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Lead Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Controller/Instructor

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$90K - $250K/yr

Posting/External Job Title Flight Controller/Instructor Location Austin, TX 78701 US (Primary) San ... Provide real-time mission support as required, including console operations and team lead functions.

Supervisor-Flight Operations

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$116K - $174K/yr

The Flight Training Supervisor's primary responsibility is to develop and lead a world-class flight ... Establish, guide, and empower a team of flight instructors to meet departmental goals: Driving an ...

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Lead Flight Instructor information

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$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:
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.
Instructor Pilot 4 with Security Clearance

Instructor Pilot 4 with Security Clearance

AEVEX Aerospace

Tampa, FL โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Overview An Instructor is responsible for providing flight training and instruction to air vehicle operators (AVO). In addition, they ensure that the AVOs are proficient in flying and operating aircraft safely and effectively in combat and non-combat situations. Essential Functions * Lead flight instruction to military AVOs, including pre-flight briefings, in-flight guidance, and postflight debriefings.

* Direct the development & necessary updates of training curricula, lesson plans, and instructional materials to reflect changes in aircraft systems, procedures, and tactics. * Conduct simulator-based training sessions to simulate various flight scenarios, emergencies, and mission profiles. * Provide overall direction to ensure compliance with safety regulations, standard operating procedures, and aviation best practices during all training activities.

* Evaluate AVO performance and proficiency through flight assessments, examinations, and proficiency checks. * Maintain up-to-date knowledge of aircraft systems, avionics, weapons systems, and operational capabilities to effectively train AVOs. * Provide leadership, mentorship and guidance to AVOS, as they develop their skills and knowledge in aviation operations.

* Ensure the team maintains accurate records of training activities, student progress, and instructional materials in accordance with organizational standards. * Lead collaboration efforts with other instructors, subject matter experts, and training personnel to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of training programs. * Performs other related duties as assigned.

Standard Essential Functions * Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule]. * Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices. * Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies * Current or previous qualification on the specific aircraft type(s) being instructed is required. * Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing situations and make decisions under pressure.

* Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism in all aspects of flight instruction. * Demonstrated prior professional experience requiring strong interpersonal and team building skills. * Demonstrated prior professional experience requiring Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* Demonstrated prior professional experience requiring strong MS Suite skills: Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook. Education / Certifications * High School or GED minimum * Bachelors degree in an aviation, aerospace engineering or related field * Master's Degree is a plus * Current FAA or military pilot certifications, including commercial pilot license, instrument rating, and appropriate endorsements is highly desirable. * FAA Class II medical certificate.

Experience * 10 + years of experience (High School / GED) * 6 + years of experience (Bachelor's Degree) * 4+ years of experience(Masters Degree) * 2 years demonstrated prior successful Lead Management experience at the company level of a DoS or DoD contract, preferably in support of an aerial surveillance program. (Experience can be military, civilian, or contractor, or a combination of the three.) * Extensive flight experience as a military pilot, preferably with experience in operating advanced aircraft systems. * Previous experience as a certified flight instructor (CFI), instructor pilot, or military flight instructor is highly desirable.

* Experience with the U.S. Department of State (DoS), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), or other Government contracting agencies * Demonstrated prior professional experience briefing both internal and external customers.

* Demonstrated prior professional experience with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, or other Government contracting agencies.

Physical Requirements 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: * Frequently required to stand for extended periods of time * Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance * Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required. Disclaimer: AEVEX Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity employer.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. About AEVEX AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions.

The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses.

AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees. Equal Employment Opportunity: AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Create a Job Alert Interested in building your career at AEVEX? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

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