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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Flight Instructor (CFI)

💰 $55,000 - $85,000 Annually

AviationEducationTrainingTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

As a Flight Instructor at our leading aviation academy, you are the cornerstone of our pilot training program. You will be entrusted with shaping aspiring aviators into safe, competent, and confident pilots. This role is not just about teaching maneuvers; it's about mentoring, instilling a culture of safety, and fostering a deep passion for aviation. You will conduct flight, simulator, and ground instruction for a diverse student body, guiding them through various certifications from Private Pilot to Airline Transport Pilot. This role requires a dedicated professional who is committed to excellence in aviation education and upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Commercial Pilot seeking to build flight hours.
  • Recently certified CFI/CFII/MEI graduate.
  • Military pilot transitioning to civilian aviation.

Advancement To:

  • Chief or Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
  • Airline Pilot (First Officer) after meeting hour requirements.
  • Corporate or Charter Pilot

Lateral Moves:

  • Aviation Safety Program Manager
  • Simulator Instructor or Ground School Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive flight training for various pilot certificates and ratings (Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine) in accordance with FAA Part 61 and/or Part 141 training syllabi.
  • Provide thorough pre-flight and post-flight briefings to students, analyzing performance, identifying areas for improvement, and outlining objectives for subsequent lessons.
  • Develop and deliver engaging and effective ground instruction, covering topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, navigation, and FAA regulations.
  • Evaluate and assess student pilot performance and skill progression, ensuring they consistently meet the standards of performance required for each stage of training.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of student training, including logbook entries, training folders, and progress reports, ensuring full compliance with FAA and school policies.
  • Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) of training aircraft, demonstrating exemplary airmanship and decision-making while ensuring the safety of the student, aircraft, and public.
  • Endorse student logbooks and records for solo flights, knowledge tests, and practical tests (checkrides) when they have demonstrated the required proficiency and knowledge.
  • Manage a personal schedule to maximize student training opportunities, accommodate student availability, and ensure efficient progression through the training curriculum.
  • Instill and promote a strong safety culture, teaching effective risk management, aeronautical decision-making (ADM), and crew resource management (CRM) principles.
  • Ensure all training aircraft are airworthy before each flight by conducting thorough pre-flight inspections and reviewing aircraft maintenance records.
  • Maintain personal currency and proficiency as a pilot and instructor, including completing required flight reviews, IPCs, and recurrent training.
  • Assist students in preparing for FAA knowledge tests by providing targeted tutoring, practice exams, and study guidance.
  • Conduct stage checks and end-of-course tests to gauge student readiness for FAA practical examinations, providing detailed feedback and remedial training as necessary.
  • Communicate effectively with the Chief Flight Instructor and administrative staff regarding student progress, scheduling conflicts, and any safety or training concerns.
  • Adapt instructional techniques to accommodate diverse student learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities to create an inclusive and effective learning environment.
  • Participate in instructor standardization meetings and professional development sessions to maintain a high level of instructional quality across the organization.
  • Act as a mentor and role model for aspiring pilots, providing career guidance and professional advice grounded in industry best practices.
  • Utilize flight training devices (FTDs) and aviation training devices (ATDs) to provide safe and cost-effective simulator instruction, particularly for instrument and procedural training.
  • Uphold a professional appearance and demeanor at all times, representing the flight school positively to students, parents, and the broader aviation community.
  • Proactively identify and report any potential safety hazards, maintenance discrepancies, or operational issues to the appropriate personnel immediately.
  • Guide students through complex flight planning, including cross-country navigation, weather analysis, weight and balance calculations, and performance determination.
  • Stay current with changes in FAA regulations, airworthiness directives, and industry safety trends, incorporating new information into the training curriculum.

Secondary Functions

  • Support student recruitment efforts by conducting discovery flights and participating in outreach events.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of training curricula and syllabi based on student feedback and industry best practices.
  • Collaborate with the maintenance department to effectively communicate aircraft discrepancies and schedule necessary repairs to minimize training downtime.
  • Participate in regular safety meetings and contribute to the school's Safety Management System (SMS).

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate.
  • Valid FAA First or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
  • Proficiency in operating a variety of single-engine aircraft (e.g., Cessna 172, Piper Archer).
  • Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, including Part 61 and Part 141.
  • Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) - often required or strongly preferred.
  • Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) - highly desirable.
  • Experience with modern avionics, such as Garmin G1000 glass cockpits.
  • Ability to perform and teach all required flight maneuvers and procedures to FAA practical test standards.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to clearly explain complex concepts.
  • Patience and the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities, especially in dynamic flight environments.
  • Adaptability in teaching methods to suit individual student needs.
  • Leadership and mentorship qualities to inspire and motivate students.
  • Professionalism and a strong commitment to creating a positive learning atmosphere.
  • Time management and organizational skills to manage a schedule of multiple students.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Management
  • Aeronautical Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-5 years as a Certificated Flight Instructor. Both newly certified and experienced CFIs are encouraged to apply.

Preferred:

  • 100+ hours of dual-given instruction.
  • Experience in a Part 141 environment.
  • CFII and/or MEI ratings.
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