Rotary Wing Instructor Pilot – United States Air Force Introductory Flight Training
CAE, a global leader in defense and security training, seeks highly qualified and experienced rotary wing instructor pilots to join our team in Dothan, Alabama. This position is contingent upon contract award and offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the training of future United States Air Force pilots.
About CAE:
CAE is a world-renowned partner in defense and security, civil aviation, and healthcare, dedicated to revolutionizing training and critical operations through cutting-edge, digitally immersive solutions. Our Defense & Security business unit is specifically focused on fostering the highest levels of mission readiness for our military clients. Our company values—empowerment, innovation, excellence, integrity, and OneCAE—guide our commitment to both individual and collective success. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, a supportive and safe work environment, and ample opportunities for professional development and advancement.
Role Summary:
The successful candidate will deliver exceptional contact flight training and instrument familiarization to students enrolled in the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command's Introductory Flight Training – Rotary (IFT-R) program. The role involves close collaboration with CAE's IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization personnel, and USAF representatives, ensuring adherence to all applicable standards (USAF, FAR, etc.).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive contact flight training and instrument familiarization within the USAF IFT-R program framework.
- Participate actively in the CAE Dothan Training Center's standardization and training program for the USAF.
- Maintain rigorous compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.
- Contribute to the Quality Management System, quality procedures, and safety programs.
- Proactively identify and implement strategies for ongoing compliance with evolving standards.
- Assist in program standardization, evaluation, and database maintenance, addressing deficiencies and generating reports as needed.
- Coordinate examiner activities to ensure comprehensive program support.
- Collaborate with program personnel, clients, and CAE USA staff to address quality assurance issues and meet all quality requirements.
- Identify and execute process improvement opportunities across various departments.
- Conduct all business operations in strict accordance with corporate policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Present performance metrics to track process improvement initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned (e.g., Safety of Flight Officer duties).
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate – Helicopter, with an Instrument Helicopter rating.
- FAA Flight Instructor Certificate – Helicopter, with a current Instrument Helicopter Instructor rating. Graduation from a US DOD formal Rotary Wing Instructor Pilot training program is preferred.
- Prior experience as a US Air Force Helicopter Instructor Pilot is highly desirable.
- Minimum 1,000 hours total flight time (per FAR 61.51), including 500 hours of turbine helicopter time, 100 hours of hooded instrument, flight simulator instrument, or weather pilot time, and 75 hours of night flying time. Time as Pilot in Command (PC) or Pilot (PI) (Per AR 95-1) in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable.
- Minimum 500 hours of Flight Instructor time with demonstrable experience in primary flight training and military initial flight training courses, or FAA 14 CFR Part 61 and/or Part 141 environments.
- Proven experience instructing students in instrument flight training.
- Current FAA Class 2 medical certificate.
- Availability for overtime and flexible scheduling.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to U.S. Government contract requirements.
Preferred Skills:
- Associate of Science degree.
- Graduation from a DoD helicopter instructor pilot course.
- Minimum 2,500 hours total flight time, including 1,000 hours as a helicopter instructor (any weight, category) and 1,500 hours in turbine helicopters.
Security Responsibilities:
Strict adherence to company security and data protection policies is required. Disclosure of information outside company channels requires prior management approval. The successful candidate must be eligible for a DoD Personal Security Clearance.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
This role is primarily conducted in a professional classroom/office environment, but may involve exposure to extreme temperatures. Standard office equipment will be utilized. Physical demands include lifting at least 40 pounds overhead, climbing stairs and ladders, stooping, bending, crawling, and the ability to detect auditory and olfactory cues.
Additional Information:
This job description is not exhaustive. Duties may be modified as needed. CAE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified applicants with disabilities upon request. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.