The Eastern Kentucky University Chief Flight Instructor oversees Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, CFI/CFII/MEI certificates and ratings in the collegiate Part 141 program. The Chief Flight Instructor is responsible for providing and ensuring quality flight instruction as well as overseeing, mentoring, and evaluating the flight instructor staff. The incumbent must possess and maintain a strong working knowledge of all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) for Part 141, and will provide leadership and mentorship to both instructors and students.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Chief liaison to local FSDO for CFR Part 141 certificate requirements.
- Responsible for safe flight and ground operations of all University aircraft.
- Maintain and ensure compliance with current University and FAA policies and procedures.
- Ensure proper conduct and enforcement of effective training and safety standards, regulations, and procedures as established.
- Provide overall management for approximately 30 instructors and 250-300 flight students.
- Ensure maximum utilization of instructor, aircraft, and flight training device resources.
- Ensure assigned students are scheduled to meet their required activities.
- Meet with Students regarding training progress.
- Participate in New Hire instructor hiring process.
- Conduct stage checks and end-of-course tests.
- Amend FAA-approved documents as required.
- Maintain all training documents to ensure FAA and manufacturer compliance, and to ensure safety.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Experience in all aspects of Pilot flight and ground training leading to Private, Instrument, Commercial, Flight Instructor (CFI, CFI-I, MEI) and Multi-engine certificates and ratings.
- Ability to communicate clearly and precisely with people of all ages and nationalities.
- Experience in team building and problem resolution.
- Knowledge of Aviation Safety Management Systems and their integration into daily flight training operations.
- In-depth knowledge of FAA Part 61, 91, and 141 regulations.
- Leadership and management skills.
- Microsoft Office and computer skills.
Minimum Qualifications
- Four-year degree in Aviation or related field.
- Three years of directly related experience and as required by FAR Part 141 Chief Instructor qualifications. (FAR 141.35)
- Commercial Pilot Airplane or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (Airline Transport Pilot rating preferred).
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor Airplane Rating, including Instrument Flight Instructor Airplane and Multi-engine Land Airplane.
- 2000 hours Pilot In Command.
- 3 years and 1000 hours dual instruction given or 1,500 flight hours.
- Three to five years Part 141 Chief or Assistant Chief Flight Instructor experience preferred (Preference given for FAA Examining Authority experience).
- 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate or higher.
- Gold Seal Instructor Certificate preferred.
