Chief Flight Instructor

Chief Flight Instructor

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae, copies of all FAA pilot and flight instructor certificates and ratings, and a copy of their current FAA medical certificate, if applicable.

Applicants must also provide a detailed summary of their aeronautical experience, including total flight time, pilot-in-command time, flight instruction experience, multi-engine experience, and experience conducting training under 14 CFR Part 141.

Candidates should identify any previous experience serving as a Chief Flight Instructor, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Check Airman, or in another aviation leadership position.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a brief statement describing their leadership philosophy, approach to flight instructor standardization, commitment to aviation safety, and experience improving flight training operations.

Final selection will be contingent upon verification of qualifications and eligibility for FAA approval as Chief Instructor under 14 CFR § 141.35.

Position Information

Position Summary Information

Responsibilities

The Chief Flight Instructor provides leadership, direction, and oversight of flight training operations within Delta State University’s Department of Commercial Aviation. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, particularly 14 CFR Part 141, and maintaining the highest standards of flight training, instructional quality, operational safety, and professionalism.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Aviation Operations, the Chief Flight Instructor is responsible for administering FAA-approved training curricula, supervising and evaluating flight instructors, developing and implementing standardized training procedures, and ensuring students receive consistent, high-quality flight instruction.

The Chief Flight Instructor will work collaboratively with flight operations management, faculty, maintenance personnel, and the Safety Manager to promote a proactive safety culture, improve operational efficiency, and support student progression and successful completion of flight training programs.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining required FAA training records, overseeing stage checks and instructor standardization, monitoring student and instructor performance, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with applicable university policies and accreditation requirements, including those established by SACSCOC and the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, effective communication, accountability, and a commitment to developing flight instructors, maintaining rigorous professional aviation standards, and supporting the continued growth and success of Delta State University’s Commercial Aviation program.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must possess current FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) privileges, along with the appropriate pilot certificates and ratings required for the position.

Candidates must meet all applicable FAA Chief Instructor qualifications under 14 CFR § 141.35, including the required pilot-in-command flight experience, instructional experience, and eligibility for FAA approval as Chief Instructor for Delta State University’s approved Part 141 flight training courses.

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, effective communication skills, and experience supervising flight instructors, maintain training standards, and ensure regulatory compliance.

A master’s degree in Commercial Aviation, Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, or a closely related aviation field is preferred but not required.

Salary

Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university’s resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with appropriate category and class ratings; current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with CFI, CFII, and MEI privileges; and documented flight experience and instructional qualifications meeting 14 CFR § 141.35 for the University’s applicable approved training courses.

Demonstrated knowledge of FAA Part 141 regulations, flight training operations, instructor standardization, safety procedures, and regulatory compliance. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are required. Must be eligible for FAA approval as Chief Instructor.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Commercial Aviation, Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, Aviation Safety, or a closely related aviation field.

Previous experience serving as a Chief Flight Instructor, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Check Airman, or in a comparable aviation leadership position.

Experience managing a university or collegiate Part 141 flight training program, developing standardized instructional procedures, supervising flight instructors, implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS), and supporting aviation accreditation requirements.

FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, substantial multi-engine instructional experience, and demonstrated success in developing flight instructors and improving student training outcomes are highly desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae, copies of all FAA pilot and flight instructor certificates and ratings, and a copy of their current FAA medical certificate, if applicable.

Applicants must also provide a detailed summary of their aeronautical experience, including total flight time, pilot-in-command time, flight instruction experience, multi-engine experience, and experience conducting training under 14 CFR Part 141.

Candidates should identify any previous experience serving as a Chief Flight Instructor, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Check Airman, or in another aviation leadership position.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a brief statement describing their leadership philosophy, approach to flight instructor standardization, commitment to aviation safety, and experience improving flight training operations.

Final selection will be contingent upon verification of qualifications and eligibility for FAA approval as Chief Instructor under 14 CFR § 141.35.

Additional Information

Delta State University seeks an experienced, highly motivated aviation professional to provide leadership and oversight of its FAA Part 141 flight training program.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening flight instructor standardization, promoting a proactive safety culture, improving student training outcomes, and supporting the continued growth and development of the Commercial Aviation program.

This position requires a collaborative, hands-on leader who demonstrates professionalism, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence. The Chief Flight Instructor will work closely with the Executive Director of Aviation Operations and other departmental leadership to maintain high standards of training, regulatory compliance, and safety.

Delta State University is committed to providing students with an exceptional aviation education that prepares them for successful careers in professional aviation.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Specific Questions

1. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • DSU Employee
   • DSU Job Website
   • Invited by Department to Apply
   • MS State Employment Service
   • HigherEdJobs
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Diverse Issues
   • Indeed.com
   • Other
2. Will you now or in the future require "sponsorship" for an employment based visa status?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Teaching Philosophy
4. Letter of Reference 1
5. Letter of Reference 2

Optional Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae

Delta State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Delta State University is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from sexual and gender-based discrimination or harassment. Our goal is for all to have equal access to the many great services and opportunities we offer. For more information, or to report an incident, see https://www.deltastate.edu/titleix/ or email titleix@deltastate.edu.