Senior Director Flight Training

uaa; Goodyear (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

United Aviate Academy seeks a Senior Director of Flight Training to lead flight operations, ensure FAA compliance, and mentor instructors. The role drives safe, on-time, world-class education for future pilots while overseeing curriculum, staffing, budgeting, and strategic initiatives.

The candidate will direct training programs, manage instructors, monitor KPIs, and collaborate with leadership on growth and partnerships within the aviation industry.

Qualifications

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings.
• CFI with Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings.
• 1000+ hours of instructional flight experience.
• 3–5 years of leadership in flight training operations.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 61, 91, 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development 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 development and updating of training manuals, SOPs, and safety protocols; manage student records and certification processes.
• Develop and implement instructor training and standardization programs.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities for instructional staff.
• Develop long-term strategic plans for training program growth and expansion.
• Establish and monitor 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 institutions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Business development

Communication

Budget management

FAA regulations

Flight instruction leadership

Education

FAA pilot certificates & CFII/MEI licenses

Tools

Flight training software

Data analytics tools

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/Responsibilities

Training 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 processes

Leadership & 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 institutions

Operations 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 deficiencies

Duties/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 needed

Preferred 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 tools

EEO 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.