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Independent Contractor Flight Instructor Jobs in Alabama

Contractor Personnel shall be required to attend the Special Operations Advanced Tactical ... Independent Medical Technician (SO-IDMT). Experience that is commiserate with the above-listed ...

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Independent Contractor Flight Instructor information

See Alabama salary details

$22.7K

$85.8K

$131.9K

How much do independent contractor flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor flight instructor in Alabama is $85,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor flight instructors and how can they be managed?

Independent Contractor Flight Instructors often face challenges such as fluctuating student demand, variable scheduling, and managing their own administrative tasks like billing and record-keeping. Unlike salaried instructors, they must proactively market their services and maintain relationships with local flight schools or fixed-base operators. To manage these challenges, successful instructors often develop strong organizational skills, use scheduling and billing software, and build a network within the aviation community to ensure a steady flow of students. Establishing clear communication with clients and maintaining flexibility in scheduling also contribute to long-term success.

What is an independent contractor flight instructor?

An Independent Contractor Flight Instructor is a certified pilot who provides flight training services on a freelance or contract basis, rather than being employed directly by a flight school or aviation company. They typically work for themselves, setting their own schedules, rates, and terms of service. Independent contractors may instruct at various locations, use their own or rented aircraft, and are responsible for their own taxes and insurance. This role offers flexibility and autonomy but also requires strong business management skills and compliance with aviation regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor flight instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Flight Instructor, you need a valid Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, strong piloting skills, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations and safety protocols. Familiarity with flight training devices, aviation weather systems, and logbook management software is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and adaptability help instructors tailor lessons to individual student needs and foster a safe learning environment. These skills ensure effective student instruction, regulatory compliance, and a reputation for professionalism in the aviation industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama? For Independent Contractor Flight Instructor jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Flight Instructor job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,762 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Range Safety & Flight Termination Engineer

AeroVironment

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

AV is looking for a highly talented Range Safety Flight & Termination Engineer to join our team! In this role you will get to support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Targets and Countermeasures Engineering (MDA/TCE) Directorate providing assistance across the targets portfolio with flight termination system and range safety requirements development and verification, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE) hardware and software development, acceptance, qualification, integration, and checkout.

Job Description:

  • Serve as Range Safety expert on behalf of the Targets (MDA/TCE) Program office during Flight tests, Range Safety Working Groups, and functionality testing.

  • Provide oversight of requirements development and allocation and verification for targets flight termination system products, including autonomous flight termination systems, and associated range safety Performance and/or oversight of GFE and CFE hardware and software development, acceptance, qualification, integration, and checkout.

  • Provide summary and detailed level reports as necessary to document status, findings, and recommendations.

  • Represent the interests of the customer in Working Groups, forums, and Technical Interchange Meetings.

Required:

  • Master's degree and 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD program.

  • Or, Bachelor's degree and 20+ years working on missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD program.

  • Active Secret clearance.

  • Works independently and/or leads teams to analyze and resolve problems.

  • Working knowledge of Range Safety Requirements.

  • Familiarity with flight safety analysis and analysis products.

  • Proficiency in Range Tracking Systems (inertial measurement, GPS, C-band tracking).

  • Proficiency with RCC-319 Flight Termination Commonality Standard and RCC-324 Global Positioning and Inertial Measurements Range Safety Tracking Systems Commonality Standard.

  • Must be able to work in a dynamic environment and have the individual flexibility to work multiple actions simultaneously and resolve time sensitive issues.

  • Strong communication skills to include oral, written and briefing.

Desired:

  • Highly Desired - Familiarity with autonomous flight termination systems.

  • Flight Test Range Safety experience.

  • Background in batteries, RF systems, ordnance and ordnance devices, antennas.

  • 10 + years of experience in defense and aerospace.

This is a pipeline requisition posted in advance of approved headcount for future hiring needs.

Note: Our team is always interested in speaking with exceptional candidates though please note this is a Pipeline posting with more of an eye towards our future needs rather than necessarily being an immediate hire. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A "U.S. person" according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data,sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR


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