Flight Instructor career guide
Flight Instructors train student pilots, deliver ground school lessons and assess flying skills to help learners achieve aviation licences.
Career guide reviewed by Certyz · October 2026
Entry routes vary by employer and role. Compare the options below before deciding what to research next.
What does a Flight Instructor do?
Flight Instructors train student pilots, deliver ground school lessons and assess flying skills to help learners achieve aviation licences.
- Airfields
- Aircraft
- Classrooms
- Flight simulators
- Flight training schools
- Airlines
- Universities
- Military organisations
How to become a Flight Instructor
Flight instructors develop the next generation of pilots while maintaining high standards of aviation safety and professionalism.
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with Flight Instructor (FI) rating issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Skills and progression for Flight Instructor
- Communication
- Leadership
- Patience
- Decision making
- Situational awareness
- Senior Flight Instructor
- Chief Flying Instructor
- Training Manager
- Chief Pilot
- Flight Operations Director
Check current entry requirements before deciding
This Certyz guide is a starting point. Qualifications, registration rules and apprenticeship availability can change. Confirm the latest requirements with employers, course providers, relevant professional bodies and official careers guidance.
What could the outlook mean for you?
Career opportunities can look different depending on where you live, your preferred route and the subjects and activities you enjoy. Your report brings those factors together rather than giving you a generic answer.
- Regional vacancy and salary intelligence
- Your personal career-match reasoning
- Opportunity strength and market direction
- Alternative careers worth considering