If you’ve recently acquired your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and are contemplating your future in the field, you may find yourself wondering, “Should I become a flight instructor?” But let’s first understand who is a flight instructor and what does one do?
A flight instructor is a certified, professional pilot who uses their extensive knowledge and experience to train aspiring pilots. Their role encompasses teaching flying techniques, safety protocols, and navigation skills, along with planning flight paths, interpreting weather forecasts, and demonstrating the operation of aircraft controls.
In this post, we will try to understand why you might want to become a flight instructor, by beginning with understanding the duty of a flight instructor and how this step might be helpful to your future in the field. Let us start with the duties of a flight instructor.
What does a flight instructor do?
On a typical day at a flight school, a flight instructor conducts both ground and flight training sessions. Ground training involves classroom lessons on topics such as aerodynamics, aviation laws, aircraft operations, and emergency procedures. During flight training sessions, instructors demonstrate maneuvers and monitor students as they fly, providing guidance and feedback to help them improve their skills.
Instructors may also administer tests to assess students’ understanding and proficiency. They are responsible for maintaining records of students’ progress and providing reports to the flight school management. Additionally, flight instructors ensure that all training activities adhere to safety regulations and school policies.
What are the different grades of flight instructors?
In terms of flight instructing, various countries have different grades of flight instructors, each requiring specific licenses.
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designates three levels of flight instructors: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI). To become a flight instructor, one must hold a commercial pilot certificate, pass written and practical exams, and have at least 250 hours of flight time.
In Canada, pilots can obtain a flight instructor rating to provide flight training. Initially endorsed as a “Class 4” instructor, they can train pilots for various licenses and ratings under the supervision of higher-rated instructors. After meeting requirements, instructors can upgrade to Class 3, Class 2, and Class 1 ratings. Class 3 instructors can train independently, while Class 2 instructors can supervise Class 4 instructors and serve as chief flight instructors. Class 1 instructors can provide both ground school and flight training for the flight instructor rating.
In India, flight instructors are categorized into three grades: Assistant Pilot Instructor (API), Pilot Instructor (PI), and Chief Flying Instructor (CFI). The Pilot Instructor In-Charge (PII) and Deputy CFI (Dep.CFI) are variations of the PI and CFI ranks respectively, holding the same certificate/rating issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). API, PI, and PII wear 3 bar epaulets, while Dep.CFI and CFI wear 4 bar epaulets.
These are just a few examples; the specific requirements can vary significantly from country to country. The lowest category of flight instructors earn the lowest pay obviously and as the number of hours and experience increases the grade of the flight instructor increases resulting in substantial pay increments too.
This brings us to the next question, how much does a flight instructor earn?
How much does a flight instructor earn? Can you make a living as a flight instructor?
The earning potential of a flight instructor varies greatly based on experience, location, and the specific role they play. For instance, in the United States, the average salary of a beginner flight instructor is around $45,000 per year, but with experience and increasing hours, this can rise up to $85,000 or more per year for highly experienced instructors.
In Canada, an entry-level flight instructor can expect to earn approximately CAD 30,000 per annum, while an experienced Class 1 instructor may earn close to CAD 75,000 annually.
In the United Kingdom, a flight instructor’s salary usually ranges from £25,000 to £35,000 at the entry-level. As they gather experience and climb up the ranks, they could earn up to £50,000 or more per year.
In Australia, the average salary range for flight instructors starts from AUD 60,000 and can go up to AUD 100,000 or more for highly experienced instructors.
Lastly, in India, a beginner flight instructor can expect to earn around INR 3-4 lakhs per year, which can increase to INR 10-15 lakhs or more with experience and higher ratings.
These figures are approximate and may vary based on factors such as the size and reputation of the flight school and a lot other factors, but from these numbers it can be evident that making a living with the income for an entry level flight instructor is hard.
One can expect better incomes on flight instruction as they gain more experience and more hours under the belt. Now following to this, why would one want to become a flight instructor if the pay is initially so low
What are the reasons one would become a flight instructor?
Becoming a flight instructor, while not the most lucrative job initially, offers a multitude of benefits that attract individuals to this profession.
- Passion for Teaching: For many, the joy of sharing their love for flying and witnessing the progress in their students is a significant motivator. Most of the pilots continue in this career path for this reason.
- Career Progression: Being a flight instructor is often the first step in an aviation career. It allows one to accumulate flight hours, which is a prerequisite for many advanced aviation jobs.
- Continuous Learning: Instructors often say they learn more by teaching others. It strengthens their understanding of flight principles and enhances their proficiency.
- Community: Becoming a flight instructor offers a chance to be part of a close-knit aviation community and create lifelong connections.
- Flexible Schedule: Many flight schools offer flexible schedules, allowing instructors to balance their personal lives and career progression. Unlike at the airlines, where the schedule is not up to the individual and can be at very odd times of a day, flight instructors job schedules are much better for someone who prefers a 9-5 kind of a job
In essence, while the initial monetary return may not be substantial, the experience, skills, and satisfaction gained from being a flight instructor often outweigh the initial financial considerations.
Some other frequently asked questions about flight instructors:
Are flight instructors in demand?
Flight instructors are in high demand. The global aviation industry has been experiencing a significant growth, and with an increasing number of people interested in obtaining their pilot’s license, the need for flight instructors has risen concurrently.
Additionally, pilots often use flight instruction as a stepping stone to accumulate flight hours required for advanced aviation jobs, which also contributes to the high turnover as they move on from flight instruction to other causing constant demand for new instructors.
Is it hard to become a flight instructor?
Becoming a flight instructor does require significant dedication, time, and effort. It entails acquiring a private pilot’s license, instrument rating, and commercial pilot’s license. Subsequently, one must also complete the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) course.
This process can take anywhere from one to two years depending on the individual’s commitment and availability. The stringent requirements are designed to ensure that every flight instructor has both, the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to instruct student pilots effectively.
Can you be a freelance flight instructor?
Yes, you can be a freelance flight instructor. As a freelance instructor, you can provide individualized instruction to aspiring pilots who are not enrolled in a traditional flight school. This flexibility allows you to set your own schedule and potentially negotiate your rates.
However, this career path does come with its own set of challenges. You are responsible for finding your own clients and ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements. Furthermore, you will also need to have access to an aircraft for training purposes. This can be achieved either through rental, co-ownership, or personal ownership.