Flight Instructors

Flight instructors work in classrooms and in aircraft, and they must be comfortable working with computers, machines, and people. In order to accommodate their students' schedules, many instructors hold classes in the evenings or on weekends. FAA rules limit the number of hours per day that a flight instructor can spend giving in-flight instruction; however, instructors can spend as much time as they want doing classroom work. On average, instructors work between 40 and 50 hours a week. Those who work at small schools or independently may spend part of their time teaching and part of their time doing other flying jobs to supplement their income.

Instructors must be able to deal with stressful situations in the air, including mechanical problems, sudden changes in weather, and students' fears or mistakes. On the other hand, flight instructors can enjoy working in a positive environment. Many instructors find it rewarding to help students master the art of flying, and share a student's sense of accomplishment when he or she flies solo for the first time.