1

Temporary Chief Flight Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Temporary Chief Flight Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$26.5K

$100.3K

$154.3K

How much do temporary chief flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary chief flight instructor in Portland, OR is $100,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary chief flight instructor?

A Temporary Chief Flight Instructor is a qualified individual appointed for a limited period to oversee the training and supervision of flight instructors and student pilots at a flight school or aviation training organization. They are responsible for ensuring that all flight training activities comply with regulatory standards and organizational policies. This role often includes conducting instructor checkrides, updating training curricula, and maintaining safety protocols. Temporary appointments may occur when the permanent Chief Flight Instructor is unavailable or when there is a transitional period in the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary chief flight instructor?

To thrive as a Temporary Chief Flight Instructor, you need advanced piloting skills, a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating, and significant instructional experience. Familiarity with flight training management systems, FAA regulations, and safety protocols is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as CFII or MEI. Leadership, strong communication, and organizational abilities are crucial soft skills for mentoring instructors and ensuring effective training programs. These competencies ensure safe, compliant flight operations and high-quality instruction for student pilots and staff.

What are some common challenges faced by a temporary chief flight instructor, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Temporary Chief Flight Instructor, one common challenge is quickly adapting to the existing training programs and ensuring continuity for both students and instructors. You may also need to address gaps in documentation or standardization left by your predecessor. Effective communication, proactive engagement with the flight training team, and regular briefings help maintain safety standards and instructional quality. Building rapport with staff and students early on can also ease the transition and foster a supportive learning environment.

What is the difference between Temporary Chief Flight Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectTemporary Chief Flight InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and often a Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII)Commercial Pilot License and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentLeads flight training programs, manages instructors, and oversees safety protocolsProvides individual flight training to students in aircraft or simulators
Employer & Industry UsageFlight schools, aviation academies, and training centersFlight schools, flying clubs, and aviation training providers

The Temporary Chief Flight Instructor typically holds advanced certifications and manages training programs, while the Flight Instructor focuses on direct student instruction. Both roles are essential in aviation training but differ in responsibilities and leadership scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Chief Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Chief Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

For Temporary Chief Flight Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Chief Flight Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,345 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Aircraft Flight Instructor

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Portland, OR • On-site

$138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the BPA Aircraft Services (TAA) organization of Transmission Chief of Staff (TA), Transmission Services (T).
We are seeking an expert Lead Flight Instructor for Bell 407 helicopters and drones. You will train and evaluate our pilots and instructors, develop advanced flight manuals and safety procedures, and lead critical missions in challenging environments to support the Northwest's power grid.Qualifications:

In addition to meeting the individual occupational requirements for positions in the 2181 series, you must also meet a selective placement factor (screen-out); both requirements will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
You MUST provide a copy of your current ATP or helicopter commercial certificate with appropriate endorsement, medical certificate and sufficient documentation (e.g., copy of Log Book) to show proof you meet the requirements stated below. Failure to provide supporting documentation by the closing date may result in disqualification; your application will be marked incomplete.
The individual occupational requirements and selective placement factor for this position are as follows:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Helicopter certificate or Commercial pilot license with rotorcraft helicopter ratings and/or appropriate military rating.
  • FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. 1500 Total Flight Hours (as pilot-in-command or copilot in an aircraft of any weight or category (1,125 for eligible current federal employees)
  2. 250 helicopter flight hours as Pilot-in-Command.
  3. 75 Night Flying (25 hours may be waived for eligible current federal employees)
  4. 100 Flying Time in the Last 12 Months (50 hrs for eligible current federal employees)
  5. 500 Helicopter Instructor Hours
Other requirements for Helicopter:
  • Possess and maintain an FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate
  • Pilot Certificate must state "English Proficient".
  • FAA External-Load Operator Certificate (Class B)
  • FAA External-Load Operator Certificate (Class C)
  • Must complete training for and obtain a FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within six months of appointment.
  • This position is subject to initial and random drug and alcohol testing.

Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Energy employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom