Chief Flight Instructor

About This Role

This Chief Flight Instructor role involves leading and expanding the flight training department, ensuring strict adherence to FAA regulations. The position requires an experienced and highly motivated FAA-qualified instructor to oversee flight courses, supervise instructors, and maintain compliance with premier flight training standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strict FAA Part 141 compliance to uphold premier flight training standards
• Direct all Part 141 flight courses, syllabi, and student checkride readiness
• Supervise, evaluate, mentor, and develop check instructors and the flight instructor team
• Maintain audit-ready student training files, instructor currencies, and required FAA digital documentation
• Conduct routine stage checks, instructor proficiency flights, and new-hire onboarding
• Serve as the primary point of contact for FAA training audits, spot inspections, and certifications
• Promote and maintain a positive safety culture throughout the Flight Training Department

Requirements

• Valid Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate for Airplane Single-Engine Land
• Minimum 2 years as a Flight Instructor and either:
• 500 hours of primary dual instruction given, or
• 1,000 hours of total flight instruction
• Minimum 100 hours of flight time in actual or simulated instrument conditions
• Minimum 1,000 hours Pilot in Command (PIC)
• Instrument Flight Instructor experience (CFII or military instruction), including at least one of the following:
• 2 years and 250 hours of instrument instruction, or
• 400 hours of instrument instruction
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP with airplane category and instrument rating
• Ground Instructor Certificate or equivalent knowledge and training responsibilities
• Strong working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 141 curriculum, standards, and reporting requirements
• Must be willing to relocate before starting employment if not currently local

Nice to have:

• MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) preferred; required within six months of start date

About the Company

Our client has been in business since 1992, operating both flight schools and full-service FBOs at multiple locations in Virginia and Florida. The organization serves as the FBO at Hanover County Airport and holds FAA approvals for Part 141 flight training and Part 145 repair station avionics. It also serves as the flight training affiliate for a university aviation degree program and is fully approved for all Part 141 courses. The organization is committed to safely delivering high-quality flight training programs on time and in full compliance with FAA regulations.