Chief Flight Instructor

Delta State University; Cleveland (MS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Delta State University in Mississippi seeks a Chief Flight Instructor to lead its FAA Part 141 flight training program. You will oversee curricula, supervise instructors, and ensure regulatory compliance while promoting safety and high-quality training across all aircraft operations.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Aviation Operations, you will develop standardized procedures, manage training records, and collaborate with faculty and maintenance to elevate student outcomes and program

Qualifications

• Current FAA CFI, CFII, and MEI privileges.
• FAA Part 141 knowledge and experience with training programs.
• Leadership and supervisory experience in flight training.
• Strong communication and regulatory compliance abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight of Delta State University's FAA Part 141 flight training program.
• Supervise and evaluate flight instructors, develop standardized training procedures, and ensure high-quality instruction.
• Maintain FAA training records, monitor student and instructor performance, and support accreditation requirements.
• Collaborate with flight operations, faculty, maintenance, and safety to promote proactive safety culture and operational efficiency.

Skills

CFI

CFII

MEI

Part 141 experience

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Commercial Aviation

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae, copies of all FAA pilot and flight instructor certificates and ratings, and a copy of their current FAA medical certificate, if applicable.

Applicants must also provide a detailed summary of their aeronautical experience, including total flight time, pilot-in-command time, flight instruction experience, multi-engine experience, and experience conducting training under 14 CFR Part 141.

Candidates should identify any previous experience serving as a Chief Flight Instructor, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Check Airman, or in another aviation leadership position.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a brief statement describing their leadership philosophy, approach to flight instructor standardization, commitment to aviation safety, and experience improving flight training operations.

Final selection will be contingent upon verification of qualifications and eligibility for FAA approval as Chief Instructor under 14 CFR § 141.35.

Position Information

Job Title

Job Title Chief Flight Instructor

Working Title

Working Title Chief Flight Instructor

Position Type

Position Type Staff

Department

Department Dept of Commercial Aviation

Posting Number

Posting Number 201201761

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time Full Time

Benefit Eligible Yes

Benefit Eligible Yes

If Other, Please Explain:

If Other, Please Explain:

Salary Basis

Salary Basis

Salary Basis 12 month

Salary Basis 12 month

If Other, Please Explain:

If Other, Please Explain:

Position Summary Information

Responsibilities

The Chief Flight Instructor provides leadership, direction, and oversight of flight training operations within Delta State University’s Department of Commercial Aviation. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) regulations, particularly 14 CFR Part 141, and maintaining the highest standards of flight training, instructional quality, operational safety, and professionalism.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Aviation Operations, the Chief Flight Instructor is responsible for administering FAA -approved training curricula, supervising and evaluating flight instructors, developing and implementing standardized training procedures, and ensuring students receive consistent, high-quality flight instruction.

The Chief Flight Instructor will work collaboratively with flight operations management, faculty, maintenance personnel, and the Safety Manager to promote a proactive safety culture, improve operational efficiency, and support student progression and successful completion of flight training programs.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining required FAA training records, overseeing stage checks and instructor standardization, monitoring student and instructor performance, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with applicable university policies and accreditation requirements, including those established by SACSCOC and the Aviation Accreditation Board International ( AABI ).

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, effective communication, accountability, and a commitment to developing flight instructors, maintaining rigorous professional aviation standards, and supporting the continued growth and success of Delta State University’s Commercial Aviation program.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must possess current FAA Certified Flight Instructor ( CFI ), Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument ( CFII ), and Multi-Engine Instructor ( MEI ) privileges, along with the appropriate pilot certificates and ratings required for the position.

Candidates must meet all applicable FAA Chief Instructor qualifications under 14 CFR § 141.35, including the required pilot-in-command flight experience, instructional experience, and eligibility for FAA approval as Chief Instructor for Delta State University’s approved Part 141 flight training courses.

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, effective communication skills, and experience supervising flight instructors, maintain training standards, and ensure regulatory compliance.

A master’s degree in Commercial Aviation, Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, or a closely related aviation field is preferred but not required.

Salary Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university’s resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with appropriate category and class ratings; current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with CFI , CFII , and MEI privileges; and documented flight experience and instructional qualifications meeting 14 CFR § 141.35 for the University’s applicable approved training courses.

Demonstrated knowledge of FAA Part 141 regulations, flight training operations, instructor standardization, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are required. Must be eligible for FAA approval as Chief Instructor.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Commercial Aviation, Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, Aviation Safety, or a closely related aviation field.

Previous experience serving as a Chief Flight Instructor, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Check Airman, or in a comparable aviation leadership position.

Experience managing a university or collegiate Part 141 flight training program, developing standardized instructional procedures, supervising flight instructors, implementing Safety Management Systems ( SMS ), and supporting aviation accreditation requirements.

FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, substantial multi-engine instructional experience, and demonstrated success in developing flight instructors and improving student training outcomes are highly desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae, copies of all FAA pilot and flight instructor certificates and ratings, and a copy of their current FAA medical certificate, if applicable.

Applicants must also provide a detailed summary of their aeronautical experience, including total flight time, pilot-in-command time, flight instruction experience, multi-engine experience, and experience conducting training under 14 CFR Part 141.

Candidates should identify any previous experience serving as a Chief Flight Instructor, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Check Airman, or in another aviation leadership position.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a brief statement describing their leadership philosophy, approach to flight instructor standardization, commitment to aviation safety, and experience improving flight training operations.

Final selection will be contingent upon verification of qualifications and eligibility for FAA approval as Chief Instructor under 14 CFR § 141.35.

Additional Information

Delta State University seeks an experienced, highly motivated aviation professional to provide leadership and oversight of its FAA Part 141 flight training program.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening flight instructor standardization, promoting a proactive safety culture, improving student training outcomes, and supporting the continued growth and development of the Commercial Aviation program.

This position requires a collaborative, hands-on leader who demonstrates professionalism, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence. The Chief Flight Instructor will work closely with the Executive Director of Aviation Operations and other departmental leadership to maintain high standards of training, regulatory compliance, and safety.

Delta State University is committed to providing students with an exceptional aviation education that prepares them for successful careers in professional aviation.

Open Date

Open Date 11/09/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • DSU Employee
  • DSU Job Website
  • Invited by Department to Apply
  • MS State Employment Service
  • HigherEdJobs
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Diverse Issues
  • Indeed.com
  • Other
• * Will you now or in the future require "sponsorship" for an employment based visa status?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Teaching Philosophy
• Letter of Reference 1
• Letter of Reference 2

Optional Documents

• Curriculum Vitae

Delta State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Delta State University is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from sexual and gender-based discrimination or harassment. Our goal is for all to have equal access to the many great services and opportunities we offer. For more information, or to report an incident, see https://www.deltastate.edu/titleix/ or email [e-mail] .