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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

UAV PILOT/INSTRUCTOR

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

UAV Pilot/Instructor III DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations REPORTS TO: Flight Operations Training Manager CLASSIFICATION: Exempt This position may be filled at different levels depending on the selected ...

UAV Pilot/Instructor III DEPARTMENT: Flight Operations REPORTS TO: Flight Operations Training Manager CLASSIFICATION: Exempt This position may be filled at different levels depending on the selected ...

Fighter Pilot - (Secret Clearance)

Hampton, VA · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

Instructor Pilot/WSO/CSO/NFO experience * Thorough knowledge of 5th gen fighter employment and/or integration * Possess an active DoD Top Secret security clearance The U.S. Air Force can only utilize ...

$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 ...

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Instructor Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$39.2K

$102.2K

$170K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructor pilot in Virginia is $102,154.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is an instructor pilot?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instructor pilot?

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.

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 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.

More about Instructor Pilot jobs
Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,154 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

AH-64E Instructor Pilot (IP)

Warrenton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct AH-64E academic, simulator, and flight instruction for Qatar Emiri Air Force pilots.

  • Evaluate pilot proficiency, mission readiness, and flight performance.

  • Conduct mission planning, pre-flight briefings, post-flight debriefings, and performance evaluations.


Job description

Description:

Resicum International LLC is actively seeking an experienced AH-64E Instructor Pilot (IP) to support the Qatar Training Assistance Field Team (TAFT) under the Security Assistance Training Management Organization (SATMO) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This is an exceptional opportunity to continue flying the AH-64E Apache while training, mentoring, and advising Qatar Emiri Air Force (QAF) pilots in support of a critical U.S. security cooperation mission.

The AH-64E Instructor Pilot provides academic, simulator, and in-flight instruction in accordance with U.S. Army aviation doctrine and approved training programs. Responsibilities include evaluating pilot proficiency, conducting mission planning, flight briefings and debriefings, and advising QAF personnel on AH-64E capabilities, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). The Instructor Pilot also mentors aircrews in Crew Resource Management (CRM), aviation risk management, and mission execution while supporting the development and continuous improvement of training materials and lesson plans.

This position requires a highly experienced former U.S. Army AH-64E Instructor Pilot with exceptional leadership, instructional, and communication skills. The successful candidate will serve as both an instructor and trusted advisor, helping to enhance the operational readiness and long-term capability of the Qatar Emiri Air Force while strengthening one of the United States' most important strategic defense partnerships in the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct AH-64E academic, simulator, and flight instruction for Qatar Emiri Air Force pilots. 
  • Evaluate pilot proficiency, mission readiness, and flight performance. 
  • Conduct mission planning, pre-flight briefings, post-flight debriefings, and performance evaluations. 
  • Advise QAF leadership on AH-64E operational capabilities, tactics, techniques, and procedures. 
  • Mentor pilots in Crew Resource Management (CRM), aviation risk management, and mission execution. 
  • Assist in developing and refining training programs, lesson plans, and instructional materials. 
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. Army aviation doctrine, regulations, and flight safety standards. 
  • Foster strong professional relationships while supporting the objectives of the SATMO Foreign Military Sales program. 

This position offers the opportunity to continue flying the AH-64E Apache while making a lasting impact on allied aviation capability through world-class instruction, mentorship, and technical expertise. Candidates who are passionate about developing the next generation of military aviators and supporting U.S. security cooperation efforts are encouraged to apply.



Requirements:
  • Former U.S. Army AH-64E Version 6 Instructor Pilot (IP), or Version 4 Instructor Pilot with a commitment to transition to Version 6 within two years. 
  • Minimum 300 hours as an AH-64D/E Instructor Pilot. 
  • Minimum 1,500 total rotary-wing flight hours
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience serving as an AH-64 Instructor Pilot. 
  • Graduate of the U.S. Army Aviation Instructor Pilot Course (preferred). 
  • Demonstrated experience conducting academic, simulator, and in-flight instruction. 
  • Experience evaluating pilot proficiency and mission readiness. 
  • Thorough knowledge of AH-64E tactical employment, mission planning, and U.S. Army aviation doctrine. 
  • Strong understanding of Crew Resource Management (CRM), aviation risk management, and flight safety principles. 
  • Excellent leadership, communication, mentoring, and interpersonal skills. 
  • Ability to work effectively in a multinational and cross-cultural military environment. 
  • Previous Security Assistance Training Team (SATMO/TAFT) and/or Foreign Military Sales (FMS) experience preferred. 
  • Combat deployment and operational aviation experience preferred. 
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain all required security clearances, passports, visas, and any other travel documentation required for overseas employment. 
  • Must be willing and able to live and work in Qatar for the duration of the assignment. 
  • Must be able to meet all company, customer, and U.S. Government pre-employment requirements.