Chief Flight Instructor

Igniteflight; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ignite Flight Academy in Lincoln, NE seeks a Chief Flight Instructor to lead and oversee the flight training program, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and drive instructor development. You will mentor instructors, manage curricula, and coordinate with the FAA and academy leadership to advance training quality.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, program development, and continuous improvement to achieve exceptional student outcomes and compliance with Part 141/61.

Qualifications

• FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings is required.
• Minimum 2000 hours PIC with at least 1500 hours dual given.
• Part 141 experience preferred; familiarity with Examining Authority operations is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, education, or related field preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all flight and ground training operations in accordance with FAA regulations, Part 141 and 61 requirements, and Ignite Flight Academy standards.
• Maintain and continuously improve training curriculum, Training Course Outlines (TCOs), policies, procedures, and instructional materials.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the FAA, instructors, and academy leadership regarding training, compliance, and program development.
• Hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate flight instructors to ensure standardization and instructional excellence.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and corrective action when necessary.
• Monitor instructor effectiveness and productivity to support student success and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations, company policies, and safety standards.
• Investigate, document, and address safety events, incidents/accidents, and operational concerns.
• Stay current with regulatory changes and implement updates within training programs and procedures.
• Monitor student progress, training quality, and completion of program milestones.
• Conduct end-of-course evaluations for Examining Authority and stage/prog checks.
• Review and approve student records, endorsements, and training documentation.
• Address student performance concerns while promoting timely program completion.
• Advance instructor development, group ground training, and professional growth opportunities.
• Lead initiatives that improve training quality, efficiency, student outcomes, and Examining Authority capabilities.
• Evaluate and implement industry best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative teaching methodologies.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, mentorship, accountability, and open communication.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, sponsors, staff, and regulatory agencies.
• Represent Ignite Flight Academy with professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership.
• Champion and model the Academy's Mission, Convictions, and Core Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

FAA Instruct Cert

PIC hours 2000

Part 141 exp

ACS knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aviation

Job description

As Chief Flight Instructor, you'll be at the heart of our mission to inspire, empower, and transform lives through aviation — guiding students and developing instructors while building a culture of excellence and mentorship.

If you thrive on coaching, teaching, leading, and unlocking the potential in others, join our team and make a lasting impact on the lives of future aviators.

Position Summary:

The Chief Flight Instructor is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the flight training program. This includes ensuring the quality and safety of flight instruction, compliance with aviation regulations, and the professional development of Ignite’s flight instructors and students.

Essential Job Functions

Flight Training Leadership

• Lead and oversee all flight and ground training operations in accordance with FAA regulations, Part 141 and 61 requirements, and Ignite Flight Academy standards.
• Maintain and continuously improve training curriculum, Training Course Outlines (TCOs), policies, procedures, and instructional materials.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the FAA, instructors, and academy leadership regarding training, compliance, and program development.

Instructor Leadership & Development

• Hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate flight instructors to ensure standardization, professionalism, and instructional excellence.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and corrective action when necessary.
• Monitor instructor effectiveness and productivity to support student success and operational efficiency.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations, company policies, and safety standards.
• Investigate, document, and address safety events, incidents/accidents, and operational concerns.
• Stay current with regulatory changes and implement updates within training programs and procedures.

Student Success & Training Outcomes

• Monitor student progress, training quality, and completion of program milestones.
• Conduct end-of-course evaluations for Examining Authority and stage/prog checks.
• Review and approve student records, endorsements, and training documentation.
• Address student performance concerns while promoting timely program completion.

Program Development & Continuous Improvement

• Advance instructor development, group ground training, and professional growth opportunities.
• Lead initiatives that improve training quality, efficiency, student outcomes, and Examining Authority capabilities.
• Evaluate and implement industry best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative teaching methodologies.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, mentorship, accountability, and open communication.

Leadership & Stakeholder Relations

• Build positive relationships with students, families, sponsors, staff, and regulatory agencies.
• Represent Ignite Flight Academy with professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership.
• Champion and model the Academy's Mission, Convictions, and Core Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Hold a valid FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Instructor ratings.
• At least 2000 hours PIC with at least 1500 hours dual given
• Prior Part 141 experience strongly preferred; familiarity with Examining Authority operations is a plus
• Proven ability to lead and develop others.
• Strong understanding of FAA regulations, ACS standards, and training documentation requirements
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, education, or a related field is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform all duties associated with piloting and instructing in aircraft.
• Valid FAA Medical Certificate.
• Regularly lift 25lbs and occasionally lift/move up to 50lbs.