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Flying Instructor

Tasks include:

• preparing training programmes
• checking the weather before flying
• conducting pre-flight checks on aircraft with students
• teaching the principles of flight, navigation and weather
• teaching and following aviation rules
• testing students’ skills and knowledge
• teaching qualified pilots about new types of equipment
• teaching qualified pilots how to operate different kinds of aircraft.

Skills and knowledge

Flying instructors need to have:

• excellent flying and teaching skills
• knowledge of the technical and theoretical aspects of flying, including principles of flight and aircraft technology
• communication and people skills
• knowledge of civil aviation rules and laws
• skill in flight planning and navigation.

Personal qualities

To be a flying instructor you must be responsible, calm, confident and alert and be able to:

• be supportive, patient and positive
• think logically
• work well under pressure
• make good, quick judgments
• follow procedures
• get along with a wide variety of people.

Career progression

Most airlines require new pilots to have a lot of flying experience. Many flying graduates aspiring to a career as a pilot will spend time working as a flying instructor. They often move from instructing into a position as a pilot with a domestic airline, then progress to international flights, and to flying larger aircraft. They may also progress into senior roles or into ground-based management.