What Is a Flight Simulator Instructor and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A flight simulator instructor provides instruction to a student training to become a pilot. Your main responsibilities revolve around teaching ground, simulator, and flight operations. Your duties include developing curriculum, providing lessons, reviewing and grading students, monitoring the condition of an aircraft and related equipment, and creating reports on your students. You cover aviation machinery, flying techniques, safety policies and procedures, and FAA regulations. You assist students throughout the course and answer questions to ensure their success. A flight simulator instructor may also help recruit new applicants to the program.

To become a flight simulator instructor, you must complete certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Employers also prefer candidates with FAA Medical certification. You must be a licensed pilot with extensive experience flying the type of aircraft you teach. To be successful in this career, you need to be able to perform all tasks in both a simulator and in flight. Additional qualifications include familiarity with flying terminology, the ability to work in a noisy environment, and excellent interpersonal communication skills.