Senior Director, Flight Training & Operations

Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC dba United Aviate Academy; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC dba United Aviate Academy is seeking a Senior Director of Flight Training to lead our flight operations, champion FAA compliance, and mentor an elite team of instructors. You will set the strategic direction for training programs and ensure excellence in safety, scheduling, and outcomes.

In this role you will oversee curriculum development for FAA Part 141/Part 61, manage student records and certification processes, and drive performance through KPIs,

Qualifications

• 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+ 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development, implementation, and maintenance of flight training curricula per FAA Part 141 or Part 61.
• Ensure training operations comply with FAA regulations and safety standards.
• Develop and update training manuals, SOPs, and safety protocols.
• Oversee student records, training documentation, 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.
• 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.
• Oversee quality assurance programs and audits.
• Analyze training data and metrics to identify areas for improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

ATP Certificate

Master’s degree in Aviation or related field

Tools

Flight training management software

Data analytics tools

Job description

Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC dba United Aviate Academy is seeking a Senior Director of Flight Training to lead our flight operations, champion FAA compliance, and mentor an elite team of instructors. You will set the strategic direction for training programs and ensure excellence in safety, scheduling, and outcomes.

In this role you will oversee curriculum development for FAA Part 141/Part 61, manage student records and certification processes, and drive performance through KPIs,