Flight Training Instructor in Denver, Colorado at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Job Summary

Wings Over the Rockies seeks an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and engaging Flight Training and SIMs Instructor to provide hands-on flight simulator instruction to middle and high school students participating in Wings Aerospace Education (WAE), Summer Camps, and other youth education programs. The instructor creates a supportive, interactive learning environment that builds student confidence, develops aviation knowledge and flight skills, assesses student progress, and provides constructive feedback to enhance performance.

In addition to classroom and simulator instruction, this role is responsible for administering the Wings Flight Scholarship Program, including tracking student progress, coordinating flight school billing and payments, maintaining required documentation, and ensuring all program requirements are successfully completed. The Flight Training and SIMs Instructor also stays current with flight simulator software updates, emerging aviation technologies, and applicable FAA regulations to ensure curriculum accuracy, compliance, and an exceptional educational experience. This position reports to the Director of Education.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provide flight simulator instruction to middle and high school students enrolled in the WAE and camp programs.

• Provide flight simulator instruction to and other flight/basic pilot knowledge classes to middle and high school students enrolled in Wings Aerospace Exploration (M-W), and also in the summer camp (ages 8-12) and Scouting programs (ages 10-18).
• As part of flight simulator instruction, establish an engaging and supportive learning environment for the student
• Assess student progress and provide feedback to help improve their skills
• Provide various flight simulator instruction and demonstrations for Museum guests
• Stay current on the latest software upgrades and FAA regulations as applicable to curriculum

Requirements & Qualifications

• Valid FAA Pilot License
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) highly desirable
• Expert knowledge of flight simulation software and systems (X-Plane preferred)
• Must be able to pass a routine background check
• Experience as a flight instructor and/or flight simulation instructor
• Previous teaching or instructional experience with middle/high school students desirable
• Strong knowledge of general aviation, aerodynamics, flight principles, and FAA regulations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Friendly demeanor, enjoys working with the public and has a strong passion for aviation
• Ability to create engaging and informative lesson plans
• Patience and ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students
• Commitment to the Mission of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly compensation for this position is $28 - $30 per hour. This position is classified as non-benefit eligible and does not qualify for employer-sponsored health, retirement, or paid leave benefits beyond those required by applicable law.

ADA/Working Conditions

Wings Over the Rockies is an Air & Space museum and operates in a 70-year-old aircraft hangar, providing the excitement and energy of being immersed in aerospace history and innovation. The work environment may include exposure to large open spaces, aircraft exhibits, varying noise levels, and temperature fluctuations consistent with a historic hanger facility.

The position is scheduled to work Monday through Wednesday, with hours not to exceed 29 per week. Occasional schedule adjustments including, but not limited to, evenings or weekends, may be required based on program or camp needs.

The role requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods; move about classroom and exhibit spaces; operate flight simulator equipment and computer systems; and occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The position also requires frequent interaction with middle and high school students in both a classroom and simulator settings.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position in accordance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

About Wings Over the Rockies

Wings Over the Rockies is a Colorado-based non-profit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring all people about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present and future. By utilizing the Air & Space Museum in Denver’s historic Lowry neighborhood to preserve the past and the Exploration of Flight Center at Centennial Airport to focus on the present and future, Wings strives to encourage the future aerospace leaders of tomorrow. For more information about Wings Over the Rockies please visit WingsMuseum.org, ExplorationOfFlight.org or like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter & Instagram, connect with us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Wings’ reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Work schedules and hours may be adjusted based on other operation requirements.

Nothing in this job description creates an employment contract, expressed or implied. Employment with the Museum is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or Wings at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Valid FAA Pilot License
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) highly desirable
• Expert knowledge of flight simulation software and systems (X-Plane preferred)
• Must be able to pass a routine background check
• Experience as a flight instructor and/or flight simulation instructor
• Previous teaching or instructional experience with middle/high school students desirable
• Strong knowledge of general aviation, aerodynamics, flight principles, and FAA regulations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Friendly demeanor, enjoys working with the public and has a strong passion for aviation
• Ability to create engaging and informative lesson plans
• Patience and ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students
• Commitment to the Mission of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum