Director of Maintenance
About AFI
AFI (All Flying International) is building a nationwide flight training organization dedicated to producing safe, professional, and highly skilled pilots. Through a growing network of FAA Part 141 and Part 61 flight schools, AFI is committed to setting a new standard for safety, operational excellence, customer experience, and aircraft reliability.
As AFI expands across the United States through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, we are seeking a Director of Maintenance to lead aircraft maintenance operations, fleet reliability, regulatory compliance, vendor management, and maintenance standardization throughout the organization.
This is an opportunity to help build one of the nation's premier aviation organizations while creating a maintenance department capable of supporting a growing fleet across multiple locations.
Position Summary
The Director of Maintenance is responsible for the overall maintenance strategy, fleet reliability, regulatory compliance, maintenance standards, and vendor oversight for all AFI aircraft.
This position provides leadership to maintenance personnel, coordinates maintenance activities across all AFI locations, develops maintenance systems and procedures, and ensures aircraft availability meets operational demands while maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance.
The successful candidate will build the maintenance infrastructure necessary to support AFI's national growth.
Key ResponsibilitiesFleet Maintenance Oversight
- Oversee maintenance operations for all AFI-owned and managed aircraft.
- Ensure aircraft are maintained in accordance with FAA regulations, manufacturer guidance, and company standards.
- Monitor fleet airworthiness, reliability, and operational readiness.
- Develop maintenance planning processes to maximize aircraft availability and minimize downtime.
- Coordinate scheduled inspections, annuals, engine programs, avionics upgrades, and major repairs.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations and maintenance requirements.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
- Support FAA inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews.
- Establish and maintain company maintenance policies and procedures.
- Ensure proper tracking of ADs, service bulletins, inspections, and component life limits.
Maintenance Team Leadership
- Recruit, train, and develop maintenance personnel.
- Supervise maintenance managers, lead technicians, and maintenance coordinators.
- Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.
- Promote a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement.
Vendor & Facility Management
- Manage relationships with maintenance providers, avionics shops, engine shops, and aircraft manufacturers.
- Negotiate maintenance contracts and service agreements.
- Evaluate maintenance vendors and establish approved vendor programs.
- Support maintenance facility planning and expansion efforts.
Fleet Reliability & Safety
- Monitor maintenance trends and recurring discrepancies.
- Develop reliability tracking and preventative maintenance programs.
- Participate in safety meetings and operational risk assessments.
- Work closely with flight operations leadership to improve aircraft availability and dispatch reliability.
- Lead investigations into maintenance-related events and implement corrective actions.
Preferred Aircraft Experience
Candidates with demonstrated maintenance experience on training and general aviation aircraft are strongly preferred, including:
- Cessna 172 series
- Piper Cherokee, Warrior, Archer, and Seminole aircraft
- Diamond DA20, DA40, and DA42 aircraft
- Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron aircraft
- Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft
- Lycoming and Continental piston engines
- Garmin avionics systems, including G1000, G3X, GTN, and GFC-series autopilots
Experience supporting high-utilization flight training fleets is strongly preferred.
Growth & Strategic Development
- Support aircraft acquisitions and fleet integration efforts.
- Conduct technical due diligence on aircraft acquisitions.
- Assist with maintenance planning for new training locations.
- Develop scalable maintenance systems capable of supporting a nationwide fleet.
- Work directly with executive leadership on long-term fleet strategy.
Qualifications Required
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
- Minimum 10 years of aircraft maintenance experience
- Minimum 5 years of maintenance leadership experience
- Experience maintaining piston aircraft fleets
- Strong knowledge of FAA maintenance regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience managing vendors, budgets, and maintenance scheduling
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to travel regularly to AFI locations nationwide
Preferred
- Inspection Authorization (IA)
- Previous flight school or fleet maintenance experience
- Experience managing multiple maintenance facilities
- Experience with maintenance tracking software
- Experience supporting aircraft acquisitions and fleet growth
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Business, or related field
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $120,000–$150,000 annually
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Health, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off and holidays
- Company laptop and mobile phone
- Travel reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
Reporting Structure
Reports To:
Direct Reports:
- Maintenance Managers
- Lead Technicians
- Maintenance Coordinators
- Contract Maintenance Providers
Why Join AFI?
AFI is building a modern aviation company focused on safety, operational excellence, and growth. The Director of Maintenance will play a critical role in ensuring fleet reliability, supporting expansion, and helping create one of the most respected flight training organizations in the United States.
If you are passionate about aircraft maintenance, leadership, and building scalable aviation systems, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you currently hold a valid FAA A&P Certificate?
- Do you have at least 5 years of aircraft maintenance leadership or management experience?
- Do you have experience maintaining high-utilization piston aircraft fleets used for flight training or rental operations?
- Do you have maintenance experience with one or more of the following aircraft families: Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee/Archer/Warrior, Diamond DA20/DA40/DA42, Beechcraft Bonanza/Baron, or Cirrus SR20/SR22?
Experience:
- aircraft maintenance: 10 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
