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Lead Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AVIATORS INC

Chief Flight Instructor

Reseda, CA · On-site

Chief Flight Instructor - Aviators Flight Academy, Van Nuys, CA Lead and Innovate in Aviation Training at a Part 141 Flight School Aviators Flight Academy, a leading Part 141 flight school located in ...

AVIATORS INC

Chief Flight Instructor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Chief Flight Instructor - Aviators Flight Academy, Van Nuys, CA Lead and Innovate in Aviation Training at a Part 141 Flight School Aviators Flight Academy, a leading Part 141 flight school located in ...

Transmedics

Chief Flight instructor

Belgrade, MT · On-site

$84 - $119/hr

Lead, coach, and evaluate flight instructors, including initial proficiency checks and annual recurrent proficiency checks in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).Conduct ...

TransMedics

Chief Flight instructor

Bozeman, MT

Lead, coach, and evaluate flight instructors, including initial proficiency checks and annual recurrent proficiency checks in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). * Conduct ...

TransMedics

Chief Flight instructor

Bozeman, MT · On-site

Lead, coach, and evaluate flight instructors, including initial proficiency checks and annual recurrent proficiency checks in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). * Conduct ...

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Lead Flight Instructor information

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How much do lead flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead flight instructor in the United States is $23.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead flight instructor?

Lead Flight Instructors are experienced pilots who oversee flight training programs and mentor other instructors and student pilots. They are responsible for maintaining training standards, developing curriculum, conducting check rides, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. In addition to providing direct flight instruction, they often manage scheduling, evaluate instructor performance, and help implement regulatory compliance. Their leadership helps ensure the quality and effectiveness of the flight training organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead flight instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Flight Instructor, you need advanced piloting skills, an instructor certification (such as CFI or ATP), and substantial flight experience. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation training software, and FAA regulations is essential, along with maintaining current certifications. Leadership, clear communication, and mentoring abilities distinguish outstanding instructors, enabling them to guide both students and junior instructors. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safety, uphold training standards, and foster a productive learning environment in aviation.

What are the typical challenges a lead flight instructor faces when managing a team of instructors?

As a Lead Flight Instructor, one common challenge is balancing administrative responsibilities with active flight training duties. You are often responsible for mentoring less experienced instructors, standardizing training methods, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Managing scheduling conflicts and adapting to varying student learning styles are also frequent hurdles. Building strong communication and leadership skills is essential to foster a supportive environment and maintain high training quality across the team.

What is the difference between Lead Flight Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectLead Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and often additional endorsementsPrivate Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentLeading training sessions, overseeing other instructors, managing training programsConducting individual flight lessons, student training, and basic instruction
ResponsibilitiesSupervising instructors, curriculum development, ensuring safety standardsTeaching students, conducting flight lessons, evaluating student progress

The main difference is that a Lead Flight Instructor has additional leadership responsibilities, oversees other instructors, and often manages training programs, while a Flight Instructor primarily focuses on delivering flight training to students. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Lead Flight Instructor's role includes supervisory duties and program oversight.

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Lead Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,834 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Senior Lead Instructor/Flight Manager

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide leadership and oversight to flight instructors and their students, including monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with FARs and safety policies.

  • Conduct advanced flight training, stage checks, and CFI end of course tests, as well as perform standardization and advanced stage checks.

  • Act as an operations liaison, promote safety culture, and participate in safety management activities and committees.

University Of North Dakota rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

371st of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Senior Lead Instructor/Flight Manager

Apply now Job no: H498526
Work type: Full-time Staff
Location: Grand Forks
Categories: Aviation/UAS

Salary/Position Classification
  • $60,000 annual, Exempt
  • 40 hours per week
  • This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.
Purpose of Position

To provide leadership and oversight to a group of flight instructors and their assigned students. The Lead Flight Instructor also conducts advanced flight training and stage checks.

Duties & Responsibilities
  •  Senior Lead Flight Instructor; Management:
    • Maintain AIMS Pilot Manager duties and responsibilities.
    • Counsels students and CFIs to improve performance.
    • Mentor students and CFIs to improve performance.
    • Monitor and maintain CFI compliance with appropriate FARs and Safety Policies and Procedures.
    • Assist with CFI hiring and new hire training.
    • Suggest changes for the improvement of any aspect to UND Flight Operations.
    • Assist in the performance of other duties as assigned by the Asst. Chief or Chief Flight Instructor.
    • Conduct student review boards.
    • Conduct observations of CFIs conducting training. 
  •  Operations Liaison:
    • Between management and the CFI's and students.
    • Ensure assigned CFIs and students are aware of organizational goals and objectives.
    • Participates as a "Manager on Duty".
    • Promotes and participates in the Safety Management System (SMS) culture.
    • Communicates with other UND Departments as appropriate.
    • Assist in the performance of other duties as assigned by the Asst. Chief or Chief Flight Instructor. 
  •  Standardization, flight training, stage checks, and UND Air Service:
    • 300 hours of CFI standardization and student contact time.
    • Conduct advanced stage checks. 
    • Air service pilot.
    • JCAB Flight Training Courses.
    • Conduct CFI end of course tests. 
  •  Safety:
    • Promotes and participates in the Safety Management System (SMS) culture.
    • Accident, incident, occurrence reviews.
    • SRA involvement.
    • Participation in various committees; ERT, Safety Council, SMS, ATC.
    • Assist the Dir of Aviation Safety with any request, concern or project.
Required Competencies
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and coordinate teams of individuals at different locations.
  • Strong leadership skills.
Minimum Requirements
  • B.S. Degree or equivalent flight experience.
  • Required FAA Ratings:
    • Commercial Pilot, Single & Multi Engine Certificate, with Instrument Rating.
    • Flight Instructor Certificate: CFI, CFII - Airplane.
  • Experience working in a Part 141 environment.
  • 1 year experience as a Lead Instructor/Flight Manager and at least one of the following:
    • Experience with high performance/turbine aircraft;
    • Experience with JCAB (Japan) commercial and instrument certificate conversion courses; or;
    • Conduct CFI end of course tests
  • Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Preferred Qualifications
  • Multi-Engine Instructor Rating.
  • Class III Medical.
To Apply

Submit application material by the closing date and include:

  • Resume

PLEASE NOTE: For a successful screening, be sure to review all of the position minimum requirements above, and outline how you meet those requirements in your application packet. Additional information may be attached if needed.

Advertised: 17 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 31 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time

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