ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Chief Flight Instructor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Mentor and lead a team of flight instructors, promoting continuous professional development and ensuring high standards of teaching and safety. * Develop and refine flight training curriculum ...

AEVEX

Instructor Pilot 4

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Overview An Instructor is responsible for providing flight training and instruction to air ... Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ...

AEVEX

Instructor Pilot 4

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Overview An Instructor is responsible for providing flight training and instruction to air ... Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ...

AEVEX

Instructor Pilot 4

Tampa, FL

Job Overview An Instructor is responsible for providing flight training and instruction to air ... Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Flight Instructor Jobs

Lead Flight Instructor information

See salary details

$7

$23

$52

How much do lead flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 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 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.

What are Lead Flight Instructors?

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.
More about Lead Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Lead Flight Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Flight Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Lead Flight Instructor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Flight Instructor jobs? The top employers for Lead Flight Instructor jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Flight Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Flight Instructor jobs are:
Lead Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,834 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Chief Flight Instructor

Ignite Flight Academy

Lincoln, NE

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

As Chief Flight Instructor, you'll be at the heart of our mission to inspire, empower, and transform lives through aviation — guiding students and developing instructors while building a culture of excellence and mentorship.

If you thrive on coaching, teaching, leading, and unlocking the potential in others, join our team and make a lasting impact on the lives of future aviators.

Position Summary: The Chief Flight Instructor is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the flight training program. This includes ensuring the quality and safety of flight instruction, compliance with aviation regulations, and the professional development of Ignite’s flight instructors and students.

Essential Job Functions

Flight Training Leadership

  • Lead and oversee all flight and ground training operations in accordance with FAA regulations, Part 141 and 61 requirements, and Ignite Flight Academy standards.
  • Maintain and continuously improve training curriculum, Training Course Outlines (TCOs), policies, procedures, and instructional materials.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the FAA, instructors, and academy leadership regarding training, compliance, and program development.

Instructor Leadership & Development

  • Hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate flight instructors to ensure standardization, professionalism, and instructional excellence.
  • Provide coaching, performance feedback, and corrective action when necessary.
  • Monitor instructor effectiveness and productivity to support student success and operational efficiency.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations, company policies, and safety standards.
  • Investigate, document, and address safety events, incidents/accidents, and operational concerns.
  • Stay current with regulatory changes and implement updates within training programs and procedures.

Student Success & Training Outcomes

  • Monitor student progress, training quality, and completion of program milestones.
  • Conduct end-of-course evaluations for Examining Authority and stage/prog checks.
  • Review and approve student records, endorsements, and training documentation.
  • Address student performance concerns while promoting timely program completion.

Program Development & Continuous Improvement

  • Advance instructor development, group ground training, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Lead initiatives that improve training quality, efficiency, student outcomes, and Examining Authority capabilities.
  • Evaluate and implement industry best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative teaching methodologies.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, mentorship, accountability, and open communication.

Leadership & Stakeholder Relations

  • Build positive relationships with students, families, sponsors, staff, and regulatory agencies.
  • Represent Ignite Flight Academy with professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership.
  • Champion and model the Academy's Mission, Convictions, and Core Values.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Hold a valid FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Instructor ratings.
  • At least 2000 hours PIC with at least 1500 hours dual given
  • Prior Part 141 experience strongly preferred; familiarity with Examining Authority operations is a plus
  • Proven ability to lead and develop others.
  • Strong understanding of FAA regulations, ACS standards, and training documentation requirements
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Bachelor’s degree in aviation, education, or a related field is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to perform all duties associated with piloting and instructing in aircraft.

  • Valid FAA Medical Certificate.

  • Regularly lift 25lbs and occasionally lift/move up to 50lbs.


#hc247972