The Chief Pilot is responsible for overseeing flight operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and instruction at Aspen Flight Academy. This individual will manage flight instructors, oversee training programs, and liaise with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with FAA regulations. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Leadership and Supervision

• Conduct instructor progress and proficiency
• Support student success by addressing training concerns and mentoring aspiring
• Promote a strong culture of safety and ensure AFA safety guidelines are adhered Training Program Management
• Recruit, approve, train, and supervise flight instructors, ensuring instructional quality and standardization; administer disciplinary actions as needed.
• Supplement CFI’s by conducting flight training for
• Oversee procurement and inventory management of training materials and
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for Safety and Compliance
• As the Safety Director develop and implement safety programs, including risk assessments and incident prevention measures, including bi-monthly safety meetings reporting to the Board of Directors.
• Ensure CFIs comply with all our safety parameters and be the main point of contact for CFI questions on FAR’s and safety questions.
• Conduct and/or oversee aircraft return to service test flights, ensuring compliance with FAA Part 61 requirements.
• Serve as primary point of contact for annual TSA/FAA audit and appoint and oversee CFI responsible for conducting TSA/FAA
• Maintain student progress forms, and other processes to ensure safe, smooth and efficient operations.

Daily Flight Management

• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for flight training and
• Oversee aircraft operational readiness and maintenance to ensure compliance with all Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Service Bulletins (SBs) and serve as the main point of contact with Diamond Aircraft and Signature Maintenance Facility located in Eagle for warranty and airworthiness matters.
• Coordinate flight schedules and related scheduling software systems, including assigning CFIs to students, student enrollment matters, and student paperwork
• Monitor aircraft usage and long-term fleet planning to align with AFA’s operational needs.

Aircraft Asset Management

• Maintain checklists and documentation for aircraft,
• Manage the acquisition, maintenance, and sale of AFA’s aircraft
• Schedule and track aircraft servicing/maintenance with support from CFI’s.
• Monitor aircraft usage and long-term fleet planning to align with AFA’s operational needs.
• Maintain aircraft-related records, logs, and financial
• Keep a checklist of aircraft supplies that are in the planes (ex. survival pack contents, oil, first aid kit etc.)

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison with the FAA, TSA, FBO, Aspen airport, and other regulatory bodies.
• Maintain strong relationships with local Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) and interface with DPEs for check ride scheduling.
• Prepare monthly board of director updates and attend board of director meetings as
• Represent AFA as needed at industry events, community meetings, educational institution partners, and outreach activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), mountain experience required.
• Flight experience in Diamond aircraft
• Previous experience as a Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, Chief of Safety and Standardization, or Check Instructor in a flight training environment.
• Current FAA Class 2
• Current IFR and night Other
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational
• High level of professionalism and
• Problem solving and decision-making
• Passionate about aviation education and student success.