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Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$41.9K

$109.3K

$181.9K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual pilot ground instructor in Portland, OR is $109,272.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,100.00 and $134,200.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Pilot Ground Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Virtual Pilot Ground Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,272 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Helicopter Flight Instructor

Hillsboro Aero Academy

Troutdale, OR • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

*** PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION SUCCESSFULLY ON OUR CAREER WEBSITE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ONE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@flyhaa.com***

General Position Summary:

Provide flight, simulator and ground instruction with Hillsboro Aero Academy. This position includes involvement in the HAA Safety Management System including risk analysis and mitigation. Flight instructors are expected to maintain adequate records, meeting course standards, fulfilling training requirements and objectives and ensuring satisfactory student progress.

Essential/Major Responsibilities:

• Perform flight instructor duties authorized by the Federal Aviation Regulation and in accordance with the approved training course outlines

• Ensure compliance with and promotion of the HAA Safety Management System and company SOPs

• Maintain satisfactory student progress through the course(s), ensure course standards and training requirements are met and communicate delays to supervisor

• Accurately maintain all appropriate records associated with student training

• Attend weekly meetings

• Determine aircraft airworthiness

• Attend administrative, standardization, in-service training and instructor development meetings, as assigned

• Maintain and apply effective teaching and evaluation techniques

• Reconcile billable hours reports to complete bi-weekly payroll

• Communicate with potential students about flight training

• Other duties as assigned ie assistance fueling aircraft, driving company vehicles, etc.

Specific Job Skills:

• Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures using FAA Practical Test Standards

• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight

• Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations

• Ability to work well with others, in a fast-paced environment and provide superior customer service

• Demonstrate and exercise sound judgment

• Strong communication and teaching skills

Supervisory Responsibility:

Supervise students and student progress.

Interpersonal Contact:

Flight instructors must demonstrate exceptional customer service to current and potential students. Instructors will work closely with other flight instructors, maintenance technicians, safety personnel, dispatch personnel, line service, etc.

Education and/or Experience:

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor rating, Flight Instructor-Instrument required

• Must hold or be able to obtain a second class medical certificate

• Successful completion of FAA Part 141 Proficiency Check

• Completion of Special Federal Aviation Regulation 73 (b)(5) training with endorsement

• Have completed the Robinson Helicopter Safety Course or demonstrate ability to have course completed prior to employment

• Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures using FAA Practical Test Standards

• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight

• Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations

• Ability to work well with others, in a fast-paced environment and provide superior customer service

• Demonstrate and exercise sound judgment


This position will remain open until filled. Please do not contact Hillsboro Aero Academy regarding the status of your application.

Hillsboro Aero Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

*** PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION SUCCESSFULLY ON OUR CAREER WEBSITE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ONE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@flyhaa.com***