Aviation Training Specialist, C-17 Weapon System Trainer (WST)
About FlightSafety International
FlightSafety International stands as the world’s premier professional aviation training company, recognized globally as a leading supplier of advanced flight simulators, visual systems, and displays for commercial, government, and military organizations. The organization delivers essential training services to pilots, technicians, and aviation professionals spanning 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety maintains the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and operates award-winning maintenance training programs across state-of-the-art Learning Centers in the United States, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.
Position Overview and Purpose
The C-17 Pilot Instructor fulfills a critical role, bearing responsibility for the expert accomplishment of ground-based training for C-17 pilots. The incumbent instructs, evaluates, and measures the training progress of crewmembers strictly adhering to the established Training System (TS) curriculum. This specialized position is vital for maintaining superior operational proficiency within the C-17 platform training environment.
Core Responsibilities and Tasks
The Pilot Instructor executes comprehensive C-17 training across specialized platforms, performs necessary administrative functions, and actively contributes to program enhancement. Key duties include:
Conducting advanced ground training utilizing sophisticated devices such as the Weapon System Trainer (WST), the C-17 aircraft, and Computer-Based Trainers (CBT) for all C-17 TS pilots.
Providing specialized instruction in essential operational procedures, including air drop, aerial refueling, and transport procedures, along with diagnosis and remediation of complex student problems.
Maintaining an exceptionally high level of subject knowledge, instructional capability, and technical expertise relevant to the C-17 platform.
Managing pre- and post-mission briefings and debriefings, and counseling all pilots and Maintenance Engine Run personnel to foster and sustain high proficiency levels.
Performing essential administrative duties related to training, including detailed record keeping, monitoring student progress, counseling, training program development, and interfacing with the user organization.
Providing critical inputs for courseware corrections and modifications, and updating official training policies and procedures.
Maintaining instructional expertise by flying the WST (as required) and participating in observation flights on the C-17 aircraft to ensure currency on operational procedures and accurately gauge student progress.
Additional Duties and Leadership Roles
The incumbent may be assigned specialized duties, including:
Serving as the designated C-17 Pilot Subject Matter Expert (SME) for students, staff, and test events.
Serving in leadership capacities such as Flight Check Airman (FCA) (Lead), Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Evaluator, or accomplishing Simulator Certification (SIMCERT)/Simulator Evaluation (SIMVAL) duties, when assigned by the Employer.
Assisting in project management and development work.
Attending key standardization boards and reviews, including Operations Group Standardization/Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Boards (SEB), Training Review Panels (TRP), HQ Air Mobility Command (AMC) curriculum reviews, and Flight Manual Review Conferences (FMRC).
Fulfilling essential support roles, such as Learning Center monitor, safety representative, physical/cyber security representative, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) duties.
Travel may be required to meet organizational and training demands.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
Education
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
Experience
A minimum of eight (8) years of flying experience is mandatory.
Five (5) years of this experience must be specifically as a C-17 pilot with verifiable air drop and aerial refueling expertise, or the ability to obtain an AMC/A3TK waiver.
Two (2) years or 200 hours of flight instructor experience encompassing air drop, aerial refueling, and tactics is required.
Recent C-17 flight simulator pilot instructor experience and CATS MECOC certification are highly desired qualifications.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The ability to fluently read, write, speak, and comprehensively understand the English language is paramount.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to clearly relay information and effectively present details to customers.
Demonstrated working knowledge of instructional principles and theories pertaining to Training Systems (TSs).
Proficiency in standard personal computer operations and software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases (e.g., MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
Must successfully accomplish annual internal standardization evaluations.
Possession of an active SECRET Security Clearance is required for consideration.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
This role requires adherence to physical demands necessary to perform essential functions successfully. The instructor is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, and use hands to handle controls. Frequent actions include ingress and egress from the flight simulator and C-17 aircraft, often requiring work in temperature extremes and inclement weather as defined by Air Force and company guidelines. The incumbent must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (and occasionally up to 35 pounds). Crucially, the ability to safely exit the WST via the escape ladder down to the floor is mandatory. Noise levels in the work environment range from quiet classroom settings to extremely loud simulator and aircraft environments.