Flight Instructor
About Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation, dedicated to delivering an unparalleled aviation experience characterized by innovation, quality, and safety. As the manufacturer of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the revolutionary Vision Jet™, Cirrus has consistently redefined performance, comfort, and safety. The company's commitment to safety is exemplified by the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system. Cirrus Aircraft offers a competitive benefits package and fosters a culture of professional development, career progression, and employee engagement through various events and activities.
Job Summary
The Flight Instructor is responsible for providing industry-leading, learner-centric flight training to Cirrus customers. This pivotal role involves conducting training in iconic Cirrus Aircraft SR and SF model airplanes at the premier Cirrus Services Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The training adheres to a structured syllabus with proprietary course materials designed to optimize the learning process. Key responsibilities include identifying and communicating pilot progression opportunities, meticulous record-keeping, safety management, flight planning, lesson preparation, complex problem-solving, mastery of subject matter, and recommending process improvements. The Flight Instructor may also act as Pilot in Command for corporate flight operations, including demonstration, repositioning, and post-maintenance flights, as well as conducting flight reviews, proficiency checks, and other related pilot and flight instructor duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Adhere strictly to all industry and Cirrus established safety procedures and policies.
- Deliver excellent and professional customer service to all clients.
- Make timely and accurate decisions concerning the safety of flight.
- Conduct training events in accordance with program guidance and requirements.
- Provide comprehensive flight and ground instruction according to Cirrus policy and procedure standards.
- Meticulously record all training event activities and outcomes in pilot training records.
- Assess pilot performance across psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains for each training event.
- Identify opportunities to customize training events to meet individual student needs.
- Recommend students for FAA written and practical tests upon successful completion of training.
- Act as Pilot in Command of Cirrus aircraft for corporate flight missions, ferry flights, internal training, and demonstration flights as required.
- Perform routine pre-flight and post-flight inspections, including cleaning, fueling, adding oil, and updating chart subscriptions.
- Engage in continuous learning to stay abreast of the latest developments in Cirrus Aircraft product lines.
- Maintain a deep understanding of aircraft systems and serve as a model aviator, flight instructor, and Cirrus representative.
- Communicate effectively with students before and after training sessions.
- Enhance flight safety through the delivery of high-quality, standardized flight and ground instruction.
- Undertake any other assigned duties as required.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (Airplane Single-Engine and Instrument Airplane).
- Hold an FAA Pilot Certificate with Commercial Airplane Single-Engine Land and Instrument Airplane ratings.
- Possess a current Second-Class Airman Medical Certificate or higher.
- Minimum of 1,000 total flight instruction hours or 750 Cirrus-specific flight instruction hours required.
- Experience with IFR in congested airspace, mountain flying, extensive IMC, international flight, and night flying is preferred.
- SF50 Type Rating is preferred.
- ATP Certificate is preferred.
Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:
- Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of unique audience needs.
- Manages Complexity: Effectively synthesizes complex, high-volume, and sometimes contradictory information to solve problems.
- Collaborates: Builds productive partnerships and works effectively with others to achieve shared objectives.
- Decision Quality: Makes sound and timely decisions that advance organizational goals.
- Situational Adaptability: Adjusts approach and demeanor in real-time to effectively manage shifting situational demands.
- Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for meeting commitments.
- Develops Talent: Fosters the growth of individuals to meet both their career aspirations and organizational objectives.
- Ensures Exceptional Customer Service: Energizes service essentials, strives for service excellence, anticipates guest needs, displays hospitality, and adeptly handles guest requests and concerns.
Benefits
Cirrus Aircraft offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and growth:
- 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days with 100% vesting.
- Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, and dental plans, with options for dependent coverage.
- Free Health Tracking: Includes rewards for achieving health goals.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 120 hours accrued within the first year.
- Employee Referral Bonus: Rewards for referring qualified candidates.
- Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
- Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
- Community & Engagement: Opportunities to participate in company and employee clubs.
Location
This opportunity is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, a vibrant city renowned for its proximity to the Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River, offering a wealth of outdoor activities. Knoxville boasts a lively downtown with live music, diverse culture, and acclaimed cuisine, recognized as a "Top 10 Destination on the Rise" by TripAdvisor.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Cirrus Aircraft is committed to a drug-free work environment and promotes equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.