Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Flight Simulator Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

As a Flight Simulator Instructor, you are a cornerstone of modern aviation training. You will be responsible for delivering world-class instruction to flight crews within highly realistic Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD). This pivotal role involves conducting initial, recurrent, transition, and upgrade training for pilots, ensuring their proficiency in normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures. You will serve as a subject matter expert, mentor, and evaluator, directly shaping pilot competence and upholding the rigorous safety standards mandated by regulatory bodies like the FAA or EASA. Your expertise will ensure that every pilot you train is prepared for the complexities and challenges of real-world flight operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Experienced Airline Captain or First Officer (Part 121/135)
Retired or former Military Pilot with multi-engine transport experience
Senior Corporate or Charter Pilot with extensive flight time

Advancement To:

Lead Instructor / Standards Captain
Check Airman / Type Rating Examiner (TRE)
Training Center Manager or Director of Training

Lateral Moves:

Aviation Curriculum and Courseware Developer
Flight Operations Safety and Compliance Manager
Aviation Consultant or Subject Matter Expert

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct high-quality pilot ground school and flight simulator training sessions for initial, transition, upgrade, and recurrent programs, adhering strictly to approved company and regulatory curricula.
Provide comprehensive pre-flight briefings to set the stage for each simulator session, outlining learning objectives, scenarios, and expected performance standards.
Operate the Instructor Operating Station (IOS) to manage and direct complex, scenario-based training events, including realistic weather, air traffic control, and system malfunction simulations.
Deliver expert, real-time instruction and guidance to flight crews during simulator sessions, focusing on aircraft handling, systems knowledge, procedural compliance, and Crew Resource Management (CRM).
Conduct thorough post-flight debriefings, utilizing simulator data and video playback to provide constructive, objective feedback on crew performance and identify areas for improvement.
Evaluate and formally grade pilot performance against established proficiency standards and regulatory requirements, making objective recommendations for additional training when necessary.
Meticulously complete and maintain accurate, detailed training records for all assigned pilots, ensuring compliance with company policies and FAA/EASA record-keeping regulations.
Instruct and facilitate advanced concepts such as Crew Resource Management (CRM), Threat and Error Management (TEM), and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT).
Ensure all training activities are conducted in a safe, effective, and professional manner, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for all trainees.
Maintain subject matter expertise on specific aircraft types, company standard operating procedures (SOPs), and current civil aviation regulations (e.g., FAR Part 121, Part 142).
Administer and grade written, oral, and performance-based examinations as required by the approved training program to validate pilot knowledge and proficiency.
Identify and analyze pilot performance trends to provide feedback to the training program management for continuous improvement of courseware and curricula.
Act as a dedicated mentor and role model for pilots, demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, airmanship, and commitment to safety.
Report any identified simulator or training device malfunctions to maintenance personnel promptly to ensure minimal disruption to the training schedule.
Participate in periodic instructor meetings and standardization sessions to ensure consistency and quality across the entire training department.
Review and provide expert feedback on proposed changes to flight manuals, operating procedures, and training courseware to ensure operational relevance and accuracy.
Assist in the development, implementation, and refinement of new training scenarios and curriculum modules to address emerging industry trends and safety recommendations.
Ensure that all assigned training devices and classroom facilities are prepared and properly configured for upcoming instructional events.
Effectively manage simulator session time to ensure all required training events are completed efficiently without compromising the quality of instruction.
Uphold and promote the company's Safety Management System (SMS) by actively identifying and reporting potential hazards or safety concerns observed during training.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the development and revision of training curricula, syllabi, and courseware materials.
Participate in regulatory audits and compliance reviews conducted by bodies such as the FAA or EASA.
Provide subject matter expertise to support the investigation of safety events or operational incidents.
Mentor new or junior instructors to help them develop their instructional and evaluation techniques.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate or an equivalent ICAO license.
Current or previous Type Rating on a specific multi-engine transport category aircraft (e.g., A320, B737, B787, CRJ).
In-depth knowledge of federal aviation regulations, including FAR Part 61, 91, 121, and 142.
Proficiency in operating advanced Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and their associated Instructor Operating Stations (IOS).
Expertise in aircraft systems, flight dynamics, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the specific aircraft type.
Experience as a Ground School Instructor with the ability to teach complex technical subjects effectively.
Formal training and practical experience in facilitating Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Threat and Error Management (TEM).
Knowledge and/or certification in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) principles and instruction.
Competence with training management software and digital record-keeping systems.
Experience conducting and evaluating pilot performance during maneuvers, instrument approaches, and emergency scenarios.

Soft Skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for delivering clear briefings, instruction, and feedback.
Strong interpersonal and rapport-building skills to create a positive and effective learning environment.
Patience, empathy, and adaptability to tailor instructional style to individual student needs and learning rates.
Superior problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to analyze performance and guide trainees.
Leadership and mentorship qualities to inspire confidence and professionalism in pilots.
Poise and sound judgment, with the ability to make effective decisions under pressure.
A strong sense of professionalism and a deep-rooted commitment to aviation safety.
Ability to deliver constructive criticism in a positive, motivating, and objective manner.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aeronautical Science
Aviation Management
Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-15+ years of relevant aviation experience.
Minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time as a pilot.
Significant experience as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of a multi-engine, transport category aircraft.

Preferred:

Previous experience as a Line Check Airman, Simulator Instructor, or Training Captain in a Part 121 or military environment.
Experience operating in international airspace and diverse operational environments.
No history of accidents, incidents, or enforcement actions.