What does a Flight Instructor do?
Published 3 min read
A Flight Instructor is a person who teaches people how to fly airplanes.
Flight Instructor job duties include:
- Teach and demonstrate flying techniques to students
- Develop lesson plans and training programs
- Evaluate student progress and provide feedback
- Ensure that students adhere to safety procedures
- Keep records of student progress
- Plan flights and simulate emergencies
- Inspect aircraft before flights
- Maintain flight logs
- Comply with Federal Aviation Regulations
Flight Instructor Job Requirements
A Flight Instructor is responsible for providing flight training to students in order to prepare them for their pilot license. The job requirements for a Flight Instructor include a minimum of a commercial pilot license, as well as a certified flight instructor certificate. In addition, Flight Instructors must have a minimum of 500 hours of flight experience.
Flight Instructor Skills
- Patience
- Communication
- Leadership
- Organization
- Planning
- Flexibility
- Decision making
- Creativity
- Problem solving
- Public speaking
- Interpersonal
Related: Top Flight Instructor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Flight Instructor
There are many different ways to become a Flight Instructor. The most common way is to get your Commercial Pilot License and then your Flight Instructor Rating. You can also get your Instrument Rating and then your Flight Instructor Rating. Or, you could get your Multi-Engine Rating and then your Flight Instructor Rating.
The best way to become a Flight Instructor is to have a passion for teaching and helping others learn how to fly. You must also be patient, organized, and have good communication skills.
Once you have decided that you would like to become a Flight Instructor, the first step is to find a flight school that offers the training you need. There are many different types of flight schools, so it is important to do your research and find one that is reputable and has a good reputation.
After you have found a flight school, the next step is to enroll in their training program. This will usually include ground school, where you will learn about aviation theory and principles. You will also spend time in the simulator, learning how to fly different types of aircraft.
Once you have completed the training program, you will need to take the FAA written exam and the practical test. The written exam covers topics such as airspace, regulations, weather, and emergency procedures. The practical test is an actual flight test where you will demonstrate your skills to an FAA examiner.
Once you have passed both the written exam and the practical test, you will be issued a Flight Instructor Certificate. This certificate allows you to teach other people how to fly. It is important to remember that becoming a Flight Instructor is not just about getting your certificate – it is also about continuing your education and keeping up with the latest aviation news and developments.
Related: Flight Instructor Resume Example
Related: Flight Instructor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)