Chief Flight Instructor

The Chief Flight Instructor, under CFR 141.85, bears the responsibility to certify each student's training record, graduation certificate, stage checks, end-of-course test reports, and recommendation for course completion. Ensures that certificated flight instructors, certificated ground instructors, or commercial pilots pass an initial proficiency check and asses a recurrent proficiency check every 12 calendar months. Assures that FAA approved curriculum, training techniques, procedures, safety, and standards are met, reviewed, modified, and submitted when needed. The Chief Flight Instructor also ensures the effective delivery and oversight of flight training programs while meeting academic and regulatory standards. This includes ensuring adherence to program review and assessment requirements and coordinating with part time faculty and administrators to maintain curriculum quality. The Chief Flight Instructor is responsible for syllabus creation, ensuring it aligns with FAA regulations and program objectives, as well as managing student grade reporting and attendance documentation. Additionally, the role involves advising students on academic progress, flight training needs, and career paths, fostering a supportive learning environment while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and FAA regulations.

Collaborate with the Dean to oversee day-to-day operations of the flight school. Ensure adherence to FAA regulations and standards for Part 141 and Part 61 operations. Provide leadership to Assistant Chief, Flight Instructors, Line Service, Dispatch, and Aviation staff to maintain a high standard of professionalism and training quality. Remain current on FAA regulatory and procedural changes in the flight training industry. Ensure program compliance with applicable federal aviation regulations and safety standards. Apply and maintain quality standards to operating methods, processes, and systems. Identify and implement necessary changes to maintain compliance and operational safety. Manage flight operations to ensure the efficient utilization of aircraft, simulators, and resources. Identify opportunities for growth and enhancement of the flight training program. Represent the TCC brand and Professional Pilot program's best interest to industry partners, regulatory agencies, and professional organizations. Collaborate with other departments to align the aviation program with institutional goals. Serve as the primary point of contact for FAA representatives and ensure timely reporting and resolution of compliance matters. Use feedback from safety audits, performance evaluations, and regulatory inspections to drive continuous improvement in flight training programs and operational procedures.

Ensure that all records, including flight logs, ground school progress, and certifications, are accurately maintained and updated in compliance with FAA electronic record-keeping regulations. Regularly review and verify that all flight hours, training milestones, and progress reports are properly documented and reflect the most current student performance. Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure that all student records are securely stored, easily accessible for audit purposes, and prepared for FAA inspections or audits. Address any discrepancies or issues in student records promptly to maintain compliance and ensure the accuracy of training data. Certify student enrollment documentation is complete prior to acceptance in the flight labs. Act as the primary reviewer and approver for FTSP alien flight student applications. Verify and process required TSA and FAA documentation for non-U.S. citizen flight students. Ensure compliance with all applicable TSA and FAA regulations related to alien flight training. Maintain detailed and secure records for FTSP participants to meet federal requirements. Generate and issue enrollment and graduation certificates for each student promptly upon reaching key milestones in their training program. Ensure that certificates are processed in an efficient and timely manner, with clear communication to students regarding the status of their documentation. Maintain a streamlined system for archiving all issued certificates, ensuring that each document is securely stored and easily retrievable for future reference or audit. Manage flight operation records in vendor software to include approving flight operation requests, managing downed aircraft, completing ramp in/out activities, managing student accounts and records, updating curriculum and resource management information, maintain currency, qualifications, and other required compliance documents for all students and instructors. Audit student records and correct any errors while following applicable procedures.

Oversee the safety of all flight and ground operations at the flight school. Create, implement, analyze, and maintain safety protocols and processes to ensure full compliance with FAA regulations, collegiate, and industry standards. Work with the safety office to report safety-related incidents and continuously improve operational safety procedures. Ensure the integration of Safety Management Systems (SMS) in daily operations, focusing on proactive safety practices and adherence to regulatory safety requirements. Conduct regular safety audits and assessments of flight operations and training activities. Analyze incident reports to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. Promote a culture of safety among all staff, instructors, and students, ensuring everyone adheres to safety standards and policies. Develop, review, and update safety protocols for flight and ground activities. Implement emergency procedures and ensure they are clearly communicated to all personnel. Ensure the safe operation of flight training devices, aircraft, and other related equipment. Ensure all flight training equipment, including aircraft, is properly maintained and compliant with regulatory standards.

Conduct regular program reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of courses and instructional methods. Design, revise, and implement curricula for all AAS degree and certificate programs within the aviation department. Coordinate with the FAA to update Training Course Outlines (TCOs) and Letter of Agreement (LOA) as necessary. Integrate industry trends into collegiate training to continuously improve program quality an prepare graduates for entry into the workforce. Select and adopt appropriate instructional materials, including textbooks, training manuals, and technology. Develop and submit course syllabi, ensuring alignment with program learning outcomes and institutional requirements. Coordinate textbook adoptions and instructional resource acquisition. Manage attendance confirmation, grade submission, and all professional pilot student related documentation. Track and review student progress in aviation courses, identifying opportunities for intervention to support student success. Monitor incomplete student progress and initiate grade changes upon end of course completion.

Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of training programs to maintain flight and ground operations. Oversee that all flight training operations adhere to Part 141 and Part 61 requirements. Stay up to date with FAA regulatory changes and ensure training programs remain compliant. Personally conduct 60 hours per month of ground and flight training sessions for all student levels (private, instrument, commercial, etc.) in compliance with FAA regulations (Part 141 and Part 61) and institutional policies. Demonstrate proper flight maneuvers, safety protocols, and operational procedures to students and flight instructors. Uphold TCC's FAA examining authority by adhering to rigorous standards in training and evaluation processes. Serve as the final authority for determining students' readiness for FAA-required evaluations. Develop, review, and update flight training syllabi in accordance with Part 141 approved curriculum. Maintain and update line service training manuals for ground operations, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and industry standards. Regularly review and revise content to reflect current safety protocols, equipment handling procedures, and operational best practices. Collaborate with ground operations staff to incorporate feedback and address training needs effectively. Ensure all training activities prioritize safety and professionalism.

