What companies hire drone pilots?

Companies that hire drone pilots include film and television production companies, real estate agencies, construction companies, agriculture firms, and surveying and mapping services. Film and television production companies hire drone pilots to capture aerial shots that are used for movies, documentaries, and television shows. The use of drones allows these companies to capture stunning panoramic views and action sequences that would be more difficult and expensive to achieve with traditional filming methods.

How To Become A Pilot Instructor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a pilot instructor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Pilot instructors are responsible for instructing students how to fly aircraft. This includes instruction typically both on the ground and in the sky and may consist of instruction in cockpit instruments, aerodynamics, and similar subjects. After students complete textbook education, pilot instructors often use simulators or dual-controlled aircraft to acquaint them with the experience of flying an airplane. Finally, pilot instructors accompany their students on live flights to complete their training. Some instructors specialize as examiners or check pilots and fly with applicants or pilots to ensure proficiency.

Pilot instructors must have a pilot's license and be certified by the FAA as flight instructors. Besides, pilot instructors should also have either Commercial Pilot Certification, which requires 250 flight hours, or Airline Transport Pilot Certification, which requires 1,500 hours, before applying to become Certified Flight Instructors.

To gain certification as a pilot instructor, you must be at least 18 years old, communicate fluently in English, and hold a pilot's license for the type of aircraft appropriate to the flight instructor rating you seek. After you fulfill all these criteria, you can eventually become a pilot instructor and subsequently earn about $140,340.

ScorePilot InstructorUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $90,143

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.9

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.26%

Asian 2.76%

Black or African American 2.70%

Hispanic or Latino 7.09%

Unknown 5.55%

White 81.63%

Gender

female 6.50%

male 93.50%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pilot instructor

Explore pilot instructor education requirements

Most common pilot instructor degrees

Bachelor's

69.6 %

Master's

14.9 %

Associate

11.6 %

Start to develop specific pilot instructor skills

Skills	Percentages
FAA	11.65%
Simulator	11.27%
Instructor Pilot	6.66%
Aircraft Systems	6.36%
DOD	6.27%

Complete relevant pilot instructor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pilot instructors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a pilot instructor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pilot instructor resumes.

Gain additional pilot instructor certifications

Pilot instructor certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific pilot instructor certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for pilot instructors include Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Commercial Pilot (CP).

More About Certifications

Research pilot instructor duties and responsibilities

Manage a wide variety of stock, including ammunition and high-value items.
Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
Single pilot IFR certify SA-365.
Perform air refueling, airlift, navigation, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Prepare your pilot instructor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pilot instructor resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a pilot instructor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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