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Instructor Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

You Have: * 10+ years of experience with Naval Aviation Subject Matter Expertise as a F-35 pilot, F-18 Pilot, Weapon Systems Officer (WSO), F-35 Contractor Instructor Pilot (CIP), or F-18 Contractor ...

$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 ...

$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 ...

Part-Time E-2 CINFO

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$63K - $72K/yr

Attend required Government-scheduled meetings including Scheduling, Standardization, Instructor Pilot/Aircrew, Phase Head, and Intelligence Updates. * Maintain general cleanliness and housekeeping of ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Instructor Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$39.2K

$102.2K

$170K

How much do instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,154 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Fighter Pilot Operations SME - Langley AFB, VA with Security Clearance

Serco Inc.

Hampton, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications Serco seeks a Fighter Pilot or WSO / CSO / NFO Operations SME for Air Combat Command's Combat Air Forces Distributed Training Center (CAF DTC) at Langley AFB, VA. Daily, the CAF DTC provides world-class integration training in large force and small team formats to combat units around the globe against cutting-edge threats in a boundless virtual battlespace. An active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance with ability to obtain to TS/SCI and SAP/SAR is required. If selected, you will facilitate integration training for U.S. and allied military aircrew, air battle managers, and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) by role-playing fighter aircraft in Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) events. You'll learn and execute missions using Combat Environment Server (CES), Next Generation Threat System (NGTS), and/or Modern Air Combat Environment (MACE). You'll stay current on threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures by reviewing tactics manuals, flash bulletins and tactics bulletins. In this role, you will: * Support daily training by scheduling, mission planning, creating mission materials, briefing, executing, and debriefing the DTC's Large Force Exercises (LFEs) and Small Team events.
* Attend CAF exercise planning conferences (e.g. RED FLAG), meetings, and sites to discuss unit training requirements. Then, you'll help the DTC incorporate those unit training requirements into missions.
* Provide consulting expertise to military and/or defense clients to develop and evaluate military training and doctrine. You may provide specialized planning and/or execution expertise in specialized phases of military training exercises--including doctrinal development, scenario development, after action review and data analysis. The U.S. Air Force can only train to its full capability against modern threats in a virtual environment. Be a part of that environment and continue to make the USAF the best air force in the world, at the CAF DTC. To be successful in this role, you will have: * An active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain to TS/SCI and SAP/SAR
* A Bachelor's Degree with 9 years' experience as a fighter aviator,
* or a Master's degree with 7 years' experience,
* or PhD with 4 years' experience
* To be a former Fighter Pilot, NFO, CSO, or WSO with any of the following Aircraft: F-15C/E/EX, F-16C, F/A-18, EA-18G, F-22, F-35
* A thorough knowledge of AFTTP 3-1 fighter employment or other service equivalent manual
* Operationally relevant experience within the past 10 years (simulator experience considered)
* To be able to travel 10%. Additional desired experience and skills: * Possessing an active DoD Top Secret security clearance
* Mission Commander qualified
* Instructor Pilot/WSO/CSO/NFO experience
* Thorough knowledge of 5th gen fighter employment and/or integration If you are interested in supporting and working with our military and a passionate Serco team- then submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes and could change your career! Company Overview Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters. To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer . If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email. Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice. Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email . Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Pay Transparency Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role): * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract * 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds * Tuition reimbursement program * Life insurance and disability coverage * Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection * Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits * Employee Assistance Plan To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us . Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: .