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Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor Jobs in Mankato, MN

Check Instructor

Mankato, MN · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$39.2K

$102.1K

$170K

How much do virtual pilot ground instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual pilot ground instructor in Mankato, MN is $102,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a virtual pilot ground instructor collaborate with other training staff to ensure comprehensive student learning?

As a Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor, you will regularly collaborate with flight instructors, curriculum developers, and technical support staff to deliver a cohesive learning experience. This often involves participating in team meetings to align on lesson plans, sharing student progress updates, and integrating feedback from simulator sessions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll work together to address individual student needs and ensure training materials remain current with industry standards.

What does a virtual pilot ground instructor do?

A Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor is responsible for teaching aspiring pilots the theoretical knowledge required for flying, such as navigation, meteorology, flight regulations, and aircraft systems, typically through online platforms. They use virtual classrooms, simulators, and digital materials to prepare students for written exams and practical flight training. Virtual Ground Instructors ensure students understand important concepts before they advance to in-person or simulator-based flight lessons, making pilot education more accessible and flexible.

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

To thrive as a Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor, you need strong aviation knowledge, instructional skills, and relevant certifications such as a Ground Instructor Certificate (AGI, IGI, or BGI) from the FAA. Familiarity with flight simulation software, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and digital presentation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and adaptability are vital soft skills for engaging students and addressing diverse learning needs. These competencies ensure effective knowledge transfer, regulatory compliance, and a positive learning environment for aspiring pilots.

What is the difference between Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectVirtual Pilot Ground InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsGround Instructor Certificate, FAA certificationsFlight Instructor Certificate, FAA certifications
Work EnvironmentOnline, classroom, or remote settingsFlight schools, aircraft, in-person or remote
Employer & Industry UsageFlight training organizations, online platformsFlight schools, aviation academies

Both roles require FAA certifications and involve aviation training. The Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor primarily teaches ground school topics remotely, focusing on theoretical knowledge, while the Flight Instructor conducts hands-on flight training. The main difference lies in the training environment and practical versus theoretical focus.

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Mankato, MN? For Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Mankato, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Mankato, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Mankato, MN are:

$44K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 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.