Southwest | Instructor

Flight Operations Flight Instructor

Department: Flight Operations

About Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is deeply committed to connecting people to what is important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The Company prides itself on providing Employees with a stable work environment, fostering equal opportunities for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are highly encouraged to continuously improve effectiveness. Within the organization, Employees are afforded the same concern, respect, and caring attitude that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer. The vibrant Corporate Campus in Dallas, TX, promotes camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation through face-to-face interaction.

Job Summary

The Flight Operations Flight Instructor plays a pivotal role in the Flight Operations Department by delivering comprehensive training to Pilots. This critical position ensures all training 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 Instructor conducts engaging and effective training sessions in both classroom settings and advanced flight simulators. Through expert instruction, the Flight Operations Flight Instructor ensures Pilots acquire the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience to consistently provide Customers with safe and reliable flights. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential for facilitating proper flight instructions and fostering a positive learning environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Southwest Airlines offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits, underscoring its commitment to Employee well-being:

• Competitive Compensation: Starting pay is $76.64 per hour*, with opportunities for future increases aligned with applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scales based on time in position. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums are also available.
• Travel Privileges: Employees and their eligible dependents enjoy the privilege of flying for free on any open seat across all Southwest flights.
• Retirement Savings: Southwest Airlines actively contributes to Employee Retirement Savings Plans, including a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution of up to 10% of eligible earnings**.
• Profit-Sharing Potential: Employees have the potential for an annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan***, allowing them to share in the Company's success when Southwest profits.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Competitive health insurance options are available for Employees and their eligible dependents. Health plan coverage begins on the first day of employment, with a 30-day window to select and enroll in a plan; coverage will be retroactively available to the first day of employment.
• Further comprehensive benefits are available and can be explored upon application.

Key Responsibilities

The Flight Operations Flight Instructor will:

• Prepare and conduct classroom and simulator training in strict accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), relevant Training Policies/Manuals, and Company requirements.
• Actively facilitate and enhance pilot learning through effective instructional techniques.
• Develop and create instructional and evaluation media/materials to support ongoing training programs.
• Maintain the integrity of course materials and procedural standards through continuous self-study, practical skills practice, critique reviews, and participation in instructor meetings.
• Perform other job duties as directed by Company Leaders.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Candidates for the Flight Operations Flight Instructor position must possess:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in operating various training equipment, including computer-based training workstations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of flight training instructional duties, coupled with a solid working knowledge of FAR training requirements.
• Excellent English verbal communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective instruction and interaction.
• The ability to read technical aircraft documents, accurately follow technical instructions, rapidly learn and comprehend new technical concepts, and prepare clear, understandable written technical documents to convey information or guidance.
• The capacity to achieve accurate work results under stringent time constraints while maintaining a high degree of flexibility.
• Availability to work various assigned hours as necessary, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, with a rotating assigned work schedule to ensure coverage for operational hours (365 days a year, up to 24 hours a day).

Education

• Required: A High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.

Experience

• Required: Prior flying experience operating an aircraft.

Licensing and Certification

• Required: A USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which must display "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings and an "English Proficient" limitation.
• Required: A valid United States Driver's License.
• Required: The ability to meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain Flight Deck Jumpseat Access; this position necessitates successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back.

Physical Requirements

The role of Flight Operations Flight Instructor requires the following physical capabilities:

• The vision ability to frequently view and read computer, video, and flight deck displays.
• The ability to participate in the FAR-directed Line Observation Program and to enter and exit aircraft under both normal and emergency conditions.
• The ability to enter and exit flight simulators, cabin simulators or mock-ups, and briefing rooms under normal and emergency conditions.
• The ability to sit in the simulator uninterrupted for up to four hours.
• The ability to perform work duties from a limited space workstation/desk/office area for extended periods.
• The ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet job demands.
• The ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• The ability to move/transport up to 25 lbs on an occasional basis (less than 50% of the time).
• The ability to work at elevated heights and operate a Flight Simulator.
• The ability to manipulate applicable flight controls at full deflection.
• The ability to pass an annual flight evaluation.
• The ability to converse, present, and facilitate for up to eight hours.
• The ability to make and receive audible call-outs in classroom and/or simulator settings.

Additional Qualifications

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance in accordance with Company appearance standards and established guidelines.
• 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 sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must adhere to Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines.
• Must be at least 23 years of age.
• Must consistently demonstrate professional behavior both during and after Company hours, as well as at Company events.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Must meet strict confidentiality expectations regarding confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information.
• Air travel with overnight stays is required for this position.
• The ability to work extended hours as needed.

Location

This role is based at Southwest Airlines' Dallas, TX headquarters facility, where the Flight Operations Flight Instructor will be required to work during business hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company actively seeks opportunities to reflect the communities it serves and warmly welcomes applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.

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Job Posting End Date: 12/31/2025