Flight Operations Flight Instructor
About the Role
The Flight Operations Flight Instructor plays a crucial role in the Flight Operations Department, responsible for training Pilots in adherence to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), the Advanced Qualification Program Manual (AQPM), the Flight Operations Training Manual (FOTM), and Company requirements/agreements. This position involves delivering training in both classroom and simulator environments to ensure Pilots possess the necessary knowledge and practical skills to provide safe and reliable flights. The Flight Operations Flight Instructor requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively facilitate flight instruction.
This role is based at the Southwest Airlines Corporate Campus in Dallas, TX, requiring presence during business hours. The position demands U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S., with no provision for future work authorization sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and conduct classroom and simulator training in accordance with FARs, Training Policies / Manuals, and Company requirements.
- Facilitate pilot learning.
- Develop and create instructional and evaluation media/materials to support training programs.
- Maintain course material and procedural integrity through self-study, skills practice, critique review, and instructor meetings.
- May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge and experience in operating training equipment, including computer-based training workstations.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
- Knowledge of flight training instructional duties and a strong understanding of FAR training requirements.
- Excellent English verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to read technical aircraft documents, follow technical instructions, learn and understand new technical concepts, and prepare written technical documents for clear communication.
- Ability to perform accurate work under tight deadlines while maintaining flexibility.
- Ability to work various assigned hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, with a rotating schedule to cover operational needs (up to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year).
Education
- High School Diploma or GED required.
Experience
- Flying experience operating an aircraft required.
Licensing/Certification
- USA DOT/FAA Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate required, displaying "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings and "English Proficient" limitation.
- Valid United States Driver's License required.
- Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain Flight Deck Jumpseat Access; requires successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back.
Physical Abilities
- Vision ability to view and read computer/video/flight deck displays frequently.
- Ability to participate in the FAR directed Line Observation Program and enter/exit aircraft under normal and emergency conditions.
- Ability to enter and exit flight simulators, cabin simulators, mock-ups, and briefing rooms under normal and emergency conditions.
- Ability to sit in the simulator uninterrupted for up to 4 hours.
- Ability to perform work duties from limited space work stations/desk/office areas for extended periods.
- Ability to communicate and interact in English to meet job demands.
- Ability to use a computer and office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy.
- Ability to move/transport 25 lbs occasionally (under 50%).
- Ability to work at elevated heights and operate a Flight Simulator.
- Ability to manipulate applicable flight controls at full deflection.
- Ability to pass annual flight evaluation.
- Ability to converse/present/facilitate for up to 8 hours.
- Ability to make/receive audible call outs in classroom and/or simulator settings.
Other Qualifications
- Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company standards.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.
- Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards.
- Must be at least 23 years of age.
- Must have authorization to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
- Must maintain professional behavior on and after Company hours and at Company events.
- Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime.
- Must meet confidentiality expectations for Company information.
- Air travel with overnight stays is required.
- Ability to work extended hours as needed.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay starts at $78.94 per hour*, with potential for future increases based on the applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale and time in position. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums are available.
Benefits include flight privileges on Southwest flights, a company-funded Retirement Savings Plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 10% of eligible earnings**, potential annual profit-sharing contributions***, and competitive health insurance for employees and eligible dependents, with coverage beginning on the first day of employment.
*The stated pay amount does not guarantee employment for any specific duration.
**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule, and match contributions may vary by position.
***Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the Company's discretion.