Vice President of Flight Training & Chief Instructor
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 flight training, instructor development, operational excellence, and customer experience.
As we expand across the United States through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, we are seeking a Vice President of Flight Training & Chief Instructor to lead training quality, standardization, instructor development, and regulatory compliance throughout the organization.
This is a unique opportunity to help build one of the nation's premier flight training organizations from the ground floor.
Position Summary
The Vice President of Flight Training & Chief Instructor serves as AFI's senior flight training executive and FAA-approved Chief Instructor. This individual is responsible for establishing and maintaining training standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, developing instructors, and creating a culture of safety and professionalism across all AFI training locations.
This position combines executive leadership, instructor development, FAA compliance, operational oversight, and strategic growth planning. The successful candidate will build the systems, procedures, and team necessary to support AFI's national expansion.
This position is expected to evolve into oversight of training operations across multiple states and training centers as AFI continues its nationwide growth.
Key ResponsibilitiesTraining Standards & Standardization
- Establish and maintain standardized training procedures across all AFI locations.
- Develop and maintain instructor handbooks, SOPs, training standards, and evaluation criteria.
- Conduct instructor standardization training and recurrent evaluations.
- Ensure consistency in training delivery, customer experience, and student outcomes.
- Monitor checkride pass rates, stage check performance, completion rates, and student progress.
Instructor Leadership & Development
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop Assistant Chief Instructors and Lead Instructors.
- Conduct instructor onboarding, proficiency checks, and annual evaluations.
- Create leadership development pathways for instructors seeking advancement.
- Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Address instructor performance concerns and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
FAA Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Serve as AFI's Chief Instructor under FAA Part 141 regulations.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable FAA regulations and approved Training Course Outlines (TCOs).
- Lead FAA inspections, audits, certificate activities, and regulatory reviews.
- Serve as the primary liaison with FSDOs and FAA representatives.
- Develop and obtain approval for new courses, ratings, locations, and training programs.
Safety Leadership
- Champion a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.
- Monitor operational trends, incidents, and training-related safety concerns.
- Participate in safety investigations and corrective action implementation.
- Work closely with maintenance and operations teams to ensure safe training operations.
- Lead safety meetings and instructor risk management initiatives.
Growth & Strategic Development
- Support the opening of new AFI training locations nationwide.
- Assist with the integration and standardization of acquired flight schools.
- Develop scalable systems that support multi-location growth.
- Work directly with executive leadership on strategic initiatives and long-term planning.
- Evaluate opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability, and training effectiveness.
Qualifications Required
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
- FAA Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
- Eligible to serve as Chief Instructor under FAA Part 141 regulations
- Minimum 3,000 hours total flight time
- Minimum 1,500 hours dual instruction given
- Previous experience as a Chief Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor, Check Instructor, Training Manager, or equivalent leadership role
- Strong working knowledge of FAA Part 141 and Part 61 regulations
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to travel regularly to AFI training locations nationwide
Preferred
- Previous multi-location flight school leadership experience
- Experience developing FAA-approved training programs
- Experience opening or managing Part 141 certificates
- Airline, military, collegiate aviation, or large flight school leadership experience
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Aviation, Education, Business, or related field
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $150,000–$190,000 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
- Flight privileges and training benefits
Reporting Structure
Reports To:
Direct Reports:
- Assistant Chief Instructors
- Lead Instructors
- Standardization Instructors
- Training Department Personnel
Why Join AFI?
AFI is building a national aviation company designed for long-term growth, operational excellence, and industry leadership. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of flight training, influence thousands of future pilots, and help create one of the most respected flight training organizations in the United States.
If you are passionate about developing pilots, mentoring instructors, and building a world-class training organization, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $135,000.00 - $160,000.00 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 FAA CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates?
- Have you previously served as a Chief Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor, Check Instructor, or Director of Flight Training?
- Do you have experience working within an FAA Part 141 flight training program?
- Have you supervised, trained, or managed flight instructors as part of a leadership role?
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
