Senior Director Flight Training

Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC dba United Aviate Academy; United States; On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC dba United Aviate Academy in the United States seeks a Senior Director of Flight Training to lead flight operations, ensure FAA compliance, and mentor a high-caliber instructional team. You will drive safe, on-time, world-class pilot education for the next generation of aviators.

The role oversees curriculum development under FAA Part 141/61, manages schedules, budgets, KPIs, and partnerships with industry while guiding strategic growth and continuous

Qualifications

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings required.
• CFI with Instrument and Multi-Engine Instructor ratings required.
• 1000+ hours of instructional flight experience.
• 3–5 years leadership or supervisory experience 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee flight training operations and ensure FAA compliance across programs.
• Lead development, implementation, and updating of curricula and manuals.
• Manage instructor training, standardization, performance reviews, and development.
• Establish KPIs, budgets, and financial forecasting for training operations.
• Develop partnerships with aviation industry stakeholders and educational institutions.
• Oversee scheduling, aircraft utilization, and maintenance coordination.
• Drive continuous improvement through audits and corrective action plans.

Skills

Leadership

FAA regulations knowledge

Strategic planning

Budget management

Communication

Education

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument & Multi-Engine

CFI with Instrument & MEI ratings

ATP Certificate

Master's degree in Aviation or related field

Tools

Flight training management 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.

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 improvementbest 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.

Training 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.