Flight instructor

What does a flight instructor do? – Tasks and work environment

A flight instructor is responsible for training prospective pilots in both theory and practice. The work includes lesson planning, flight training in simulators and real aircraft, and continuous evaluation of students’ performance. Safety issues and regulations are central to daily work, and the work environment varies between classrooms, airports, and cockpits. A flight instructor needs excellent communication skills, high precision, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Salary development over time

Flight instructors have seen a downward trend in salary over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 74,400 SEK/month, dropping to 71 200 SEK and further to 69 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a decrease of approximately 6.2% over three years. Several factors may have influenced this development, such as changing demand for pilot training, fluctuating flight traffic volumes, and competition from other training providers. Despite the high specialization within the profession, the market has shown sensitivity to economic fluctuations and changes in the aviation industry.

Flight instructor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 69 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 53,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
• Highest salary: 87,500 SEK/month (male, public sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
• Hourly rate: 420 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn an average of 70 000 SEK/month; highest female salary is 74,700 SEK/month, lowest 53,200 SEK/month. Specific average salary for women is not available.
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences is unavailable.

Education and qualifications

To work as a flight instructor, solid pilot training is required, complemented by specific instructor training and certification approved by the Swedish Transport Agency. Many flight instructors have several years of experience as commercial pilots before starting their instructor careers. Practical experience, approved medical tests, and pedagogical suitability are crucial parts of the selection process.

• Formal pilot training: Commercial pilot training (2–3 years)
• Certification: Flight instructor certificate (FI(A)), issued by the Swedish Transport Agency
• Practical experience: Several hundred flight hours are required before instructor training
• Prerequisites: Approved medical class 1 examination, previous pilot experience
• Additional training: Courses in pedagogy and safety are recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Flight instructors often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, insurances, and sometimes opportunities for further training at the employer’s expense. Many employers also offer flexible working hours and discounted flights, especially if employed by larger airlines or training organizations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a flight instructor is intense, especially since the number of training places and schools is limited. To stand out, extensive experience and pedagogical skills are required. Major challenges include industry sensitivity to economic fluctuations, changing regulations, and the need for continuous professional development. Variations in the number of training assignments per year can lead to uneven workloads and impact job security. Technological changes and new training methods also demand adaptability and ongoing education.

Tips for aspiring flight instructors

To succeed as a flight instructor, combining pedagogical skills with a high safety awareness and good communication is essential. Precision is critical, both in theoretical teaching and during practical flights, to ensure safety for students and surroundings. Patience and the ability to adapt teaching to different learning styles are important, especially when students face challenges. Staying updated on new regulations and technological developments is a must, as the aviation industry changes rapidly. Building a network within the industry to exchange experiences and discover new opportunities is also valuable. Finally, a genuine interest in education and motivating others is necessary, as the role involves significant responsibility for the next generation of pilots.

Key facts about Flight Instructors

• Education level: Certified pilot with instructor authorization
• Work environment: Varies between airports, cockpits, and classrooms
• Work form: Combines teaching and practical flying
• Demand: 412 job openings within the pilot profession and related fields
• Special skills: Pedagogy, safety work, technical understanding

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a flight instructor, opportunities arise to advance to chief instructor, training manager, or to specialize in advanced flight training and simulator instruction. Many also choose to return to commercial flying at a higher level or work with aviation safety and regulation development. According to the Employment Service’s forecasts for the pilot group and related professions, no separate assessment for flight instructors is made due to limited data, but there are a total of 412 job openings in the group. Future prospects are strongly influenced by the development of the aviation industry and training needs, which means demand may fluctuate over time.

Frequently asked questions about Flight Instructors

• What does a flight instructor earn?
  - The average salary is 69 800 SEK/month, but the salary range varies between 53,200 and 87,500 SEK/month depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• How do you become a flight instructor?
  - Pilot training and flying experience are required first, followed by specific instructor training and certification from the Swedish Transport Agency.
• Are there any gender differences in salary for flight instructors?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 70 000 SEK/month. The highest female salary is 74,700 SEK/month, and the lowest is 53,200 SEK/month. Specific average salary for women is not available.
• In what work environments does a flight instructor work?
  - The work environment varies between airports, cockpits, simulators, and classrooms.
• What are the future prospects for flight instructors?
  - The Employment Service makes no separate forecast, but there are 412 job openings in the pilot profession and related fields.
• What education is required to become a flight instructor?
  - Certified pilot training and instructor certification (FI(A)), often supplemented with pedagogical courses.
• What are the common benefits for flight instructors?
  - Wellness allowances, occupational pension, insurances, and sometimes discounted flights or further training.