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Instructor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAE, Inc.

Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL · On-site

Summary CAE is looking for rotary wing instructor pilots to train new student pilots enrolled in the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Commands, Introductory Flight Training - Rotary ...

New

Caeus

Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL

Summary CAE is looking for rotary wing instructor pilotsto train new student pilots enrolled in the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Commands, Introductory Flight Training - Rotary ...

New

Caeus

Helicopter Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL

Summary CAE is accepting resumes for rotary wing instructor pilots to train new student pilots enrolled in the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Commands, Introductory Flight ...

Dynamic Aviation

Instructor Pilot

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Minimum of 300 hours as flight instructor OR 5 years' experience as an Instructor Pilot * Multi-Engine Instructor and Instrument Instructor ratings * 1st or 2nd class FAA medical certificate ...

CAE, Inc.

Helicopter Instructor Pilot

Dothan, AL · On-site

Summary CAE is accepting resumes for rotary wing instructor pilots to train new student pilots enrolled in the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Commands, Introductory Flight ...

dynamicaviation

Instructor Pilot

Bridgewater, VA

$75K - $85K/yr

Minimum of 300 hours as flight instructor OR 5 years' experience as an Instructor Pilot * Multi-Engine Instructor and Instrument Instructor ratings * 1st or 2nd class FAA medical certificate ...

IQUASAR LLC

$350K - $400K/yr

Relocation bonus iQuasar is seeking to fill a F-16 WIC Instructor Pilot at Thumrait, Oman. At iQuasar, we strive to provide the next generation of cutting-edge technologies. Our growth means exciting ...

KBR, Inc.

AH-64E Instructor Pilot

Killeen, TX · On-site

AH-64E Instructor Pilot KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems ...

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Instructor Pilot information

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$39.5K

$103K

$171.5K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in the United States is $103,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectInstructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) often requiredCertified Flight Instructor (CFI) required
Work EnvironmentMilitary, corporate, or government aircraft trainingFlight schools, general aviation
Employer & IndustryAirlines, military, government agenciesFlight training schools, private aviation

Instructor Pilot and Flight Instructor both require CFI certification, but Instructor Pilots often operate in military or corporate settings, focusing on advanced training. Flight Instructors typically work in civilian flight schools, training new pilots. While their roles overlap in training and certification, Instructor Pilots usually handle more complex aircraft and scenarios, whereas Flight Instructors focus on foundational pilot training.

How do you become a pilot instructor?

To become a pilot instructor, you must first obtain a private pilot license and then accumulate additional flight hours to qualify for an instructor certification, such as the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. After earning the CFI, you can teach student pilots and gain experience, often requiring passing written and practical exams administered by aviation authorities.

What Does a Pilot Instructor Do?

Pilot Instructors teach students how to fly so that they can obtain their pilot’s licenses. This position takes patience, precision, a sense of detail, and cool thinking under pressure. You will teach your student each and every step involved in flight. This often begins with classroom instruction and may later involve such actions as filing a flight plan, completing a pre-flight checklist, radio communication with ground personnel, and all details of takeoff, navigation, and landing. Eventually, you will guide your students through test flights. You will then file reports to your leadership on the progress of your students and help decide who is qualified to obtain their pilot’s licenses.

What are Instructor Pilots?

Instructor Pilots are highly trained and experienced pilots who are responsible for teaching student pilots how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. They provide both ground and flight instruction, evaluate student performance, and ensure adherence to aviation regulations. Instructor Pilots may work in flight schools, military settings, or commercial training programs, and are essential for developing the next generation of competent aviators. Their role includes demonstrating maneuvers, providing feedback, and preparing students for exams and certifications.

How much do flying instructors get paid?

Flying instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying school. Pay may also include hourly rates for flight hours and additional benefits such as training and certification support.

How much can you make as a pilot instructor?

Pilot instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of flying school or airline. Experienced instructors with advanced certifications and additional flight hours can earn higher salaries, especially if they work for major airlines or specialized training programs.

Is there a demand for flight instructors?

The demand for 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 in higher demand, especially in regions with expanding flight schools or increased pilot certification requirements.

