1

Instructor Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Instructor Pilots also perform Instructor Operator duties and deliver platform academic instruction in alignment with AR 95-1, TRADOC Programs of Instruction (POI), UH-60 dATM, and AATS SOPs. All ...

Instructor Pilots also perform Instructor Operator duties and deliver platform academic instruction in alignment with AR 951, TRADOC Programs of Instruction (POI), UH60 dATM, and AATS SOPs. All ...

All Instructor Pilots and Simulator Instructor Operators operate under DCMA INST 8210-1D requirements. This is a chance to make a measurable impact on Army aviation readiness while working with ...

All Instructor Pilots and Simulator Instructor Operators operate under DCMA INST 8210‑1D requirements. This is a chance to make a measurable impact on Army aviation readiness while working with ...

Position Summary F-16 Instructor/Subject Matter Expert (I/SME) - Instructs in all F-16 pilot training devices used at Morris ANGB, Tucson, AZ, and instructs in the classroom in specific areas of ...

... F-16 pilot training devices used at Morris ANGB, Tucson, AZ, and instructs in the classroom in ... Instructor - Be available during duty hours to answer student training questions - Conduct ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor): Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Instructor Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$36.8K

$96K

$159.8K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in Arizona is $96,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $117,900.00 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 in Arizona are hiring for Instructor Pilot jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Instructor Pilot job openings:

F-16 Aggressor Instructor Pilot

Top Aces Corp

Glendale, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

F-16 Adversary Instructor Pilot (IP) involves mission planning, briefing, flying, and debriefing adversary air support missions. As an experienced F-16 Instructor Pilot, this role may also involve instructing Initial Qualification Mission (IQT) and Mission Qualification Training (MQT) sorties to new TAC pilots to satisfy contract and Company requirements for achieving and maintaining both basic aircraft and professional ADAIR qualifications and to support Development Test (DT) and Operational Test (OT) missions.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform mission planning, attend mass adversary coordination, pre-flight briefings, perform adversary missions. Accomplish flight debriefings, and attend air-to-air shot validations, and mass debriefings.
  • Employ the F-16throughout the flight envelope as a professional adversary pilot to support various US branches of service and coalition aircrew training.
  • Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions.
  • Collect and disseminate lessons learned.
  • Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights.
  • Deploy as required to support mission requirements.
  • Act as or support personnel responsible for flight safety, training, scheduling, standardization and evaluation, threat academics, or other Program Management duties as needed.
  • Adhere to directions provided by the Chief Pilot, Director of OPS and Pilot Site Lead as well as the Contract Requesting Official (CRO).
  • Adhere to OSHA and OH&S requirements, demonstrate proper use of PPE, safety systems, and tools.
  • Report hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) and other safety concerns as soon as humanly possible to supervisor and through Company’s Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Previously qualified US DoD-trained F-16 instructor pilot.
  • 2,000 hours Pilot In Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DoD (or Allied) fighter aircraft.
  • 100 hours PIC at night.
  • Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Instrument privileges and single-engine land (SEL) specifically designated on the certificate.
  • Must maintain FAA instrument Currency, FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate or higher, and adversary mission qualifications and associated mission currencies, to include low-level and unlimited air combat tactics maneuvering in the high-G environment.
  • Must have a FAA Commercial License, or higher, with single engine land rating.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines while fostering a positive attitude.
  • Must have strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficient in the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
  • Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a F-16 Adversary Instructor Pilot in daily work performance.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.
  • Must not be barred from any military installation.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

  • FAA instrument Currency.
  • FAA Commercial License, with single engine land rating.
  • Second Class Medical Certificate, or higher.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1,500 hours PIC in F-16
  • 500 hours as anF-16Instructor Pilot
  • Previously assigned USAF Aggressor (18/64/65 AGRS) with threat academic SME certification
  • Previous MiG-1 or Aggressor Syllabus Instructor (ASI) qualification
  • USAF WIC, USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN, or TPS Graduate
  • Functional Check Flight (FCF)qualification
  • NVG Instructor
  • Squadron Command experience
  • Top Secret or SAP/SAR Security Clearance
  • FAA CFI(I) Certificate

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and/or WORK CONDITIONS

  • Must be able to work in various weather environments and conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, sit, talk, walk, hear, see, and reach with hands and arms.
  • This position requires close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • This role is performed around loud noises and hazardous chemicals with exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risks of electrical shock. TheF-16 Adversary Instructor Pilot must be able to work in environments with exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, and varying weather conditions.