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Pilot Ground Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FlightSafety International

PILOT INSTRUCTOR

CA · On-site

Purpose of Position The Pilot Instructor is responsible for the accomplishment of ground-based ... Conduct other ground-based training, as required, for Aircrew Members in tanker and receiver ...

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Pilot Ground Instructor information

See California salary details

$39K

$101.7K

$169.3K

How much do pilot ground instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot ground instructor in California is $101,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot ground instructor?

To thrive as a Pilot Ground Instructor, you need in-depth aviation knowledge, teaching experience, and typically a Ground Instructor certificate issued by the FAA or a similar authority. Familiarity with flight training software, simulator technology, and digital course management systems is crucial. Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills help instructors clearly convey complex concepts and effectively support diverse learners. These abilities ensure students are well-prepared for safe flight operations and adhere to regulatory standards.

What does a pilot ground instructor do?

A typical day for a Pilot Ground Instructor involves preparing lesson plans, delivering classroom instruction to aspiring pilots, and assessing student progress through exams or knowledge checks. You may also spend time updating training materials, coordinating with flight instructors, and staying current with regulatory changes or advancements in aviation technology. Collaborative teamwork is important, as you’ll often consult with other instructors and school administrators to ensure training remains consistent and effective. Your role is vital in building the foundation for safe and skilled pilots, making every day a rewarding learning experience for both you and your students.

How to become a pilot ground instructor?

To become a pilot ground instructor, you must hold at least a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, accumulate the required flight hours, and obtain a ground instructor certificate from the appropriate aviation authority by passing written exams and a background check. This role involves teaching ground school topics and preparing students for pilot certifications, often requiring strong communication skills and knowledge of aviation regulations.

How much do pilot ground instructors make?

Pilot ground instructors typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of training facility. They often work part-time or on a contractual basis and may need certifications such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to qualify for higher-paying roles.

What is a pilot ground instructor?

A Pilot Ground Instructor is responsible for teaching ground school courses to student pilots, covering topics like aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and federal aviation regulations. They do not provide in-flight training but help students build the necessary theoretical knowledge for flight proficiency. Ground instructors typically work at flight schools, aviation academies, or within airline training programs. Certification is required from the FAA, with different levels such as Basic, Advanced, and Instrument Ground Instructor ratings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in California?

For Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pilot Ground Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pilot Ground Instructor job openings:

Pilot Ground Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Ground Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,689 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Flight Science Instructor (Reedley College) Part-Time Faculty Pool

State Center Community College District

Fresno, CA • On-site

$45.49 - $61.78/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

State Center Community College District rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Announcement Information
Posting Number Title Flight Science Instructor (Reedley College) Part-Time Faculty Pool Campus Location Reedley College Start Date 01/08/2018 Essential Functions of Position
The ideal candidate will share Reedley College's commitment to educating its racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. As of fall 2017, we currently enroll over 10,000 students of which 71% are Latinx, 1% are Filipino, 3% are Asian, 2% are African American, 19% are White, and 2% are multiracial. RC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the great responsibility that the College has to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community. The successful candidate will join a department dedicated to the use of curriculum responsive to the students it serves.
Providing instruction in Flight Science in a variety of instructional settings and times, including evening and/or weekends, on-line or off-campus and large group instruction classes as needed, the instructor will be responsible for:
  • Maintaining standards of professional conduct and ethics appropriate to the professional position and currency in teaching Flight Science;
  • Teaching lecture based flight science classes;
  • Teaching lab based flight science classes at Fresno Air Terminal;
  • Teaching other classes such as, Private Pilot Ground School 1, Private Pilot 1 Lab, Private Pilot Ground School 2, Private Pilot 2 Lab, Private Pilot 1 Stimulation Lab, Private Pilot 2 Stimulation Lab, Aviation History, Careers in Aviation, Remote Pilot Ground School (Drones), and/or other classes;
  • Using a variety of pedagogies and integrating a wide range of instructional delivery systems including innovative and creative uses of technology for face-to-face, on-line, and/or hybrid formats;
  • Communicating effectively with students;
  • Using effective teaching methods appropriate to the subject matter, adherence to institutionally approved curriculum course outlines of record;
  • Evaluating student progress through tests and examinations, written assignments, oral responses, etc. in keeping with course objectives;
  • Providing course syllabi to students;
  • Maintaining classroom records in accordance with District Policy;
  • Turning in all required student grading and evaluation reports in a timely manner; and
  • Otherwise fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities of instructors as required by Administrative Regulation 7122.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and two years of closely related experience;
    OR
  • Associate degree and six years of closely related experience;
    OR
  • A valid California Community College credential;
    OR
  • The equivalent education and/or experience (requires an equivalency).

All candidates must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom.
Desirable Qualifications
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate;
  • FAA Remote Pilot Certificate;
  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) Certificate;
  • FAA CFI Instrument Instructor (CFII) or Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) Certificate;
  • Related work and professional experience;
  • Experience in computer assisted instruction and other instructional technologies;
  • Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administration;
  • Ability to develop new and current curriculum and focus on student learning outcomes to improve student learning;
  • Experience working with students of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds;
  • Recent experience working with African American, Latinx, Native American, and other racially minoritized students in the classroom and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusions of these groups in higher education shape patterns of participation and outcomes;
  • Willingness to examine and remediate one's instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially minoritized students;
  • Experience and skill with addressing issues of equity in the classroom;
  • Potential for contribution to institutional vitality and growth; and
  • Knowledge of the community college and its mission and goals.
Salary and Benefits
Starting rates are $45.49 $61.78 lecture and $38.67 - $52.55 for lab. Sick leave accrual is based on assignment hours.
Selection Procedure
The selection and hiring process will be explained by the hiring department if the candidate is extended an opportunity to interview.
Please note: This position does not have a closing date and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position(s) is/are filled. By applying for this position, you understand that you will be placed in a continuous pool. If at any time you are no longer interested in this position, please withdraw your application.
Additional Information
This is a part-time position. Open until filled. Start dates may vary.This position reports to Mendota High School.
Additional Information about the Position
RC College Planning Site
Teach Dual Enrollment Reedley College Flight Science classes at Mendota High School starting January 2018.
  • Classes to include Private Pilot Ground School, History in Aviation and Careers in Aviation.
  • Classes are scheduled 3pm to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for spring 2018 semester at Mendota High School.
  • These lecture based classes are part of a Flight Science Associate of Science degree offered through Reedley College. Students are eligible to be concurrently enrolled in lab based flight lesson classes at Fresno Air Terminal offered through Reedley College. Flight lab classes are offered by JB Aviation at Fresno Air Terminal and may also use the Mendota airport and/or Reedley airport.
Open Date Close Date Closing Time Open Until Filled Yes Quick Link https://scccd.peopleadmin.com/postings/1808

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