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Lead Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DRG

Pilot Instructor

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

Serves as Flight Check Airman (FCA) Lead when assigned. * Serves as Community College of the Air ... Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience is highly desired. * CATS MECOC ...

New

Leidos

Airborne Mission Systems Instructor

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

Deliver engaging training on mission planning, flight safety, airmanship, threat warning, TTPs, and ... Ability to lead independently while thriving within a high-performance, dynamic team. * Strong ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Flight Test Operator

Bingen, WA

Under the direction of the Lead Flight Test Engineer, Flight Test Engineers, and designated test ... Previous experience as a UAS Operator, Maintenance Instructor, military instructor, developmental ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Flight Test Operator

Bingen, WA · On-site

Under the direction of the Lead Flight Test Engineer, Flight Test Engineers, and designated test ... Previous experience as a UAS Operator, Maintenance Instructor, military instructor, developmental ...

Heven AeroTech

UAS Flight Test Operator

Bingen, WA · On-site

Under the direction of the Lead Flight Test Engineer, Flight Test Engineers, and designated test ... Previous experience as a UAS Operator, Maintenance Instructor, military instructor, developmental ...

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Lead Flight Instructor information

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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.

Pilot-Flight Standards and Evaluation

Weston&Sampson, Inc.

Battle Creek, MI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary

College

College College Of Aviation

Executive Area

Executive Area Provost & VP Academic Affairs

Department

Department College of Aviation

Posting Number

Posting Number S1674P

Job Type

Job Type Full Time, Regular

Pay Type

Pay Grade

Pay Grade G

Campus Location

Campus Location WMU-Battle Creek - College of Aviation

Salary Range

Salary Range Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies Multiple

General Summary
  • Ensures standardization of flight instructors through maintaining documents, training profiles, and evaluation checks.
Major Duties
  • Assists in the development of standardization of new-hire and recurrent training of flight instructors.
  • Develops and maintains standardization practices and publications.
  • Conducts and documents evaluations of flight instructors and certifies their qualifications to provide flight instruction.
  • Audits instructional practices for University standards compliance and federal aviation requirements.
  • Provides ground and in-flight progress evaluations and occasional specialty flight instruction.
  • Assists in executing safety related initiatives for flight operations.
  • Participates in post-incident debriefs. Provides training and policy change recommendations as applicable.
  • Trains and evaluates staff, student, and temporary employees.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited institution, or a Bachelor’s degree in a non-related field from an accredited institution combined with relevant experience.
  • Three year’s relevant experience.
  • Supervisory or lead experience.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Aviation industry experience.
  • Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) pilot certification; Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single Engine Land ( ASEL ), Airplane Multi Engine Land ( AMEL ), Instrument Airplane.
  • Pilot and instrumental ratings for relevant aircraft
  • Must meet FAA physical and medical standards for flight licensure.
  • Hold at least an FAA 2nd class medical; and have dexterity to fly WMU primary aircraft trainers (single engine and multi engine) from both pilot positions and accommodate weight and balance for at least 70% of the student population with standard fuel loads. As a reference, considering the average weight of our students and our current fleet, flight instructors could weigh up to approximately 260lbs.
  • Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
Additional Position Information
  • There are multiple openings for this position. By applying to this posting, applicants will be considered for each position. Applicants may receive multiple email communications.
  • A physical examination may be administered by the employer’s designated physician.
  • Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff
Physical requirements and working conditions
  • Light work with some physical demands such as continuously lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds, but rarely moving more than 25 to 50 pounds.
  • Work is performed with exposure to any number of elements which may occasionally require some precautions such as safety glasses, protective clothing, ear protection, etc.
  • Must be available to provide instruction or serve as pilot-in-command outside of normal business hours.
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  • * Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited institution, or a Bachelor’s degree in a non-related field from an accredited institution combined with relevant experience?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you have three year’s relevant experience?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you have supervisory or lead experience?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you have strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you have aviation industry experience?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you have Federal Aviation Administration pilot certification; Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single Engine Land, Airplane Multi Engine Land, Instrument Airplane?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you have Federal Aviation Administration instructor certification; Certified Flight Instructor, Airplane Single Engine, instrument Airplane?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you have pilot and instrumental ratings for relevant aircraft?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you meet FAA physical and medical standards for flight licensure?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you hold at least an FAA 2nd class medical; and have dexterity to fly WMU primary aircraft trainers (single engine and multi engine) from both pilot positions and accommodate weight and balance for at least 70% of the student population with standard fuel loads?As a reference, considering the average weight of our students and our current fleet, flight instructors could weigh up to approximately 260lbs.
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you have the ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends?
    • Yes
    • No

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

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