Collaborate with the Dean to develop, update, implement, and continuously review aviation related policies and practices. Facilitate regular ongoing professional development opportunities for direct reports to maintain up to date knowledge of policy and procedure changes. Ensure that all stakeholders are informed of the importance of regulatory compliance and the flight school's commitment to upholding these standards. Conduct regular evaluations of policies and practices to ensure compliance with TCC, OSRHE, TSA and FAA standards. Ensure that all students, line service, and instructors are aware of and adhere to the policies outlined in the flight school's policy manual, pilot operating handbook of each aircraft, safety manuals, etc. Ensure that all safety protocols, procedures, and practices are integrated into day-to-day flight and ground operations. Develop, revise, and distribute policy manuals, operational guidelines, and best practices for all flight instructors, line service, and students. Address any non-compliance issues with students, line service, or instructors promptly and effectively.

Serve as the primary point of contact for operational decisions related to flight dispatch. Organize and schedule flight training sessions in coordination with students and other instructors to ensure smooth operations and meet student progress timelines. Analyze student progression through flight training and assign instructors according to their personality fit , teaching load, availability, and teaching qualifications promptly. Handle the logistics for aircraft availability, coordination with maintenance staff, and ensure aircraft readiness for flight. Ensure the maintenance of accurate training and dispatch logs in accordance with company and FAA standards. Coordinate instructor schedules and ensure optimal instructor coverage for flight training needs. Recruit, train, and evaluate dispatch staff to maintain a high level of operational efficiency. Manage and supervise the daily operations of the flight dispatch team, ensuring all tasks are performed efficiently and accurately. Act as a liaison between flight instructors, students, and other staff to resolve scheduling issues. Analyze flight dispatch data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

Establish and maintain effective communication channels and open door environment with all stakeholders, including flight instructors, students, maintenance teams, and administrative staff, to ensure alignment on operational goals, regulatory compliance, and the resolution of issues affecting flight training and safety. Schedule and lead regular meetings with direct reports to disseminate critical information, foster open communication, and ensure all team members are aligned on organizational updates, goals, and operational changes. Utilize these meetings to address concerns, provide feedback, and encourage collaboration. Document and share key updates through formal channels to include active participation in biweekly flight operations meetings with the Aeronautics Coordinator and/or Dean. Share relevant information openly, fostering trust and collaboration among stakeholders. Maintain a solutions-focused approach when communicating flight operations needs. Maintain regular communication with students, addressing any concerns or questions they may have regarding flight training, and offering guidance on overcoming challenges.

Oversee the hiring process and training to ensure each Assistant Chief, Certified Flight or Ground Instructor passes an initial proficiency review, standardization to ensure consistent training outcomes, and annual proficiency review in accordance with the FARs. Provide strong leadership to the flight instructor team, setting clear expectations for performance, safety, and professionalism. Supervise and mentor flight instructors, offering regular feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunities. Conduct regular evaluations of flight instructors to ensure instructional effectiveness, adherence to processes, procedures, and protocols, and compliance with regulations and standards. Perform analysis of flight and ground instructor teaching & learning effectiveness and suggest improvements as needed. Oversee the hiring process for line service technicians and flight dispatch. Provide ongoing, constructive feedback to all direct reports and accurately document all feedback conversations and performance reviews, maintaining clear records of progress and development over time.

Participate in open house events where prospective students can tour the facility, meet instructors, and see the aircraft in action. Share insights on the benefits of flight training and the opportunities available to students. Coordinate flight demonstrations for prospective students and their families, showcasing what they will learn and experience as part of the program. Provide personalized advising and consultation sessions for prospective students, helping them understand the flight training process, FAA certifications, and career opportunities in aviation. Provide guidance on what it takes to succeed in the field. Represent the flight school at TCC and community sponsored career fairs.

Require FAA Commercial Rating, FAA Instrument Rating, FAA Multi Engine Rating, FAA Class 3 Medical, FAA Certified Flight Instructor Rating (CFI), FAA Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating (CFII), FAA Certified Flight Instructor Multi-engine Rating (MEI), and a valid State issued Driver License.

Associate's degree or equivalent education in an Aviation related field. Degree requirement may be substituted with relevant and equivalent work experience.

Primary flight training experience in ASEL and AMEL, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least 2000 hours as pilot in command, at least 3 years experience, and at least 125 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions. Qualified applicants must have documented logbook entries showing the requisite experience.

1 year experience as a ground school instructor at a certificated pilot school.

Candidate must pass a knowledge and proficiency test on flight procedures, teaching methods, and part 61, 91, and 141 FAA regulations for every training course outline within the Part 141 program within three (3) months of being hired.

2000 flight hours PIC (pilot in command).

2 years as an Instrument Instructor and 250 hours instrument dual given or 400 hours instrument dual given.

100 hours of actual or simulated instrument time.

Ability to fly FAA flight evaluations in outdoor conditions from subfreezing windchills to heat indices up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Must be able to fly in daily Oklahoma weather conditions.

Ability to hold an FAA Class 3 medical certificate.

Ability to be on call outside of typical working hours, including weekends, early mornings, and late nights.

Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP).

Bachelor's degree in an Aviation related field. Degree requirement may be substituted with relevant and equivalent work experience.

Experience as a Chief Flight Instructor at 141 school.

Experience instructing in a Garmin-1000 aircraft.

Ability to move aircraft manually using tow bar or with all purpose utility vehicle.