CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A Certified Flight Instructor is the person standing between a student and a solo endorsement. In programs, that distinction carries real regulatory weight: every flight logged, every stage check initiated, and every Training Course Outline objective signed off flows through this seat. The instructor owns both airborne performance and the paperwork trail that proves it. Few roles in aviation require this combination of stick-and-rudder proficiency and administrative precision simultaneously.

As the Certified Flight Instructor, you deliver FAA-compliant flight, simulator, and ground instruction that moves students from enrollment through check ride readiness within structured Training Course Outline timelines. You report to a Chief Flight Instructor or Director of Flight Operations and manage a personal roster of assigned students across all phases of training.

Career Impact: Accumulating dual instruction hours toward ATP minimums while holding a CFI certificate is one of the most direct routes to airline hiring eligibility in the US market.

Business Impact: Students who complete training on schedule and pass check rides on the first attempt are the clearest measure of an instructor's contribution to a flight school's reputation and enrollment pipeline.

Growth Opportunity: Earning additional ratings such as CFII and MEI while working expands the courses you can teach, increases your market value, and accelerates the hour-building needed for turbine career pathways.

• Deliver flight, simulator, and ground instruction in compliance with Part 61 and 141 FAA regulations and approved Training Course Outline objectives.
• Schedule each assigned student consistently to ensure steady syllabus progress and flag delays to the Chief Flight Instructor immediately.
• Maintain student training records, logbooks, and computer entries accurately to meet FAA documentation standards.
• Initiate stage check and end-of-course requests for students who have met the prerequisites defined in the Training Course Outline.
• Monitor training aircraft airworthiness during preflight and report discrepancies to maintenance personnel before further flight.
• File incident reports for any observed safety violation or condition that could affect the safety of flight operations.
• Review and recommend curriculum or courseware improvements to keep instructional materials current with regulatory updates.
• Attend standardization, in-service training, and instructor development meetings to maintain program consistency.

• Bachelor's degree in aviation or a related field, or equivalent flight training experience.
• 2 or more years of certificated flight instruction experience, with demonstrated student progression through stage checks.
• FAA Certificated Flight Instructor certificate with Airplane Single Engine Land privileges required.
• Current FAA Medical Certificate at Class II or higher, maintained on the renewal schedule required by the employing program.
• Proficiency in aircraft piloting skills including all maneuvers and procedures at the commercial pilot level.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations under Parts 61, 91, and 141 and the ability to apply them in both classroom and cockpit settings.
• Ability to manage a roster of multiple students simultaneously while maintaining accurate records and meeting course deadlines.

• Instrument Instructor rating (CFII) with documented instrument dual hours given.
• Multi-Engine Instructor rating (MEI) or willingness to obtain within a defined period after hire.
• Prior experience teaching in a structured Part 141 program with formal Training Course Outlines and stage check processes.
• Multilingual communication ability, particularly relevant for programs that train international student pilot candidates.

• Student check ride first-attempt pass rate, reflecting instructional preparation against FAA Airmen Certification Standards.
• Stage check completion rate per student per month, measuring adherence to Training Course Outline pacing.
• Dual instruction hours given per week, tracking instructor utilization and student scheduling consistency.
• Logbook and training record audit pass rate, measuring documentation accuracy across assigned student files.
• Incident report submission timeliness, reflecting responsiveness to safety observations in flight operations.
• Typical tools: Flight training record systems (commonly WINGS or school-specific FBO platforms) and electronic gradebook platforms used in Part 141 programs.

