We appreciate your interest in joining the instructional team at Great Basin Aviation. As a well-established and respected flight training center, we receive a high volume of applications for Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) positions. To help you better understand what we’re looking for—and what sets a successful candidate apart, we’ve outlined some key expectations below.

1. Know Who You’re Applying To
Before submitting your application, take the time to learn about our school, training structure, and team culture. Do you understand how we integrate study groups, supplemental ground sessions, and consistent feedback into the student experience? Are you familiar with the complexities of operating in and around KRNO’s Class C airspace? Can you explain how our standards differ from those of other programs? Demonstrating that you’ve researched GBA and are aligned with our approach is the first step in standing out.

2. What Makes You a Valuable Addition?
We’re not interested in overused phrases about commitment and passion, we’re looking for real value. What can you contribute to our school and students? How will you support our mission to develop safe, competent pilots? Whether it’s your teaching background, communication skills, or a unique strength in mentoring students from diverse backgrounds, we want to hear how your experience translates into meaningful contributions here. 

3. Professionalism and Maturity Matter
We expect instructors to conduct themselves with maturity, professionalism, and initiative. You are not just a pilot, you are a mentor, teacher, and role model. Your ability to interact effectively with students, parents, examiners, and Atlantic Aviation staff reflects directly on our program. We are constantly selling the pilot dream, and that requires professionalism in both conduct and appearance.

4. Demonstrated Work Experience
We seek instructors who have held positions and demonstrated professional responsibility outside of flight training. This experience, whether aviation-related or not, shows reliability, communication skills, and the ability to adapt in a structured environment. If this is your first job out of school or training, explain how your past responsibilities have prepared you for a professional role at GBA.

5. Internal Candidates Have an Advantage
We prioritize applicants who have trained within our program and understand our culture, structure, and expectations. These individuals have demonstrated adaptability to our teaching style and have already invested in our standards. That said, external applicants with strong, relevant experience and an understanding of our mission are also welcome, but they must go above and beyond to distinguish themselves.

6. Show Us You Can Teach
It’s not enough to have passed your checkride, we want evidence that you can teach. Have you led ground sessions? Assisted with study groups? Tutored other students or mentored peers? We expect to see examples of how you’ve shared knowledge effectively. Our goal is to develop instructors who leave lasting, positive impressions on their students.

7. Feedback is a Growth Tool
We operate in a high-accountability environment. If you are not open to receiving and applying feedback, this may not be the right environment for you. Students will question you, examiners will challenge you, and our team will expect growth from your instructional performance. Your ability to take feedback seriously, reflect on it, and make improvements is critical.

8. This Role Must Be Earned
We treat every interaction, on the ramp, in the office, or during a mock lesson, as part of your interview. Our instructors represent GBA to students and families who are often making significant financial and career investments. We need to know that you are reliable, professional, and genuinely committed to helping others succeed. This is a competitive opportunity, and your actions, attitude, and initiative will determine your success.

If you're ready to contribute meaningfully and grow with us, great. We look forward to hearing from you. Please ensure that you include your Resume, Cover Letter, and Pilot Record Database (link below). Email your interest to Richard Brong, our Director of Aviation Education and Chief Instructor, RBrong@GreatBasinAviation.com, and Jenn Fonda, Owner of GBA, Jenn@GreatBasinAviation.com. 

If you're just looking to build hours and move on, this likely isn’t the place for you, and we wish you the best. If you are invested in shaping the future of aviation in a meaningful and lasting way, we'd like to hear from you. 

– The GBA Team