How to hire an aircraft maintenance instructor

How to hire an aircraft maintenance instructor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step aircraft maintenance instructor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an aircraft maintenance instructor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new aircraft maintenance instructor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the aircraft maintenance instructor you need to hire. Certain aircraft maintenance instructor roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An aircraft maintenance instructor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, aircraft maintenance instructors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of aircraft maintenance instructor salaries for various roles:

   Type of Aircraft Maintenance Instructor	Description	Hourly rate
   Aircraft Maintenance Instructor	Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).	$11-32
   Structures Technician	Structures technicians design buildings or monuments. They plan construction, select materials, and create models... Show more	$20-37
   Structures Mechanic	A Structures Mechanic maintains the frame and structural components of machinery. They fabricate and repair metallic and nonmetallic materials, as well as perform inspections and supervision of machinery.	$21-40

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • FAA
   • Aircraft Systems
   • Airframe
   • PowerPoint
   • Powerplant
   • Support Equipment
   • Technical Training
   • Training Programs
   • Training Courses
   • ISD
   • Landing Gear
   • Technical Data
   • Visual Aids
   • Training Materials

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Coordinate and manage required logistics support, and direct, document, and monitor aircraft cannibalization.
   • Instruct adult students in all subject areas to test and obtain an airframe and power plant license.
   • Revise all programs (presentations, exams, and maintenance manuals) to stay current with FAA regulations.
   • Perform schedule and unschedule maintenance on communication, radar, instrument, electrical/power distribution, and integrate weapons delivery systems.
   • Conduct engine test runs to troubleshoot maintenance action or operational check repairs.
   • Diagnose and troubleshot malfunctions in electrical and electronic components, including solid state and transistorize subsystems on UH-60A aircraft.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your aircraft maintenance instructor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An aircraft maintenance instructor can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, aircraft maintenance instructors' average salary in nebraska is 47% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level aircraft maintenance instructors 66% less than senior-level aircraft maintenance instructors.
   • Certifications. An aircraft maintenance instructor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an aircraft maintenance instructor's salary.

   Average aircraft maintenance instructor salary

   $40,130yearly

   $19.29 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level aircraft maintenance instructor salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

4. Writing an aircraft maintenance instructor job description

   A good aircraft maintenance instructor job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an aircraft maintenance instructor job description:

   Aircraft maintenance instructor job description example

   Maintenance Training Instructor • Location: Charlotte, NC, Dayton, OH, Cincinnati, OH, North Canton, OH, Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, Savannah, GA, Pensacola, FL, Norfolk, VA
   • Work Schedule / Shift: Full-time; flexible shifts/days; must be able to work different shifts as required
   • Reports To: Manager of Maintenance Training
   • Direct Reports: None
   • Travel: Expected for this position Let your career take off with PSA Airlines About Us Company Summary: As a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines and the fastest growing regional airline in the country, PSA offers a stable career path in aviation with unparalleled opportunities for growth and professional development. Teamwork and drive are at the heart of PSA. We are committed to growing our company where passion is shared, professional excellence is expected, and all people are valued and respected. Our employees are committed to ensuring safe and reliable operations for the thousands of customers American trusts us with each and every day. We have an incredible team of more than 4,000 employees who do a tremendous job of operating more than 800 daily flights to nearly 100 destinations on behalf of American Airlines. Our immense growth provides a number of opportunities to join our team. Culture: Not only is PSA an EEO and AAP employer, but also we seek to create an inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are embraced and respected. We work hard to build and sustain a culture where people - team members and customers alike - feel safe, secure and happy. It is the The PSA Way, which focuses on our goals, safety, respect, preparedness, professional excellence, and passion. This foundation reflects how we think, act, and communicate with one another and our customers. Engaging our employees is extremely important to us, and we seek leaders who inspire, enable, and encourage others to succeed using the PSA Way as their model. Benefits Summary PSA offers the benefits you expect from a company focused on excellence. All eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
   • Travel privileges on the American Airlines global network
   • A generous vacation plan designed to let you enjoy your travel perks
   • Medical, Dental & Vision
   • 401k with company match
   • American Airlines Group (AAG) profit-sharing and bonus opportunities
   • Company-paid Group Life and AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-term Disability, Flexible Spending Plan (FSA), and supplementary options Responsibilities Position Summary The Maintenance Training Instructor is responsible for teaching in a formal classroom setting training courses such as, but not limited to, all aircraft systems and procedures, maintenance paperwork, stores department procedures including hazardous materials handling/shipping safety, human factors, test equipment, root cause analysis, composite repair, run/taxi operations and other subjects to Aircraft Maintenance personnel. Job Responsibilities • Teach in a formal classroom setting training courses such as, but not limited to, all aircraft systems and procedures, maintenance paperwork, stores department procedures including hazardous materials handling/shipping safety, human factors, test equipment, root cause analysis, composite repair, run/taxi operations and other subjects.
   • Teach recurrent, informal, test equipment and on-the-job training to company and vendor personnel.
   • Research, develop, implement and revise curriculum.
   • Conduct aircraft engine run and taxi training/testing utilizing live aircraft and flight simulators.
   • Assist with the maintenance, upkeep, security and auditing of training records.
   • Maintain proper completion of training documentation.
   • Promoting sound operational judgement and a safety-oriented attitude throughout the organization.
   • Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department and company. Qualifications Qualifications Required High school diploma or equivalent FAA A&P License Minimum of one year experience in a relevant aviation field Good working knowledge of FAA regulations as they relate to aircraft maintenance operations Formal teaching or instructing experience Computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite Must be able to speak, read and write in English If hired, must be able to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the US. Preferred Technical degree in aviation, teaching or closely related discipline 3 years of experience in the maintenance transport category aircraft Experience with Maxi Merlin, Bombardier Navigator, Aircraft Diagnostic Solutions, and MDC Analyzer software Experience with Hazardous Materials handling/shipping and applicable IATA/CFR regulations Competencies To be successful at PSA, you should be: Driven Passionate Adaptable Respectful Collaborative Results-oriented To be successful in this position, you should be great at: Time and performance management Organization Communication (verbal and written) Coaching & Development Problem solving Multi-tasking Presentations Additional Information Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, facsimile machines and filing cabinets. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb up and down stairs; lift weight up to 25 lbs; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Security Clearance: All employees are required to pass the fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC) per 49CFR1542.209 and pre-employment drug screen. AAP/EEO Statement: PSA Airlines is an equal opportunity employer; qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right aircraft maintenance instructor for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your aircraft maintenance instructor job on Zippia to find and recruit aircraft maintenance instructor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with aircraft maintenance instructor candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new aircraft maintenance instructor

   Once you've selected the best aircraft maintenance instructor candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new aircraft maintenance instructor first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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