Flight Instructor is a skilled professional who is responsible for teaching students how to fly aircraft. The teachings normally include instruction both on the ground and in the sky and may include instruction in cockpit instruments, aerodynamics and similar subjects. Flight instructors use ground-school classes both to teach students the basics of flying an aircraft.
After students complete textbook education, flight instructors often use simulators or dual-controlled aircraft to acquaint them with the experience of flying an aircraft. Finally, flight instructors accompany their students on live flights to complete their training.
Some instructors specialize as examiners or check pilots and fly with applicants or pilots to ensure proficiency. They have to have the licence from the native government for it before they want to run their own flight instructing institute.
Flight Instructor Eligibility
Educational Qualification
For becoming Flight Instructor, candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Flight Instruction from a recognised institute.
Age Limit
Aspiring candidate must be 18 years and above to become a Flight Instructor
Flight Instructor Required Skills
- Flight Instructors must possess knowledge and instructor certification appropriate to the position sought; knowledge of various flight instruction instrumentation and equipment.
- They also possess interpersonal/human relations skills; verbal and written communication skills and ability to instruct/teach/tutor.
- They also possess the ability to approach problems/decisions analytically; ability to reason logically and methodically.
- They should have the ability to perform under stressful circumstances and attentiveness to detail.
How to become Flight Instructor?
One has to follow below-mentioned steps for becoming a Flight Instructor:
Step 1
After clearing 12 class in science subjects the aspiring students have to join some Certificate/Diploma and Degree courses being offered by several institutes in India and abroad. The aspirant has to qualify such courses to get into the role of Flying Instructor.
Flight Instruction Courses:
- Certificate Course in Flight Instructor Instrument Rating
- Certificate Course in Flight Instructor Rating
Step 2
After completing the course the candidate has to obtain a license in-flight instruction through private practice. They have to undergo the qualifying exam to obtain the license in the same. Moreover, the candidate has to pass the medical examination to get into the post. And this licence is given them after having an experience of at least 500 flying hours, but it may vary from place to place.
Institutes offering Courses for Flight Instructor
- International Institute of Flying Staff (IIFS), Ahmedabad
- Avel Flight School, Chennai
- Ambitions Aviation Academy, Mumbai
- Government Aviation Training Institute (G.A.T.I.), Bhubaneswar
Flight Instructor Job Description
The job of the flight instructor includes:
- They provide satisfactory education and flying instructions to aspiring students.
- They provide training to students for flying aircraft.
- They also evaluate students knowledge and skills and develop student’s weakness to strengths.
- They teach students up to date techniques and concepts.
- They ensure that the safety of students when using aircraft by having regular inspections of aircraft, checking weather reports, matching the level of competence of students to complex training and instructions.
Flight Instructor Career Prospects
The job of Flight Instructor often is considered a stepping stone to higher paying flying positions. So there is a large turnover in personnel and job openings. Generally, a Certified Flight Instructor works long and irregular hours per year. Flight Instructors who accumulate the necessary flight hours and experience often move on to jobs as corporate or airline pilots, but some remain in the teaching field. When the number of students is large enough, a Flight Instructor might organize a flying school, directing the activities of a number of instructors.
Flight Instructor Salary
Flight Instructors’ salary differs from place to place and country to country depending on situations there. Generally, they earn a monthly salary ranging from Rs.50,000 to Rs.80,000. This is not the limit but they can also earn more than this in case they have their own flight instructing academy for it; also it depends on the strength of students there. In India, the importance of Flight Instructing Academies/Schools is increasing day by day due to private sector entering in this field.
