Assistant Chief Flight Instructor

Central Washington University • Full-time • Ellensburg, WA, US • $59.07k - $85.65k / year • 2m ago

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor to join our Aviation team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

The principle function of the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor is to accomplish safe, efficient and student-satisfying flight training that complies with University and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, policies and procedures. Provide supervision for flight instructors, serve as subject matter expert and program director for one or more of the FAA pilot certification courses. Responsible to the Chief Instructor in the management of flight training to include safety and quality of training, student service and student progress. Performs the duties of the Chief Instructor when absent and delegated authority.

This position plays a vital role in shaping the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by enhancing the Aviation Professional Pilot Program as the trusted choice for aspiring pilots. They create a work and learning environment built on trust, accountability, excellence, safety, and stewardship. This important position will influence the future of aviation by promoting a culture that embodies these principles, all within an academic framework that emphasizes innovation and professional integrity in flight training and education. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Training/Instruction:

Instruct assigned students in accordance with FAA-approved Training Course Outlines (TCOs), ensuring training is professional, safe, and efficient.
When designated by the Chief Flight Instructor, certify each student's training record, enrollment and graduation certificate, stage check and end-of-course exam reports, and recommendation for course completion.
Communicate procedural and operational changes approved by the Chief Flight Instructor to students and instructor pilots.
Mentor Check Instructors and flight instructors; support students with training progress and implementing plans of action as necessary.
Ensure assigned personnel conduct flight training in a professional, safe and efficient manner.
Ensure student progress in flight courses meets Aviation Department minimum standards.
Participate in training meetings with Aviation Department faculty/staff.
When designated by the Chief Flight Instructor conduct stage checks/end-of-course exams and instructor proficiency/standardization flights.
Stay current on regulatory and procedural changes in flight training.
Mentor flight instructors on instructional best practices and techniques.
Work with instructors to identify students behind pace and develop individualized training plans.
Initiate stage check requests for assigned students.
File incident reports as necessary to report any observed safety violations, or situations that may affect the safety of flight to CWU Aviation Safety Management system.
Attend administrative, standardization, in-service training, and instructor development meetings as assigned.
Perform those flight instructor duties authorized by the Federal Aviation Regulations in accordance with the approved Training Course Outline.
Ensure standardization of flight instructors through observation and flight checks.
Conduct initial and annual recurrent proficiency checks for instructors in accordance with FARs and under the guidance of the Chief Flight Instructor.
Supervise flight training activities, ensuring FAA and university standards are met.
Ensure instructors maintain FAA-required flight currency and training.

Supervision:

Supervise flight instructors.
Actively engage in recruitment and hiring process of new employees.
Define performance expectations; provide regular informal feedback, coaching, and mentoring.
Conduct formal performance evaluations.
Promote professional development opportunities.
Develop and foster supportive working relationships, motivation and engagement.
Maintain regular communication with staff to encourage engagement and community.
Adjust leadership style as needed to achieve results.
Recognize value of and promote collaborative workforce; value and encourage varied perspectives, creativity and teamwork.
Oversee and direct the work of assigned staff; serve as mentor, coach and leader, and resolve complaints or issues.
Recognize and reward employees for good performance.
Take corrective action in a timely manner.
Schedule employee work hours/shifts; monitor hours worked; approve payable time and absence requests.

Compliance:

Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality flight training in accordance with FAA and university policies.
Assist with updating FAA-approved documents to maintain compliance with 14 CFR Part 141.
Assists with maintaining all training documents to ensure FAA compliance, and to ensure safety.
Assist with maintaining current and accurate FAA training records.
Support the Chief Flight Instructor with internal and FAA audits and inspections.
Ensure training activities and documentation meet all 14 CFR Part 141 standards.
Performs the duties of the Chief Flight Instructor in their absence.

Administration:

Assist with scheduling DPE check rides for students per department procedures.
Assist with scheduling the FAA practical test with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) per departmental procedures.
Serve on departmental committees and participate in Review Boards for student training concerns.
Support the Chief Instructor and department in revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and TCOs.
Help analyze training data and trends to improve program outcomes.
Monitor student flight timelines and intervene early to resolve delays in training progress.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in aviation or related field.
Meets the Assistant Chief Instructor requirements of 14 CFR §141.36(a) and (d).
- FAA Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate:
  - Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL); and
  - Instrument Airplane
- Valid FAA Flight Instructor Certificate:
  - Airplane Single-Engine Land (CFI); and
  - Instrument Airplane (CFII).
- Meets recent flight experience of PIC general experience in accordance with 14 CFR §61.57(a) and instrument experience in accordance with 14 CFR §61.57(c) or (d).
- Must satisfactorily pass a knowledge and flight proficiency test with the Flight Standards District Office's (FSDO) Principal Operations Inspector (POI), in accordance with 14 CFR §141.36(d)(3) and (4).
- At least 1,000 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
- At least 50 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions; and
- Flight training experience as a certified flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program:
  - 1.5 years and a total of 500 flight hours; or
  - 750 flight hours.
Valid FAA Medical Certificate or BasicMed.
Meets the flight review requirements in accordance with 14 CFR §61.56.
Complex endorsement in accordance with 14 CFR §61.31(e).
Must satisfactorily complete an evaluation/standardization check flight with the CWU Chief Instructor or designee.
Must authorize CWU to examine FAA Accident/Incident file.
Proficient with Microsoft Office or similar software (Word, Excel, Outlook, flight scheduling software).
No restrictions that prevent performing assigned flight duties or normal non-flying activities.
Demonstrated ability and/or experience fostering a supportive and effective workplace while working with students and/or colleagues to uphold institutional excellence.
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Valid FAA Flight Instructor Certificate - Airplane Multiengine Land (MEI).
2,000 hours as PIC.
100 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions.
3 years and a total of 1,000 hours or 1,500 hours of flight training experience as a certified flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program.
Experience as a full-time flight instructor in a FAA Part 141 flight school.
Experience in the following aircraft: Piper Archer, Seminole, Warrior III, and Cessna 172.
Experience in Frasca RTD Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD).
Experience with Garmin G1000NXi, G500NXi, G5, G430, and Aspen Evolution Backup Display.
Any type rating in accordance with 61.31(a).
High-performance endorsement in accordance with 61.31(f).
High altitude endorsement in accordance with 61.31(g).
Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.

Competencies

Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: The Hiring Department's expected hiring range is $65,000 - $73,000 annually. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the full annual salary range for this position is $59,068 to $85,648.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch)

Working Conditions: This position may work indoors and outdoors at times in hot/cold/noisy/dirty/wet/confined areas. This often requires standing/crawling/bending/walking/climbing while carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting associated with equipment or tools. Occasional overtime is required, and shift work may be required.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and LeaveandTotal Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;
Resume including work history, education, training, ratings, hours flown, applicable expiration dates;
Current Flight Instructor Certificate and FAA Medical Certificate; and
Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: March 27, 2026

**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Chris Pratz
Title: Chief Flight Instructor
Email: chris.pratz@cwu.edu
Phone: 509-963-2364
Website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/aviation/

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.