XSTAR Aviation is seeking a Flight Instructor/HondaJet Pilot in Rapid City, South Dakota, to support U.S. Air Force bomber aircrew development. The role involves extensive multi-engine flight operations and comprehensive flight and ground instruction.
About the Role
The Flight Instructor will conduct multi-engine flight operations, provide flight and ground instruction, and teach FAA and USAF procedural differences. Responsibilities include supporting airmanship, repetition, risk management, and operational proficiency. The position also entails assigned site ground duties such as safety, training coordination, or program administration, with a Monday-through-Friday schedule. Candidates must reside or relocate within 30 minutes of Rapid City, SD.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Serve as CFI/PIC and conduct safe, efficient multi-engine flight operations under FAA Part 91 and company procedures.
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Plan and execute flight profiles, instructing aircrew in flight planning, aeronautical decision-making, mission execution, instrument procedures, out-and-back missions, and terminal-area operations.
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Deliver ground-based instruction covering FAA and USAF operating procedures, airspace, and regulatory differences.
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Conduct proficiency-focused profiles to enhance airmanship, repetition, and pilot performance, emphasizing risk management, crew coordination, and aeronautical judgment.
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Coordinate with program leadership, operations support, and maintenance teams for daily operations.
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Perform assigned ground duties, including safety, training coordination, or program administration.
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Participate in safety programs, reporting, continuous improvement, scheduling coordination, and program meetings.
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Maintain accurate flight, training, and administrative records.
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Represent XSTAR Aviation professionally with military personnel, government stakeholders, and industry partners.
Requirements
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Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time.
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Minimum 750 hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) time.
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Minimum 500 hours of instructor time.
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Minimum 500 hours of turbine time.
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Military pilots may apply a 1.5x conversion factor to flight time.
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Must qualify through one of the following pathways:
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FAA CFI/CFII and MEI credentials.
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An ATP certificate with multi-engine privileges and prior CFI experience.
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Current or former military instructor-pilot experience.
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Multi-engine experience and demonstrated flight instruction in multi-engine aircraft are required.
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Hold a current FAA Medical Certificate Class II or higher.
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At least 10 years of aviation experience.
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Demonstrated strong aeronautical decision-making, risk management, communication, instructional, and teamwork abilities.
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U.S. citizenship is required.
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Must live or be willing to relocate within 30 minutes of Rapid City.
Preferred Qualifications
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HA-420 experience is highly sought after.
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Multi-engine turbine experience.
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Prior military aviation experience.
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Structured training-program instructor experience.
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FAA Part 91 or Part 135 experience.
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HA-420 flight experience.
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A bachelor's degree.
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Experience mentoring developing pilots.
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Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance is preferred.