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Seasonal Flight Simulator Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Seasonal Flight Simulator Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$97.5K

$149.9K

How much do seasonal flight simulator instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for seasonal flight simulator instructor in Chicago, IL is $97,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seasonal flight simulator instructor?

A Seasonal Flight Simulator Instructor is a professional who provides flight training and instruction to pilots using flight simulators, typically during peak training periods or specific seasons when demand is high. These instructors help pilots practice procedures, emergency scenarios, and standard operations in a safe, controlled environment that replicates real flight experiences. They may work for airlines, flight schools, or aviation training centers and are often experienced pilots themselves, holding relevant certifications. The seasonal aspect means their employment is generally tied to periods of increased training activity, such as before major hiring waves or regulatory deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seasonal flight simulator instructor?

To thrive as a Seasonal Flight Simulator Instructor, you need strong aviation knowledge, instructional abilities, and typically an FAA or equivalent pilot certification. Familiarity with advanced flight simulation software, scenario development tools, and learning management systems is often required. Excellent communication, patience, and adaptability help instructors effectively engage trainees and adjust to varied learning styles. These skills ensure safe, effective training that prepares pilots for real-world scenarios and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by seasonal flight simulator instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Seasonal Flight Simulator Instructors often face challenges such as adapting quickly to varying simulator platforms, managing condensed training schedules, and keeping trainees engaged during intensive sessions. To address these issues, instructors benefit from staying up-to-date with simulator software updates, leveraging interactive teaching techniques, and maintaining clear communication with both trainees and full-time staff. Building rapport quickly with students and collaborating closely with permanent instructors can also help ensure a smooth training experience despite the seasonal nature of the role.

What is the difference between Seasonal Flight Simulator Instructor vs Flight Simulator Technician?

AspectSeasonal Flight Simulator InstructorFlight Simulator Technician
Required CertificationsFlight instructor certification, simulator operation trainingAV technician certification, technical training in simulator systems
Work EnvironmentFlight training centers, airline training facilitiesMaintenance workshops, technical support centers
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, flight training academiesSimulator manufacturers, airline maintenance departments

The Seasonal Flight Simulator Instructor primarily focuses on training pilots using simulators, requiring instructional certifications and working in training environments. In contrast, the Flight Simulator Technician handles the technical maintenance and repair of simulators, requiring technical certifications and working in maintenance settings. Both roles are essential in the flight training industry but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Flight Simulator Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


FlightSafety International rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 223 rated education and training


Job description

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world's premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Purpose of Position

The Flight Instructor delivers exceptional ground and simulator flight instruction in accordance with aviation regulations and FlightSafety Training principles.

Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct pilot ground and simulator training for clients receiving core, specialty or enrichment training courses.
  • Develop and prepare training materials that support training delivery to meet the client needs in accordance with the applicable curriculum.
  • Evaluate and measure trainee progress and recommend for qualification, or additional training.
  • Complete accurate training records specific to each client, aiding their success in achieving the requested objective(s).
  • Identify client training issues and seek assistance prior to execution.
  • Maintain Instructor qualifications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Minimum Education
  • No requirement.
Minimum Experience
  • Must be able and willing to participate in FlightSafety's DOT Drug and Alcohol testing program
  • An unrestricted ATP certificate, or an ICAO member state Airline Transport Pilot License
  • If no ATP, must meet the requirements of:
  • 14 CFR part 61.153
  • 14 CFR part 61.64 without a Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) limitation. 
  • A minimum of one unrestricted PIC type rating;
  • Preferred: FAR Part 135, FAR Part 121, or military training experience;
  • Preferred: 2,500 hours of total flight time
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Knowledge of aviation safety standards and practices
  • Knowledge of common aviation regulations
  • Ability to manage classes and teach effectively
  • First-level facilitation skills
  • First-level customer service skills
  • Ability to be coachable and receive feedback to support development
Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

Must possess physical range of body motion to perform the following: Reach, exert pressure and manipulate the rudder controls and/or anti-torque with both feet. Reach and manipulate numerous controls within the Simulator device from the Instructor's chair. Enter and exit from the Simulator device via the provided ramp. Move between the Instructor station, screen and podium while instructing in the classroom. Exit from malfunctioned Simulator while the device is in a severely pitched attitude. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee may work in high, precarious places and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration.

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant's ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A "U.S. Person" includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.


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