What are some common challenges Instructor Pilots face when training new pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Instructor Pilots often encounter challenges such as varying learning speeds among students, managing cockpit safety during training flights, and providing constructive feedback under pressure. To address these, it's important to tailor teaching methods to individual student needs, maintain clear communication and situational awareness at all times, and foster a supportive learning environment. Regular collaboration with other instructors and ongoing professional development also help Instructor Pilots stay updated on best practices and regulatory changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instructor Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate, and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight simulators, aircraft-specific avionics, and training management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to give constructive feedback are vital soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring student pilots. These skills ensure safe flight operations, effective knowledge transfer, and the development of competent new pilots.
More about Instructor Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Instructor Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Instructor Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Instructor Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Instructor Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Instructor Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Instructor Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Instructor Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instructor Pilot jobs are:
Instructor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,038 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Instructor Pilot

Instructor Pilot

CAE, Inc.

Dothan, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

New

CAE rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Who We Are:
  • CAE Vision: Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by revolutionizing our customers' training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety, efficiency and readiness.
  • CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop and maintain the highest levels of mission readiness.
  • CAE Values: Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity and OneCAE make us who we are and we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer:
  • Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance
  • A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe
  • Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions
  • Recognition, professional development, advancement and having fun!

Summary
CAE is looking for rotary wing instructor pilots to train new student pilots enrolled in the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Commands, Introductory Flight Training - Rotary (IFT-R) program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The employee will conduct contact flight training and instrument familiarization in support of the USAF IFT-R program.
  • In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and the USAF, CAE Instructor Pilots will be part of a full standardization and training program for the USAF program at the CAE Dothan Training Center.
  • Assures compliance with applicable standards (i.e., USAF, FAR, etc.).
  • Participates in the Quality Management System, quality procedures, and safety programs with those respective leads in the same organization.
  • Keeps current with changes and modifications to external standards.
  • Participates in identifying and implementing strategies for compliance.
  • Manages the standardization, evaluation, and examiner plan to include scheduling of internal and external audits, maintenance of the tracking database, follow-up on deficiencies, and reporting.
  • Coordinates examiner activities across the program to ensure that adequate support is provided.
  • Interfaces with appropriate members of the program, customer, and CAE USA staff to proactively identify and address quality assurance issues and ensure that all quality requirements are met.
  • Interfaces with various departments, management, and staff to identify and execute process improvement opportunities.
  • Conducts business in strict compliance with all corporate policies and procedures and applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Presents metrics to measure process performance levels and the impact of process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and Education Requirements
  • FAA FAA-certified commercial pilot, Helicopter with an Instrument helicopter rating.
  • FAA Certificated Flight Instructor Helicopter, with Instrument Helicopter Instructor rating required (current). Graduate of a US DOD formal Rotary Wing Instructor Pilot training program (preferred).
  • Prior experience as a US Air Force Helicopter instructor pilot preferred.
  • Total Flight Time - 1,000 hrs. Flight time as pilot-in-command or second in command (per FAR 61.51); as Pilot in Command (PC) or Pilot (PI) (Per AR 95-1) in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement, 500 hours of turbine helicopter time, 100 hours of hooded instrument, flight simulator instrument, or weather pilot time, and 75 hours of night flying time.
  • Must have 500 hours of Flight Instructor time and have taught as a Helicopter Instructor Pilot with experience in primary flight training and in a military initial flight training course or FAA 14CFR Part 61 and / or Part 141 environments.
  • Must have instructed students in instrument flight training.
  • Must possess and maintain an FAA Class 2 medical certificate (current Class 2 Medical required).
  • Highly motivated and self-directed.

Preferred Skills
  • Associate of Science degree.
  • Graduate of DoD helicopter instructor pilot course.
  • Total Flight Time - 2,500 hrs.; 1,000 hrs. helicopter instructor (any weight, category); and 1,500 hrs. helicopter turbine.

Security Responsibilities
Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.
  • Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional classroom/office environment and will require exposure to extreme Summer and Winter temperatures. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds overhead.
  • Must be able to walk and/or climb stairs and ladder into a simulator or airplane cockpit.
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, and crawl on top of or under the device.
  • Must be able to detect odors or hear noises, bangs, etc., or other sounds to detect problems or flaws in the functioning of simulators and their surrounding environment.
  • Must be able to work overtime as required.
  • Must be willing to work any shift or day of the week as required.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.
Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com
About CAE
At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.
Position Type
Regular
Equal Opportunity Employer
CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com.
Data Privacy
Privacy Statement | CAE
As part of our process, we may use AI-supported tools to help review applications, with human decision-making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

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