Flight Instructor
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FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS plan lessons and teach people how to fly aircraft. They explain the operation of aircraft parts, such as altimeter, tachometer, rudder, and flaps and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules to students. They provide instruction in flying skills in a classroom and in the air.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $78,500 average per year ($37.75 per hour)
- A medium occupation (29,900 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (1.9% per year)
Entry Requirements
FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS are required to have a commercial, helicopter, or airline pilot's license before training to be a flight instructor. Flying an aircraft can be learned either in private flying schools or in the military. The minimum licensing requirement for airline pilots in the U.S. is a commercial pilot's license with night endorsement, instrument flight rating, and a radio telephone (restricted) license. This takes many hours in the air, training with a recognized instructor.