ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pilot Ground Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

North Star Aviation

Check Instructor

Mankato, MN

$44K - $50K/yr

Observe flight and ground lessons conducted by other flight instructors when stage checks cancel ... Must hold CFI, CFI-I, and MEI and meet the pilot-in-command recent flight experience requirements ...

North Star Aviation

Check Instructor

Mankato, MN · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

... ground lessons conducted by other flight instructors when stage checks cancel. • Help improve ... Education & Experience: • Must hold CFI, CFI-I, and MEI and meet the pilot-in-command recent ...

All JobsPilot Ground Instructor JobsPilot Ground Instructor Jobs in Minnesota

Pilot Ground Instructor information

See Minnesota salary details

$38.7K

$100.9K

$168K

How much do pilot ground instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot ground instructor in Minnesota is $100,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $123,900.00 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Minnesota? For Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Minnesota are:
Pilot Ground Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Ground Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,917 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Check Instructor

North Star Aviation

Mankato, MN

$44K - $50K/yr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description

Purpose:

To ensure safe flight practices by maintaining training standards through stage checks and lesson observations. Check Airmen will also provide mentorship to our students in a safe and comfortable environment and work together with instructors to overcome challenges in the learning process. Our Check Airmen work to ensure compliance with applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and North Star Aviation policy in respect to training students and conducting stage checks. 


Tasks:

Ensure safety of flight

Conduct stage checks in a professional manner and uphold the standards of North Star Aviation's Training Course Outlines.

Provide thorough, productive, and constructive debriefs to students and their instructors after completion of a stage check event.

Prescribe re-training requirements following Unsatisfactory Stage Check events.

Observe flight and ground lessons conducted by other flight instructors when stage checks cancel.

Help improve quality of training by noting trends and raising awareness of items to be worked on with Flight Instructors.

Attend meetings as scheduled by the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor (Standards).

Be an ambassador to safety by following applicable FOM procedures, file reports using the current safety reporting system, attend periodic safety meetings, and maintain a general safety mindset.

Ensure student records are kept in an orderly and accurate manner. 

Periodically audit all records pertaining to students in their care and correct any errors while following applicable NSA procedures. 

Work in conjunction with assigned scheduler to ensure adequate student progress towards applicable flight lab completion deadlines.  Student progress is a shared responsibility. Schedulers ensure "quantity" of lessons, and Flight Instructors ensure "quality" of lessons.


EEO/AAP/Drug Free Workplace

Requirements

  1. Physical Demands:
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling.
  • Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. routinely and up to 100 lbs. occasionally
  • Frequent work in small places, extreme temperatures, heights above six feet and noisy environments.

Education & Experience:

Must hold CFI, CFI-I, and MEI and meet the pilot-in-command recent flight experience requirements of FAR 61.57

Must be able to comply with the NSA Flight Operations Manual and FAR 141.37.

Possesses unblemished flight record

Having signed off at least one student in each TCO is preferred, but not required.

Must have evaluation and debrief skills.

Must be able to relate to instructors and students.

Strong consideration will be given to candidates with substantial dual given hours and a high number of students instructed in Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Instructor Part 61 and 141 TCOs, with particular emphasis on their pass rates.

Additional experience relevant to performing the duties of a check airman will be highly valued.

Apply