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Lead Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 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.

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.

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 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.

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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The top employers for Lead Flight Instructor jobs are:

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.

Aviation Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$27.25 - $37/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Department
Aviation & Aerospace Science
By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Position Summary
The Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for future part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions.
For more information about the Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science in our College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/aviation-aerospace.
Responsibilities
An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.
Required Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree is required to teach aviation-related courses such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, airport management, aviation law, and more.
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification is required to teach FAA pilot ground and aircraft simulator courses such as:
    o Pilot Ground Courses: Private Pilot Ground - Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) or Certified Flight Instructor; Instrument Pilot Ground - Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) or Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument; Commercial Pilot Ground - Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) or Certified Flight Instructor; Flight Instructor Ground - Advanced Ground Instructor or Certified Flight Instructor
    o Simulator Courses: AES 1710 - Certified Flight Instructor; AES 2710 - Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument; AES 3710 - Certified Flight Instructor with Commercial Multi-engine
    o UAS/UAV Courses - FAA Part 107

Note - FAA Certifications must be current according to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
Preferred Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in aviation, aviation-related major, or a master's degree or doctorate in aviation
  • Four or more years of industry-related experience

Terms of Employment
Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.
Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.
Salary for Announcement
The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1233 - $1512.
For more information, you may view pay rates here: Affiliate Rates.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications must include the following required materials:
1. Curriculum vitae
2. Cover letter
3. Copies of certifications, if applicable (please copy front and back)
There is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) in the application poral to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidates selected for hire.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya Rogowsky
Posting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.edu
Benefits
The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.