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Summer Instructor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Instructor Pilot information

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$39.5K

$103K

$171.5K

How much do summer instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer instructor pilot in the United States is $103,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Instructor Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Instructor Pilot, you need strong aviation knowledge, a commercial or instructor pilot license, and experience in flight training. Familiarity with flight simulators, GPS navigation systems, and safety management software is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and situational awareness help instructors effectively teach and mentor student pilots. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and effective pilot training during the busy summer season.

What is the difference between Summer Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectSummer Instructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) preferredPrivate Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentSummer camps, flight schools, outdoor settingsFlight schools, airports, training centers
Employer & IndustrySummer camps, aviation training programsFlight training academies, flight schools

Both roles involve instructing pilots, but Summer Instructor Pilots typically work seasonally in outdoor or camp settings, focusing on summer programs, while Flight Instructors work year-round at flight schools. The certifications are similar, with a focus on pilot licenses and instructing credentials. The main difference lies in the work environment and seasonal versus ongoing employment.

What is a Summer Instructor Pilot?

A Summer Instructor Pilot is a professional pilot who provides flight instruction, typically during the summer months, to student pilots or aviation program participants. Their primary responsibilities include teaching flight theory, demonstrating maneuvers, ensuring safety, and preparing students for pilot certification exams. These instructors may work at flight schools, aviation camps, or university programs and are often experienced pilots with instructor certification. The role is seasonal and may focus on accelerated learning or introductory aviation experiences. Summer Instructor Pilots play a crucial role in training the next generation of pilots.

What are some unique challenges faced by Summer Instructor Pilots, and how can they prepare for them?

Summer Instructor Pilots often face the challenge of working with students of varying experience levels in a condensed timeframe, which requires adapting teaching methods quickly. Additionally, weather conditions during the summer months can be unpredictable, impacting scheduling and flight safety. To prepare, instructor pilots should develop flexible lesson plans, maintain open communication with students, and stay updated on weather forecasts and safety protocols. Collaborating closely with other instructors and flight operations staff also helps ensure efficient training and a supportive work environment.
More about Summer Instructor Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Instructor Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Summer Instructor Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Instructor Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Instructor Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Instructor Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Instructor Pilot jobs include:
Flight Operations Service Leader

