Chief Flight Instructor

Position Summary

Ideal Aviation is seeking an experienced and motivated Chief Flight Instructor to lead and oversee all aspects of our FAA Part 141 and Part 61 flight training operations. This leadership position is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining instructional excellence, supporting student success, and fostering a culture of professionalism and safety throughout the organization.

Serving approximately 120 students, the Chief Flight Instructor works closely with the Assistant Chief Instructor, university partners, FAA representatives, dispatch personnel, instructional staff, and other employees to ensure efficient training operations and consistent delivery of high-quality aviation education. This role plays a critical part in shaping the continued growth and success of Ideal Aviation's training programs.

Please send resume and cover letter to info@idealaviationstl.com

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Training Program Leadership

• Oversee all FAA Part 141 and Part 61 pilot training courses and activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, training course outlines, and company policies.
• Maintain standardization of flight training procedures, instructional methods, and aircraft operations.
• Monitor student progress and ensure timely advancement through training milestones.
• Review and approve student training records, graduation documentation, stage checks, and testing eligibility.
• Conduct flight and ground instruction as necessary.

Instructor Management and Development

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate flight instructors, check instructors, assistant chief instructors, ground instructors, and related training personnel.
• Conduct initial, recurrent, and standardization evaluations of instructional staff.
• Provide coaching, leadership, and performance feedback to maintain instructional quality.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding flight instructors.
• Lead regular instructor meetings and standardization sessions.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee daily flight training operations to ensure efficient utilization of aircraft, instructors, and resources.
• Provide leadership and guidance to dispatch, scheduling, and administrative teams.
• Evaluate scheduling and dispatch performance to support student progression and customer service objectives.
• Oversee operational procedures related to maintenance flights and aircraft availability.

Safety and Compliance

• Lead monthly Part 141 safety meetings and ensure safety policies are effectively communicated and implemented.
• Participate actively in Ideal Aviation's Safety Committee.
• Review aircraft incidents, accidents, training deficiencies, and safety concerns, making recommendations for corrective action.
• Assist in developing and implementing safety initiatives and risk management programs.
• Maintain all required FAA certificates, qualifications, and currency requirements.

External Relations and Program Development

• Serve as a primary point of contact with FAA representatives, airport authorities, and university partners.
• Collaborate with curriculum committees and leadership teams to develop and improve training programs.
• Participate in flight evaluation boards and other organizational committees as needed.
• Support strategic initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of Ideal Aviation.

Qualifications

Required

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with current FAA certificates and ratings.
• Qualifies to serve as Chief Instructor under FAA Part 141 regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of FAA Part 141 and Part 61 regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a structured flight training environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining great attention to detail and regulatory compliance.

Preferred

• Previous experience as a Chief Flight Instructor or Assistant Chief Flight Instructor.
• Experience managing a Part 141 flight training program.
• Experience working with collegiate aviation programs or university partnerships.
• Experience supervising instructors and training staff.
• Strong understanding of safety management systems and risk mitigation practices.

Why Join Ideal Aviation?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a high-profile leadership role within one of the region’s premier flight training organizations. Under the same ownership for the past 15 years, our school has experienced significant growth and earned a strong reputation for excellence in aviation education, safety, and customer service. The Chief Flight Instructor will be a key member of the leadership team, helping to shape the next generation of pilots while contributing to the continued success and expansion of our organization.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• Estimated range: $110,000-$140,000
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing aviation organization

Pay: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person