• Base Salary Range: $45,000 to $70,000 per year, varying by rating level and hours given.
• Bonus: hour-based incentive pay common at larger Part 141 academies.
• Equity: not typical at this level in flight training organizations.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard at full-time positions.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, with schedule flexibility tied to student load.
• Common Perks: Reduced-cost flight hours, accelerated hour-building toward ATP minimums, and access to multi-engine and instrument aircraft.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required, and employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, drug and alcohol screening consistent with FAA-regulated workplace requirements. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Certified Flight Instructor owns the delivery of flight, simulator, and ground instruction across ERAU's structured training courses, ensuring each student meets FAA-mandated standards and course objectives. Working within the university's aviation program and reporting to a supervising chief instructor, this role directly enables safe pilot certification outcomes through rigorous record-keeping, curriculum development, and safety program compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide flight, simulator, and ground instruction in accordance with ERAU syllabi and FAA regulations and procedures.
• Prepare schedules, maintain records, and ensure that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student in each flight course.
• Perform duties as a certificated flight instructor as authorized by the FAA in accordance with the approved Training Course Outline.
• Ensure all students understand and practice all aspects of ERAU's Aviation Safety Program.
• Schedule each assigned student regularly to ensure satisfactory progress and inform supervisors of any training delays.
• Maintain all appropriate records including student training records, logbooks, and computer records.
• Initiate stage check and end-of-course requests for assigned students.
• Monitor training aircraft maintenance condition and report questionable items to maintenance personnel.
• Recommend and develop curriculum and courseware improvements when appropriate.
• File incident reports for observed safety violations or situations affecting flight safety.
• Attend administrative, standardization, in-service training, and instructor development meetings as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor for Airplane Single-Engine Land required, instrument airplane preferred.
• Must hold a current second class FAA Medical Certificate at minimum.
• IP I requires FAA CFI Airplane Single Engine Land with no degree required.
• IP II and III require CFI for Single-Engine Land and Instrument Airplane, a Bachelor's degree, and at least 750 hours of dual flight instruction given for IP III.
• IP IV requires CFI for Single-Engine Land and Instrument Airplane, a Bachelor's degree, 1200 hours dual instruction given, and a Chief Flight Instructor recommendation.
• IP V requires CFI for Single-Engine Land, Multiengine Land, and Instrument Airplane, a Master's degree or ATP, 2000 hours dual instruction given, and four years as a CFI.
• Proficient in aircraft piloting skills including required flight maneuvers and procedures at the commercial pilot level.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and ERAU academic, administrative, and operational procedures.
• Ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in the aircraft.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced and noisy environment while exercising sound judgment.

Embedded within TSTC's aviation program, the Certified Flight Instructor delivers flight, simulator, and ground instruction in compliance with Part 61 and 141 FAA regulations, Airmen's Information Manual requirements, and institutional policies. Working closely with the Chief Pilot and maintenance personnel, this role ensures students complete training on schedule while upholding rigorous safety standards and accurate record-keeping across all assigned courses.

Core Functions

• Provide flight, simulator, and ground instruction in accordance with Part 61 and 141, FAA regulations, Airmen's Information Manual, advisory circulars, airport operations, and TSTC policies and procedures.
• Schedule students, maintain records, and ensure that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student in a timely manner.
• Perform flight instructor duties authorized by FAA regulations in accordance with approved Training Course Outlines for assigned courses.
• Schedule each assigned student regularly to ensure timely course completion and inform supervisors of any delays or unsatisfactory progress.
• Ensure all students understand and practice all aspects of TSTC's Aviation Safety Program.
• Monitor training aircraft maintenance condition and inform maintenance personnel of any questionable items.
• File incident reports for observed safety violations or situations affecting flight safety.
• Attend administrative, standardization, in-service training, and instructor development meetings as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• AAS in Aircraft Pilot Training preferred.
• FAA Certificated Flight Instructor, Airplane Single Engine Land required, with preference for Instrument Instructor and Multi-Engine Instructor, CFI-Instrument must be obtained within four months of employment.
• Must hold a Class II FAA Medical Certificate, renewed every 12 calendar months.
• Satisfactory performance and completion of a CFI course of instruction.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and related administrative and operational procedures.
• Ability to leverage technology to increase efficient operations.
• Ability to manage multiple students, projects, and tasks.
• Ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced and noisy environment while exercising sound judgment.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write fluently in English.

Reporting to the Director of Flight Operations, the Certified Flight Instructor delivers flight, simulator, and ground instruction under Parts 61, 91, and 141 FAA regulations and Phoenix Flight Academy policies. Partnering with operations and administrative staff, this role supports student progression from initial enrollment through course completion while maintaining safety standards, accurate records, and strong customer relationships.

Primary Duties

• Provides flight, simulator, and ground instruction in accordance with Part 61, 91, and 141 FAA regulations, Airmen's Information Manual, advisory circulars, airport operations, and Phoenix Flight Academy policies and procedures.
• Perform flight instructor duties authorized by FAA regulations in accordance with the approved Training Course Outline.
• Ensure that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by all assigned students.
• Report on student progress and accurately maintain and update all appropriate records.
• Promptly report aircraft maintenance discrepancies to the Director of Flight Operations.
• Recommend and develop curriculum and course improvements when appropriate.
• Attend administrative, standardization, in-service training, and instructor development meetings as assigned.
• Conduct facilities tours and familiarize customers with PFA policies, procedures, and flight training courses.
• Collect payment from students and track balances and account deficits using provided technology.