Flight Operations Service Leader

Aviation Performance Solutions

Mesa, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

We Help Pilots Bring Everyone Home Safely.
Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) (www.apstraining.com) develops and delivers industry-leading Upset Prevention and Recovery Training to help solve the leading cause of fatalities in aircraft accidents, Loss of Control In-Flight.
At APS, we help pilots bring everyone home safely. We don't just say that; it is our primary focus every day. We are an ambitious team on a mission to change flight training for the better, worldwide. To be upfront, APS is not for everyone. We hold ourselves to a higher standard than most. We strive for excellence, believing in people and their ability to constantly improve and realize potential. To thrive here you'll need passion, hustle, humility, discipline, and comfort with the ongoing evolution of a fast-growing company. There will be hard work and exciting challenges, and we'll face them together with optimism! As a member of the APS team, you will enjoy; a rewarding career, meeting amazing new people every day, unrivaled personal growth opportunities, and the deep satisfaction that your efforts truly help save lives.
APS is seeking a Flight Operations Service Leader (FOSL) to start immediately. This position uniquely combines delivery of outstanding customer service with dynamic operational execution and dedicated team leadership. The right candidate for this role will embrace and embody APS core values of Safety, Service, Accountability, Egoless, Excellence, Optimism, and fulfilling Dreams.
Hours depend on season.
Summer hours are from 5:15 am - 1:30 pm
Winter hours are from 7:15 am - 3:30 pm
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute the daily plan for safe and efficient flight operations
    • Creatively assign personnel, aircraft, and administrative resources to meet customer needs in a dynamic and fast paced environment
    • Massage the daily flight schedule to accommodate late or unforeseen changes
    • Quickly and professionally communicate changes to instructors, team members, and customers
    • Manage and monitor aircraft launches and returns
    • Adhere to FAA regulations and facilitate required paperwork
  • Lead a team of 3 to 5 Flight Operations Support Specialists (FOSS)
    • Help with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring team members
    • Deliver initial and ongoing job training, assess performance, and provide support
    • Coach and Inspire team members to meet both APS goals and personal career goals
      • Hold a weekly meeting with each team member and conduct reviews
  • Ensure a seamless and positive customer experience from customer arrival on-site through departure
    • Receive, direct and host customers
      • Monitor customer check-in
      • Provide facilities orientations
      • Explain schedule/flight maneuvers
      • Visit with customers and families
    • Prepare and host customers/guests prior to, during, and after flights
      • Assign and maintain flight suits, helmets, gloves, call signs, and other clothing and equipment
      • Take and process customer photos/videos
      • Monitor customer/guest well-being and offer helpful solutions
    • Follow safety management system protocols to ensure customer and team safety on airport ramp and in and around aircraft
    • As needed, assist FOSS team members to prepare aircraft and help strap in customers
    • Prepare facility for customers/guests
      • Monitor general cleanliness, trash removal, supplies, etc
      • Manage stock of training materials, certificates, supplies, etc
      • Maintain facility and aircraft cleanliness and supplies
    • Act as the final check for each customer's experience! Work to achieve customer satisfaction feedback after departure to measure success.
      • Help obtain google reviews, testimonials, and maintain social media presence
  • Overcome unforeseen weather, maintenance or other issues and suggest creative solutions to safely update the flight schedule
    • Be the quarterback of the operations team
    • Must maintain a big picture focus
    • When necessary, make quick/accurate decisions, sometimes on an hourly basis
  • Work well with APS instructor pilots, aircraft maintenance and administrative personnel and other team members to ensure a safe and positive customer training experience
  • Be prepared to bring high level issues to leadership
  • Run or coordinate execution of occasional company errands
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by management
  • Help other departments or team members as needed

Minimum Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Min 3+ years work experience
  • Proficient with G-Suite, MS Office Suite, can easily integrate new technologies
  • Experience leading and inspiring a team of 2 to 5 direct reports
  • Experience working cross-functionally, maintaining communications and relationships between several departments
  • Flexible and innovative - can overcome unforeseen challenges and come up with creative solutions with a positive spin
  • Safety conscious with strong commitment to integrity
  • Outgoing personality with emphasis on positive attitude, teamwork, customer satisfaction and company growth
  • Ability to work with people of different personalities and cultures
  • Proficiency with administrative and phone skills required
  • Must have sound judgment and high situational awareness
  • Must be able to pass DOT/GAA drug and alcohol testing
  • Must be prepared to work 5 days a week Monday - Friday. Hours range from 5:15 am - 3:45 pm (depending on season).

Experience Advantages in the Selection Process:
  • Aviation Industry knowledge or experience
  • Experience using Hubspot
  • Experience working in or managing flight operations (scheduling/launching/dispatching)
  • Customer Service Experience

Physical requirements:
  • 190 lbs. max weight (must climb on parked aircraft wings to assist customers)
  • Ability to assist in pushing small aircraft
  • Ability to push 55-gallon oil drum on wheels
  • Ability to uphold professional company grooming standards
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs when needed
  • Must be physically fit and willing to do hands-on work both inside and outside during all seasons

Work Environment & Benefits:
  • Fun, challenging, exciting, family-oriented work environment
  • 9-10 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off starting at 15 days per year
  • Bereavement Pay
  • Potential quarterly bonuses based on company performance
  • Free yearly aerobatic flight for yourself or to be gifted
  • Large-network Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance with high company contribution
  • Wellness program with potential discounts and gifts
  • 401K with company match
  • Continuing education and professional development
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Discounts on flights and APS merchandise
  • Uniform shirts and hats provided

Aviation Performance Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.