Southwest Airlines | Instructor

Flight Operations Flight Instructor

Job ID: R-2025-60899

Location: Dallas, Texas, United States of America

Department: Flight Operations

Category: Pilots & Flight Operations

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

About the Role

Southwest Airlines is dedicated to fostering a stable work environment that promotes continuous learning and personal growth. The company encourages creativity and innovation to enhance the effectiveness of its operations. Employees are treated with the utmost concern, respect, and care, mirroring the exceptional service expected for every Southwest Customer.

Job Summary

The Flight Operations Flight Instructor plays a critical role within the Flight Operations Department, providing comprehensive training to Pilots. This instruction adheres strictly to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), the Advanced Qualification Program Manual (AQPM), the Flight Operations Training Manual (FOTM), and all Company requirements and agreements. The incumbent will conduct training sessions in both classroom and simulator environments, ensuring Pilots possess the requisite knowledge and practical skills to deliver safe and reliable flights for Southwest Customers. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential for effectively facilitating proper flight instruction.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver classroom and simulator training sessions in strict accordance with FARs, Training Policies/Manuals, and Company requirements.
• Facilitate pilot learning and skill development.
• Develop and create instructional and evaluation media and materials to support training programs.
• Maintain course material and procedural integrity through dedicated self-study, skills practice, critique reviews, and participation in instructor meetings.
• May perform other job duties as directed by leadership.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in the operation of training equipment, including computer-based training workstations.
• Solid understanding of Microsoft Office programs.
• Extensive knowledge of flight training instructional duties and a strong command of FAR training requirements.
• Excellent English verbal communication and interpersonal skills are mandatory.
• Ability to interpret technical aircraft documentation, follow complex technical instructions, acquire and comprehend new technical concepts, and prepare clear written technical documents.
• Capacity to deliver accurate work under demanding deadlines while maintaining a high degree of flexibility.
• Willingness to work various assigned hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, with a rotating schedule to ensure 24/7 operational coverage.

Education:

• Required: High School Diploma or GED.

Experience:

• Required: Demonstrated flying experience operating an aircraft.

Licensing/Certification:

• Required: Possess a USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings and an "English Proficient" limitation.
• Required: A valid United States Driver's License.
• Required: Must meet all regulatory criteria for and maintain Flight Deck Jumpseat Access, including successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back.

Physical Abilities:

• Must possess vision adequate to view and read computer/video/flight deck displays frequently.
• Must be capable of participating in the FAR-directed Line Observation Program and safely entering/exiting aircraft under normal and emergency conditions.
• Must be able to enter/exit flight simulators, cabin simulators, mock-ups, and briefing rooms under normal and emergency conditions.
• Ability to remain seated in a simulator uninterrupted for up to 4 hours.
• Capacity to perform work duties from a limited workspace for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively in English to meet job demands.
• Proficiency in using a computer and other office productivity tools at a speed and accuracy level that meets job demands.
• Ability to move/transport up to 25 lbs occasionally (under 50% of the time).
• Ability to work at elevated heights and operate a Flight Simulator.
• Capacity to manipulate applicable flight controls at full deflection.
• Ability to pass annual flight evaluations.
• Ability to converse, present, and facilitate for up to 8 hours.
• Ability to make and receive audible call-outs in classroom and/or simulator settings.

Other Qualifications:

• Must maintain a professional appearance in accordance with Company standards.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or possess current authorization to work in the United States, as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, without requiring future sponsorship.
• Must adhere to Company attendance standards.
• Must be at least 23 years of age.
• Must maintain professional behavior on and off duty, including at Company events.
• Must be available to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime.
• Must meet confidentiality expectations regarding sensitive Company information.
• Air travel with overnight stays may be required.
• Ability to work extended hours as necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay: $76.64 per hour*, with potential for increases based on the applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale and time in position. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums are available.

Benefits:

• Travel Privileges: Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights, including eligible dependents.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Southwest provides funding for a Retirement Savings Plan, including a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution up to 10% of eligible earnings**.
• Profit Sharing: Potential for an annual profit-sharing contribution to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan – when Southwest profits, employees benefit***.
• Health Insurance: Competitive health insurance options for employees and eligible dependents, with coverage available from the first day of employment. Enrollment must be completed within 30 days, with retroactive coverage to the first day.

*The stated pay rate does not guarantee employment for a specific duration.

**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary by position.

***Profit-sharing contributions are discretionary and subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves. Applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences are encouraged to apply.

Job Posting End Date: 12/31/2025