Senior Director Flight Training

United Aviate Academy; Goodyear (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

United Aviate Academy in Goodyear, AZ seeks a visionary Senior Director of Flight Training to lead our flight operations, uphold FAA compliance, and mentor a high-performing team of instructors. You will set the curriculum strategy, drive safety, quality, and on-time delivery of world-class flight education for aspiring pilots.

Responsibilities include overseeing curricula, standardization programs, KPI-driven operations, and budget planning while forging industry partnerships to expand training

Qualifications

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings (required).
• CFI with Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings (required).
• 1000+ hours of instructional flight experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in flight training operations.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 141).
• Proven track record in strategic planning and business development.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee flight training curricula development and compliance with FAA standards.
• Lead and develop the instructional team, including training and standardization.
• Manage schedules, aircraft utilization, and maintenance coordination for training.
• Develop long-term strategic plans and monitor KPIs for training operations.
• Collaborate on budgeting and financial forecasting; identify new programs and revenue streams.
• Establish partnerships with aviation industry stakeholders and educational institutions.

Job description

Forge the future of commercial aviation as the Senior Director of Flight Training at United Aviate Academy! Lead our flight operations, champion FAA compliance, and mentor an elite team of instructors. Take the captain's seat in delivering safe, effective, on-time, and world-class flight education for the next generation of pilots.The Senior Director of Flight Training is responsible for overseeing all aspects of flight training operations at United Aviate Academy. This role ensures compliance with FAA regulations, maintains high training standards, and leads the instructional team to deliver safe, effective, on-time, and quality flight education.Duties/ResponsibilitiesTraining Operations & Compliance• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of flight training curricula in accordance with FAA Part 141 or Part 61 standards• Ensure all training operations comply with FAA regulations and safety standards• Oversee the development and updating of training manuals, standard operating procedures, and safety protocols Oversee student records, training documentation, and certification processesLeadership & Team Management• Develop and implement instructor training and standardization programs• Conduct performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities for instructional staff Strategic Planning & Business Development• Develop long-term strategic plans for training program growth and expansion• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for training operations• Collaborate with leadership on budget planning and financial forecasting• Identify opportunities for new training programs and revenue streams• Build partnerships with aviation industry stakeholders and educational institutionsOperations Management UAL - GENERAL: Standard business; share responsibly• Manage training schedules, aircraft utilization, and resource allocation• Oversee maintenance coordination to ensure aircraft availability for training• Optimize training efficiency and student throughput• Implement technology solutions to enhance training delivery and record-keeping• Lead safety meetings and promote a culture of safety throughout the organization Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement• Oversee quality assurance programs to monitor training effectiveness• Analyze training data and metrics to identify areas for improvement• best practices and industry standards in flight training• Conduct regular audits of training programs and procedures• Develop corrective action plans for identified deficienciesDuties/Responsibilities Required:• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings (required)• FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings (required)• 1000 plus hours of Instructional Flight Experience• Minimum 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in flight training operations• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 141)• Proven track record in strategic planning and business development• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as neededPreferred Qualifications• ATP Certificate• Master’s degree in Aviation, Education, or Business Administration• Experience managing training operations• Background in curriculum development and instructional design• Proficiency with flight training management software and data analytics toolsEEO Statement: Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC, dba United Aviate Academy (UAA), is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind - All employment decisions at UAA are based on business needs. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting job applicants and employees without regard to race, religion or belief, color, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, genetic information, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identify and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, or any other status protected by laws or regulations. Decisions on employment and promotions are based solely upon an individual’s qualifications, with reference to the responsibilities and skills required of the position for which the individual is being considered.United Aviate Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and welcome all qualified individuals of different backgrounds.About UsTraining the Next Generation of Pilots. United Aviate Academy, United’s wholly owned flight school, is creating a pathway to the flight deck for aspiring aviators through an accelerated and rigorous flight training program focused on instruction and safety.