What skills does a flight instructor need?

A flight instructor needs 18 essential skills including aircraft flight control systems, assessment processes, common aviation safety regulations, curriculum objectives, prepare lesson content. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace flight instructor jobs?

The AI disruption score for flight instructor is 26/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Engineering ServicesScience and engineering associate professionalsISCO 3153

flight instructor

Flight instructors train both new and experienced pilots seeking to gain licences or experience in flying new aircraft, how to properly operate an aircraft according to regulations. They teach their students both the theory and practice of how to optimally fly and maintain an airplane, and they observe and evaluate student technique. They also focus on the regulations relating to operational and safety procedures specific to different (commercial) airline aircraft.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (18)

aircraft flight control systemsaircraft flight control systemsThe setting, features and operation of aircraft flight control systems such as flight control surfaces, cockpit controls, connections, and operating mechanisms required to control the flight direction...assessment processesassessment processesVarious evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, sum...common aviation safety regulationscommon aviation safety regulationsThe body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels.curriculum objectivescurriculum objectivesThe goals identified in curricula and defined learning outcomes.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.monitor developments in field of expertisemonitor developments in field of expertiseKeep up with new research, regulations, and other significant changes, labour market related or otherwise, occurring within the field of specialisation.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.adapt teaching to student's capabilitiesadapt teaching to student's capabilitiesIdentify the learning struggles and successes of students. Select teaching and learning strategies that support students’ individual learning needs and goals.apply teaching strategiesapply teaching strategiesEmploy various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating argument...operate cockpit control panelsoperate cockpit control panelsOperates control panels in the cockpit or flight deck according to the needs of the flight. Manage on-board electronic systems to ensure a smooth flight.assess studentsassess studentsEvaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weakne...give theory lessons to pilotsgive theory lessons to pilotsInstruct futures pilots on flight-related theoretical subjects such as the aircraft structure, the principles of flight, the flight controls and instruments, weather theory, and air law.teach flying practicesteach flying practicesInstruct students in the practice of flying different types of planes safely, provide instruction on the on-board instrumentation, required board documents, and the checklist to ensure safe flight ope...ensure student welfareensure student welfareEnsure that the needs of students in educational organisations are met, and that any learning issues are addressed, as well as potential problems outside of an educational context.give constructive feedbackgive constructive feedbackProvide founded feedback through both criticism and praise in a respectful, clear, and consistent manner. Highlight achievements as well as mistakes and set up methods of formative assessment to evalu...apply technical communication skillsapply technical communication skillsExplain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.apply intercultural teaching strategiesapply intercultural teaching strategiesEnsure that the content, methods, materials and the general learning experience is inclusive for all students and takes into account the expectations and experiences of learners from diverse cultural ...

Optional (22)

visual flight rulesvisual flight rulesTypes of flight rules which are a compilation of regulations that allow pilots to fly aircrafts in clear as well as unclear weather conditions whereby it is declared that outside visual reference to t...air force operationsair force operationsThe operations, procedures and compliant behaviour of a military air force, and of a specific air force base.undertake procedures to meet helicopter flight requirementsundertake procedures to meet helicopter flight requirementsEnsure that operation certificates are valid, guarantee that take-off mass is a maximum of 3,175 kg, verify that the minimum crew is adequate according to regulations and needs, ensure that the config...facilitate teamwork between studentsfacilitate teamwork between studentsEncourage students to cooperate with others in their learning by working in teams, for example through group activities.operate radio navigation instrumentsoperate radio navigation instrumentsOperate radio navigation instruments to determine the position of aircraft in the airspace.train air force crewtrain air force crewTrain a crew of air force personnel in activities specific to their duties, in air force regulations and operations, and ensure their welfare.evaluate education programmesevaluate education programmesEvaluate ongoing training programmes and advise on potential optimisation.apply air force proceduresapply air force proceduresApply the procedures present in a military air force and on a specific base and being compliant with all the regulations and policies.perform flight manoeuvresperform flight manoeuvresPerform flight manoeuvres in critical situations, and associated ‘upset’ manoeuvres, in order to avoid collision.manage resources for educational purposesmanage resources for educational purposesIdentify the necessary resources needed for learning purposes, such as materials in class or arranged transportation for a field trip. Apply for the corresponding budget and follow up on the orders.apply military aviation regulationsapply military aviation regulationsApply the procedures and regulations present in military aviation operations and missions, ensuring compliance with policies, safety and security.perform take off and landingperform take off and landingPerform normal and cross-wind take-off and landing operations.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...supervise crewsupervise crewSupervise and observe the behaviour of employees.adapt training to labour marketadapt training to labour marketIdentify developments in the labour market and recognise their relevance to the training of students.perform classroom managementperform classroom managementMaintain discipline and engage students during instruction.prepare syllabuses for vocational coursesprepare syllabuses for vocational coursesPrepare syllabuses for use in different kinds of vocational courses. Compile, adapt, and integrate important study subjects in a course to assure integral teaching programs.provide lesson materialsprovide lesson materialsEnsure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.provide advice on pilot licence application proceduresprovide advice on pilot licence application proceduresProvide advice on the specificities and particularities of applying for a pilot's licence. Provide advice on how an applicant can submit an application that is more likely to be successful.coordinate rescue missionscoordinate rescue missionsCoordinate rescue missions during the event of a disaster or during an accident, ensure that all possible methods are being used to ensure the safety of the people being rescued, and that the search i...prepare examinations for vocational coursesprepare examinations for vocational coursesPrepare examinations that test both theoretical and practical understanding of the content and the procedures imparted during a course or teaching programme. Develop exams that assess the most importa...perform routine flight operations checksperform routine flight operations checksPerform checks before and during flight: conduct pre-flight and in-flight inspections of aircraft performance, route and fuel usage, runway availability, airspace restrictions, etc.