may require ongoing professional development. Collaboration with other instructors and leveraging training resources can also help in delivering effective and up-to-date instruction.

What Does a Ground School Instructor Do?

A ground school instructor provides classroom and simulator training to students in a flight school. In this position, your duties and responsibilities include explaining procedures, airplane controls, aircraft systems, and other relevant topics. You plan lessons and deliver lectures, and you make sure that you cover all the information that the FAA requires for a pilot training program. You also assess the performance and knowledge of each student to ensure that they learned the necessary subject matter. Some ground instructors also help students practice their flying skills in simulators. In addition to general flight schools, you can also teach new pilots for airlines.

How much do ground school instructors make?

Ground school instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work full-time or part-time. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, such as flight instructor ratings, and experience in the aviation training industry.

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

AspectGround School InstructorFlight Instructor
Required CertificationsCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), Ground School Instructor certificationCertified Flight Instructor (CFI), often with additional ratings
Work EnvironmentClassroom or online teaching settings, ground-based trainingFlight training in aircraft, in-flight instruction
Employer & Industry UsageFlight schools, aviation academies, online training providersFlight schools, private flight training, aviation clubs

Ground School Instructors focus on classroom-based aviation theory and knowledge, preparing students for written exams and certifications. Flight Instructors provide hands-on flight training in aircraft. Both roles are essential in pilot training but differ mainly in their training environment and certification focus.

What is the 5 hour rule for CFI?

The 5-hour rule for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) refers to the requirement that CFIs must log at least 5 hours of flight training with students before they can conduct solo flights or provide certain instruction. This ensures the instructor has adequate experience and familiarity with the student's progress and the aircraft. The rule helps maintain safety standards and is part of the certification process for CFIs.

What is the going rate for Ground Instructors?

Ground School Instructors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of training institution. Salaries can vary based on whether they are full-time employees or part-time contractors, and additional certifications or specialized knowledge may influence pay rates.

How to become a ground school instructor?

To become a ground school instructor, you typically need a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, along with teaching experience or knowledge of aviation principles. Many employers require a certified flight instructor (CFI) certificate and a strong understanding of aeronautical knowledge, as well as good communication skills. Additional training or certification in teaching methods may also be beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ground School Instructor, and why are they important?

To excel as a Ground School Instructor, you need a comprehensive understanding of aviation theory, regulations, and instructional techniques, typically backed by a pilot’s license and relevant instructor certifications. Familiarity with flight training software, learning management systems, and up-to-date aviation reference materials is crucial. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles help instructors engage and motivate students. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, regulatory compliance, and the preparation of safe, competent pilots.
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Ground School Instructor jobs near you

Lead, Technical Training - Aircrew Ground Instructor Pilot

L3HHCM20

Oklahoma City, OK

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Aircrew Ground Instructor Pilot
Job Code: 37842
Job Location: Oklahoma City, OK (Onsite)
Schedule: 5/8 Monday-Friday


Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking an Aircrew and Simulator Instructor Pilot to support the USAF Skyraider II program. This role is responsible for delivering classroom, academic, and simulator instruction to aircrew personnel in support of formal training objectives. The ideal candidate will bring prior aircrew and instructional experience, strong knowledge of aircraft systems and mission employment, and the ability to train, assess, and mentor students in a professional, safety-focused environment. Experience with syllabus-driven training, courseware development, and USAF training standards is highly desired.

*Non-Flying position


Essential Functions:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret security clearance.
  • Conduct ground school, academic instruction, and simulator training in accordance with AETCI 11-203 and approved courseware.
  • Prepare and execute training events, including scenarios, briefings, and debriefings.
  • Evaluate student performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
  • Deliver instruction using approved methodologies, including demonstration-performance and lecture-discussion techniques.
  • Maintain student training records, required documentation, and testing materials.
  • Support the development, revision, and continuous improvement of lesson plans, courseware, and associated training materials.
  • Ensure training content aligns with formal course requirements and program objectives.
  • Collaborate with instructors, evaluators, simulator support personnel, and subject matter experts to enhance training effectiveness.
  • Maintain current knowledge of Air Force training standards, applicable FAA regulations, and relevant aircraft systems and technologies.
  • Ability to pass background checks required for military installation access.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Current or previous FAA Commercial Pilot certificate, or military equivalent.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience with Instructional System Design (ISD) and academic and/or platform instruction.
  • Must be a US citizen.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active Secret security clearance.
  • Prior instructor pilot experience in military aviation.
  • Experience with flight simulation training devices and digital learning platforms.
  • Prior military flying training instruction.
  • Special Operations Forces (SOF) experience.
  • FAA Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII) certification.
  • FAA Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certification.
  • FAA Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) certification.
  • Experience with attack platforms, weapons delivery, and/or ISR operations.
  • Familiarity with simulation and training software such as VR Forces, VR Vantage, and Mace.
  • Strong knowledge of aircraft systems, instructional methods, and FAA/USAF training standards.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in lesson plan development, technical writing, and training records management.
  • Ability to analyze course materials, adapt to trainee needs, and provide effective mentorship and feedback.
  • Ability to work effectively with program leadership, customer representatives, instructors, and simulator support teams.


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