Skills and Qualifications

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor for Airplane Single Engine Land and Airplane Multi Engine Land, CFI, CFII, MEI, and AGI required.
• Must hold a current FAA Medical Certificate.
• Tailwheel and high performance endorsements required.
• Must pass a federal background check and initial and ongoing drug and alcohol testing.
• Full knowledge of all curriculums authorized to teach required.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and related administrative and operational procedures.
• Strong computer skills and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Sitting at the intersection of advanced aircraft systems and regulatory compliance, the Certified Flight Instructor conducts ground, simulator, and flight training for airline crews transitioning to Airbus aircraft, ensuring competency across normal and emergency procedures. Operating across Crew Resource Management, Evidence Based Training, and type-rating certification programs, this role directly enables airlines to meet airworthiness authority standards and maintain qualified flight crew readiness.

Duties

• Conduct ground, systems integration, and flight training including Crew Resource Management, Threat and Error Management, and Competency Based Training and Assessment and Evidence Based Training courses for flight crew transition, certification, and recurrent courses.
• Evaluate trainee progress and make decisions on additional training to achieve required competency.
• Accurately document trainee progress files.
• Continually review materials and procedures including FCTP, FITB, FCOM, QRH, and email updates.
• Review and recommend changes in courseware or course content to improve instructional effectiveness.
• Maintain competency and qualification on Airbus versions assigned by the Director of Flight Training.
• Become proficient with all Training Center resources including software, classroom tools, and written materials.

Experience and Qualifications

• BS/BA preferred, high school diploma required.
• FAA ATP or Commercial Instrument Rating Multi Engine with Airbus Fly By Wire aircraft type rating required.
• A320 Type Rating required.
• Minimum 3 years of airline experience, with 4000 hours as a pilot required and 5000 hours preferred.
• Minimum 1500 hours in jet transport category aircraft and 1500 hours as pilot in command.
• Ability to operate computers including iPads, Airbus and Google Workspace software, and FSTDs within the Airbus network.
• Ability to communicate effectively in fluent English to conduct instruction and briefings.
• Ability to write progress reports for submission to airlines or authorities.

A key member of the college aviation faculty, the Certified Flight Instructor provides practical flight and ground instruction to degree-seeking students pursuing professional airplane pilot and helicopter pilot career paths. Collaborating across the college district with faculty, staff, aircraft rental companies, and the general public, this role ensures FAA regulatory compliance, accurate student records, and safe solo and dual flight operations throughout the program.

Functions

• Provide practical flight and ground instruction for college degree-seeking students in professional airplane pilot and professional helicopter pilot career paths.
• Maintain all student paperwork in compliance with FAA regulations.
• Maintain flight and ground operations records.
• Set goals for students and communicate and document student progress in accordance with college program requirements.
• Invoice and verify student flight lab account status.
• Plan and dispatch all flights accurately.
• Prepare all FAA paperwork prior to check rides.
• Be present during student solo flights and know the destination, route, and contact numbers for students on solo flights.
• Follow all safety procedures and flight requirements outlined by aircraft rental companies and the college.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of aviation rules and regulations for airplane and helicopter as appropriate.
• Knowledge of teaching and instruction techniques for various audiences and group dynamics.
• Skills in general office equipment and Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and email, with ability to navigate the internet and learn Total FBO software on the job.
• Ability to speak effectively and communicate ideas so others will understand.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, company representatives, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing without an interpreter.
• Ability to work cooperatively and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas or experience.
• Ability to travel throughout the college district and work various hours in a non-traditional workweek.

Qualified pilot candidates and military aviator readiness depend on the Certified Flight Instructor, who conducts ground and flight training in accordance with USAF AETC syllabus requirements and FAA standards, covering maneuvers from steep turns through emergency procedures and navigation. Based within a Part 141 or military training environment, this role screens and develops pilot, combat system officer, remotely piloted aircraft, and international student candidates, directly supporting the pipeline of mission-ready military aviators.

Accountabilities

• Conduct training including ground and flight duties in accordance with the applicable USAF AETC Syllabus and FAA training requirements.
• Provide ground instruction on aircraft systems, training maneuvers, procedures, and other flight-related subjects.
• Train and screen pilot, combat system officer, remotely piloted aircraft pilot, and international military student pilot candidates.
• Conduct preflight and post-flight debriefings and provide in-flight instruction on training materials.
• Execute military-style flight training including steep turns, slow flight, stalls, emergency procedures, ground reference maneuvers, and navigation.
• Complete electronic gradebook entries to ensure syllabus requirements are met.

Background and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current FAA CFI Certificate with Airplane Single Engine Land privileges required.
• Class III Medical required.
• Minimum 100 dual hours of instruction given.
• Recent military undergraduate flight training experience as a fully-qualified instructor.
• Experience teaching technologically advanced aircraft in a large Part 141 flight school.
• Proficiency in English alongside multilingual capabilities.