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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Section 3 - Cadet Instructor Check-in and Logbook review - Cadet Instructor Qualifications * Must have at least a private pilot certificate * Must be a current flight student OR CFI, actively ...

PCT Remote Pilot Operator

Warrenton, VA · Remote

$17.50 - $24/hr

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot ... Instructors) * Experience and certification in ATC Tower, TRACON or En Route simulation lab is ...

FPV Instructor Locations: JEBLC, VA or Coronado, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Clearance: Must be ... Teach flight fundamentals and advanced piloting skills for combat and contested environments

MTT Instructor

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative MTT Instructor to join our team in ... Conduct pilot deliveries, collect structured feedback, administer knowledge assessments, and ...

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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 Jun 16, 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 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.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Instructor Pilot jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Instructor Pilot jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Instructor Pilot job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,154 per year, or $49.1 per hour.
Pilot Cadet Program

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


PSA Airlines rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Overview

Let your career take off with PSA Airlines

About PSA

PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and professional development. We value teamwork and inclusivity and strive to create a safe, respectful, and happy work environment for our more than 5,500 team members.

At PSA we are defining the standard in regional aviation by focusing on The PSA Standard - our foundation for operation. Through our six Winning Behaviors - safe and caring, customer-centric and quality-focused, dependable and ethical, fact-based, focused and flexible, on-time, and cost-conscious - our team members are showing up every day for our customers and each other. Join our team to enjoy comprehensive benefits, including travel privileges on the American Airlines global network, so you can explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Responsibilities

Program Overview

PSA is one of the first regional airlines to launch its Cadet Program to help the most promising future pilots make a smooth transition from the classroom to the cockpit. The Cadet Program initiative is just one other way PSA Airlines offers the most comprehensive benefits to its pilots. PSA Airlines is the fastest-growing regional airline in the country and with the fastest upgrade time in the industry and a true pilot-flow-through agreement to American, your career as a mainline pilot can start here.

  • Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate.

  • Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program.

    • Cadets are offered numerous opportunities, including mentorship with airline industry experts and internships.

  • Upon completion of your Senior Cadet Interview, you are eligible for tuition reimbursement paid to you as follows:

    • $7,500 after the Senior Cadet Interview

    • $7,500 at time building (when they are within 500 hours of ATP minimums)

      • Total: $15,000

  • ATP-CTP Course paid upon reaching ATP/R-ATP minimum flight experience requirements.
    • PSA will pay for the ATP-CTP course (valued at $5,000) for qualified candidates needing to complete the ATP written exam prior to new hire training.
    • Hotel accommodations and ground transportation during the ATP-CTP course will be provided.
  • Get placed into the next available class at PSA upon reaching minimums, no additional interviewrequired.
  • Flow-through to American Airlines with no additional interview, once completing requirements at PSA.

Interview ProcessInterview process is broken down into 3 sections:

  • Section 1 - HR Interview - Cadet
  • Section 2 - Technical Evaluation - Senior Cadet
  • Section 3 - Cadet Instructor Check-in and Logbook review - Cadet Instructor

Qualifications

  • Must have at least a private pilot certificate
  • Must be a current flight student OR CFI, actively instructing
  • No more than three check ride failures
  • No accident or incident determined by the NTSB to be negligent on behalf of the pilot/aviator
  • Ability to obtain a First-Class Medical
  • Ability to obtain a Valid Passport
  • Ability to obtain FCC Restricted Radio Operator's Permit
  • Must be able to meet the necessary hours and qualification under the ATP requirements or the restricted ATP requirements
  • Cadets eligible for a R-ATP (1000 or 1250 hours), must have no more than 700 hours
  • Cadets requiring ATP (1500 hours), must have no more than 1200 hours
  • If hired, must be able to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the US
  • Must be able to speak, read and write in English
Position Specifics

Competencies

To be successful at PSA, you should be:

  • Driven
  • Reliable
  • Caring
  • Engaging Communicator
  • Decisive
  • Results Driven

Additional Information

Work Environment: This job operates inside a climate-controlled building. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, facsimile machines and filing cabinets.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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb up and down stairs; lift weight up to 25 lbs; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.Security Clearance: All employees are required to pass the fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) per 49CFR1542.209. AAP/EEO Statement: PSA Airlines is an equal opportunity employer; qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What PSA Airlines employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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