Instructor - Chief Flight Instructor

Sowela Technical Community College; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement options

Medical insurance options

Generous vacation and sick leave benefits

Job summary

A prominent technical college in Lake Charles, LA, is seeking a Chief Flight Instructor to ensure compliance with FAA regulations and provide high-quality flight instruction. You will manage operations, supervise flight instructors, conduct student evaluations, and maintain training records. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, significant flight experience, and relevant licenses. This role offers various benefits including retirement options, medical insurance, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1000 hours of pilot in command experience required.
• Flight training experience as a CFI or military pilot with a minimum of 1.5 years and 500 flight hours, or 750 flight hours.
• Able to pass a knowledge test on teaching methods and relevant FAA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage 14 CFR Part 61 and 141 operations.
• Conduct student evaluations and provide instruction.
• Supervise and mentor flight instructors.

Skills

Excellent communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aeronautics, or related field

Master’s degree in Aviation, Education, or related discipline

Tools

Flight Schedule Pro

Talon

ETA

Job description

Instructor - Chief Flight Instructor Job no: 495441
Closes:
Work Type: Faculty Full-Time
Locations: Lake Charles, LA
Categories: Workforce Development & Education

College

SOWELA

Department

Workforce Development

Type of Appointment

Unclassified - Faculty 12 month

Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily management of 14 CFR Part 61 and 141 operations and compliance with all applicable FAA and LCTCS regulations.
• Conduct student stage checks, progress checks, and end-of-course evaluations as required by the Training Course Outlines (TCOs).
• Provide high-quality ground and flight instruction to students under both 14 CFR Part 141 and Part 61 training programs.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate flight instructors to ensure standardized training delivery and professional development.
• Maintain accurate and timely training records in compliance with FAA and institutional documentation requirements.
• Coordinate flight training schedules and ensure efficient aircraft and instructor utilization.
• Assist with Safety Management System (SMS) oversight, safety briefings, and program audits.
• Participate in curriculum review, instructional improvement, and integration of emerging aviation technology.
• Support recruitment, outreach, and industry partnership efforts to expand the aviation program’s impact in Southwest Louisiana.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement across all training activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aeronautics, or related field.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 1000 hours of pilot in command.
• Flight training experience either as a CFI or military pilot consisting of 1.5 years and a total of 500 flight hours, or 750 flight hours.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Pass a knowledge test on teaching methods, Aeronautical Information Manual, provisions of 14 CFR Part 61, 91, and 141, and Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI and CFII standards and proficiency on the flight procedures and maneuvers.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• The Assistant Chief Flight Instructor will split time between office, classroom, and flight line environments. Duties may require occasional evening or weekend work and flexibility based on flight operations, weather, and student scheduling. The position involves exposure to typical aviation conditions, including aircraft noise and outdoor weather variations.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Private Pilot
• Instrument
• Commercial
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)
• Current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate.

Preferred Education

• Master’s degree in Aviation, Education, or related discipline preferred.

Preferred Experience

• FAA Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) rating.
• Experience teaching in a collegiate or structured flight training program.
• Prior experience supervising or standardizing flight instructors.
• Familiarity with flight scheduling and recordkeeping systems (e.g., Flight Schedule Pro, Talon, ETA, or similar).

Benefits

As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, SOWELA has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Additional Information

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. SOWELA is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. SOWELA is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.