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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 ...

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How much do lead flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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.

Are lead flight instructors in high demand?

Lead flight instructors are generally in high demand due to ongoing pilot training needs and a shortage of qualified instructors in the aviation industry. Their experience and certifications, such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and additional endorsements, make them valuable for flight schools and training programs. The demand can vary based on regional pilot employment trends and industry growth.

How much money can you make as a lead flight instructor?

Lead flight instructors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the flight school. They often receive additional compensation through bonuses, flight hours, or management responsibilities, and must hold advanced certifications such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII).

Where do lead flight instructors get paid the most?

Lead flight instructors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong aviation industries, such as major metropolitan areas or regions with busy airports. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the type of flight school or airline they work for, with those working for large airlines or corporate flight operations generally earning more.
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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 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Lead Instructor, Flight Manager

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

University Of North Dakota rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

362nd of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Lead Instructor, Flight Manager

Apply now Job no: H498495
Work type: Full-time Staff
Location: Grand Forks
Categories: Aviation/UAS

Salary/Position Classification
  • $50,000 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
  •  Lead Manager/Flight Instructor: Management
    • Maintain AIMS Pilot Manager duties and responsibilities.
    • Counsels students and CFI's 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 CFI's conducting training. 
  •  Operations Liaison
    • Between management and the CFI's and students.
    • Ensure assigned CFI's 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. 
  •  Flight training and stage checks
    • 550 hours of student contact time.
    • Conduct advanced stage checks. 
  •  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 with any request, concern or project. 
Required Competencies
  • Strong oral and written communications skills.
  • Ability to make sound training and safety decisions.
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent flight training/experience.
  • Must have experience with of FAR's and Part 141 Pilot School Operations.
  • Required FAA Ratings:
    • Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating.
    • Certified Flight Instructor with Instrument Rating (CFI, CFII) - Airplane.
  • 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. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

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

Submit all application materials by the closing date for the position.

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.

Advertised: 12 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 26 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time

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