Lead Flight Instructor
LIFT Academy seeks a highly qualified and motivated individual for the pivotal position of Lead Flight Instructor. This role is instrumental in assisting in the leadership and ongoing development of Part 141 ground and flight instructors. The Lead Flight Instructor is responsible for conducting stage checks, end of course checks, and delivering comprehensive ground instruction, ensuring strict adherence to Part 61 and 141 regulations, FAA guidelines, the Airmen’s Information Manual, advisory circulars, airport operations protocols, and LIFT Academy policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provides essential education to instructors regarding LIFT Academy’s policies, procedures, and flight training programs, acting as a vital liaison between flight operations and external organizations.
- Performs flight instructor and check instructor duties as authorized by Federal Aviation Regulations and designated by the Chief Flight Instructor, in full compliance with the approved Training Course Outline.
- Accurately reports student progress and meticulously maintains records, actively facilitating student success and providing crucial support to the instructor group.
- Audits student records, performs student enrollments, and facilitates graduations as directed by the Chief Flight Instructor.
- Ensures that all course standards, training requirements, and objectives outlined in the Training Course Outline are consistently met by all flight instructors.
- Suggests and creates curriculum and courseware enhancements as necessary, assisting with implementation and change management for new curriculum initiatives.
- Attends required administrative, standardization, in-service training, and instructor development meetings.
- Manages and provides leadership to a team of flight instructors.
- Participates in screening, interviewing, and recommending potential employees for hire. Coaches, motivates, supervises, and provides clear direction to team members. Conducts performance appraisals, provides constructive feedback, initiates corrective actions when necessary, and oversees staff training and development.
- Performs other duties as assigned to support operational needs.
Qualifications:
- Possesses specialty training beyond high school culminating in an FAA and/or Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
- Holds a current FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate with Airplane Single Engine Land, Airplane Multi-Engine Land, and Instrument ratings.
- Holds a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
- Meets the minimum requirements for an ATP or RATP certificate.
- Meets the current minimum age and flight hour requirements set by the FAA and Company for hiring.
- Possesses full knowledge of all curriculums authorized for instruction.
- Demonstrates thorough knowledge of and the ability to apply effective instructional techniques in both classroom and flight environments.
- Capable of teaching and performing effectively in a classroom setting, with required computer proficiency.
- Exhibits strong aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and the ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures.
- Possesses comprehensive knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations and related administrative and operational procedures and requirements.
- Provides strong customer service.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with G1000 avionics.
- Experience in a Part 141 training environment.
- Prior Check Instructor experience.
Regulatory Requirements:
- Must pass an initial and ongoing drug and alcohol testing program.
- Must pass a Federal Background check.
- Meets specific flight hour requirements depending on certificate or rating held, including:
- Private Pilot Certificate or Rating: 500 hours as pilot in command, and 1 year and 250 flight hours or 500 flight hours of flight training experience.
- Instrument Rating or Rating with Instrument Privileges: 50 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions, 500 hours as pilot in command, and 1 year and 125 flight hours or 200 flight hours of instrument flight instructor experience.
- Other Training Courses: 1,000 hours as pilot in command, and 1.5 years and 500 flight hours or 750 flight hours of flight training experience.
Language Skills:
The position requires the ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. The individual must be able to write clear reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Reasoning/Problem Solving Ability:
Demonstrates the ability to solve practical problems and effectively manage a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization. Capable of interpreting diverse instructions presented in written, oral, diagram, or schedule formats.
Decision Making:
Makes day-to-day decisions that support the strategic direction of the department. Decisions often require thoughtful consideration, are somewhat structured, tend to be short-term in impact, and usually involve moderate cost.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands required to perform the essential functions of this job successfully include the ability to stand at least 70% of the time and lift or move up to 25 pounds up to 35% of the time.
Work Environment:
The work environment can be fast-paced and noisy. The individual must work well under pressure while exercising sound judgment at all times. Potential need to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short notice.
Travel Requirements:
Ability to travel up to 15% of the time, including potential overnight and weekend travel.
LIFT Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability and Veteran Accommodations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.