Highway Patrol Flight Instructor Career Path Career Path

Progression Overview

Positions in this family instruct agency pilots and develop training courses and programs.

Typical functions The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Develop and implement training courses and programs.
• Instruct law enforcement officer for operation of assigned aircraft.
• Evaluate long term aviation training needs.

The work assigned to positions in this series ranges from instructing pilots to serving as pilot-in-command or second-in-command on designated flights.

Flight Instructor — Pay grade: --

An employee is accountable for developing, coordinating, implementing, and instructing training courses and programs designed to prepare law enforcement officers for operation of fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing aircraft, assist agency pilots with maintaining or developing their proficiency level, and to formulate and implement training program plans, policies, and procedures. Work includes, but is not limited to, providing ground and flight instruction to agency pilots, coordinating flight schedules, develop and conduct performance assessments and maintain associated training records, develop and implement plans, policies, and standard operating procedures for aviation training programs within the agency. Plans and conducts all weather transportation flights and general utility flights as pilot-in-command or second-in-command and/or serves as pilot-in-command or second-in-command, for maintenance and mission equipment check flights, maintenance and mission relay flights, reposition flights and/or passgenger flights, which may contain secured ammunition and/or firearms. An employee in this position will evaluate long term training needs and make recommendations to the Division Director, and take action to ensure agency aviation continuity of operations in pilot staffing. Work is performed under general administrative direction.

Minimum Requirements (The following represents the minimum qualifications used to accept applicants, provided that equivalent substitution will be permitted in case of deficiencies in either experience or education.):

High School Diploma or equivalent and possess valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) fixed wing and/or rotorcraft commercial pilot certificate, certified flight instructor certificate (CFI), certified flight instructor instrument certificate (CFII), and multi-engine instructor certificate MEI).

1,200 hours flight time is required, with 500 of those hours as a flight instructor, and 250 hours of the 500 flight instructor hours being in fixed-wing instruction.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Some Patrol duties relate to criminal activity. Therefore, employees may be exposed to written material, photographs, and/or verbal language of a sexual nature. The requirements of this position are not intended to create a hostile work environment; however, it is work of an extremely sensitive nature. A copy of the Missouri State Highway Patrol policy on sexual harassment is available upon request. Once a job offer has been made, employment with the Missouri State Highway Patrol is contingent upon the successful results of a background investigation and Patrol administered drug test. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is a Drug Free Workplace. Employees must be a United States Citizen, or a legal resident of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Minimum Requirements specific to the Highway Patrol Flight Instructor Job Family that may apply and are dependent on assigned areas of responsibility:

• Must be at least twenty-one years of age at the time of employment.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot certificate. The specific pilot certificate will be determined by the division director, depending on the needs of the division.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a second-class medical certificate.
• In accordance with FAA aircraft weight and balance restrictions, an Aircraft Division pilot’s body weight shall not exceed 260 pounds.
• Must be able to successfully complete Water Egress Training, which requires the ability to swim.
• Must submit to periodic random drug testing.
• Documented successful completion of at least 26 hours of professional skill development and leadership training each calendar year.

EEO STATEMENT: The Missouri State Highway Patrol is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation, or disability.

Click HERE to view our employee benefits.

To be eligible for employment with the Patrol, applicants must meet all dress and appearance requirements. Click HERE for more details about dress and appearance requirements.

Effective: 07/01/2025 Reviewed: 07/01/2025 Revised: --