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Chief Flight Instructor Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor SUMMARY The Assistant Chief Flight Instructor assists the Chief Flight Instructor in providing oversight of daily flight training operations in addition to ...

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor SUMMARY The Assistant Chief Flight Instructor assists the Chief Flight Instructor in providing oversight of daily flight training operations in addition to ...

The Assistant Chief Flight Instructor assists the Chief Flight Instructor in providing oversight of daily flight training operations in addition to representing the program's interests in the ...

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Chief Flight Instructor information

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$72.9K

$118K

$187K

How much do chief flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief flight instructor in Oklahoma is $118,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,600.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief flight instructor do?

A Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) is responsible for overseeing flight training programs, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and maintaining safety standards. They supervise and mentor flight instructors, develop training curricula, and evaluate student progress. CFIs also coordinate with aviation authorities to ensure adherence to certification requirements. Their role is crucial in maintaining high training standards and producing skilled pilots.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief flight instructor?

To thrive as a Chief Flight Instructor, you need extensive experience in flight instruction, advanced piloting skills, and typically hold a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CFII, and often MEI rating, along with a strong safety record. Familiarity with flight training management software, aircraft scheduling systems, and regulatory compliance tools is crucial. Outstanding leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities set top candidates apart in guiding both instructors and students. These skills ensure a safe, efficient flight training operation and promote a high standard of learning within the team.

What are some common challenges faced by chief flight instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Chief Flight Instructors often face the challenges of maintaining consistent training standards across instructors, adapting to regulatory changes, and ensuring high safety standards for all flight operations. Balancing administrative duties with time spent in the air and supporting instructors can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges involves cultivating clear communication, implementing thorough oversight and training protocols, and staying updated on best practices and FAA regulations. Many Chief Flight Instructors find success by fostering a collaborative team environment and prioritizing ongoing professional development for themselves and their staff.

How do you become a chief flight instructor?

To become a chief flight instructor, an individual typically needs to hold an advanced flight instructor certificate, such as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with additional endorsements or ratings, and accumulate significant flight experience. They must demonstrate leadership, teaching skills, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, often gaining experience as a flight instructor before advancing to a supervisory role.

How much do chief flight instructors make?

Chief flight instructors typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the flight school. They often hold advanced certifications and have extensive flight hours, which can influence their compensation. Salaries may also include benefits such as flight hours, training opportunities, and scheduling flexibility.

Where do chief flight instructors get paid the most?

Chief flight instructors tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong aviation industry, such as major metropolitan areas or countries with high demand for pilots. Factors like experience, certifications, and the type of flight school also influence compensation levels. Generally, locations with higher living costs and larger aviation markets offer the highest pay for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Flight Instructor jobs in Oklahoma?

The most popular types of Chief Flight Instructor jobs in Oklahoma are:

Infographic showing various Chief Flight Instructor job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $118,016 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor

SEOK

Durant, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
SUMMARY
The Assistant Chief Flight Instructor assists the Chief Flight Instructor in providing oversight of daily flight training operations in addition to representing the program's interests in the classroom and, on university-level, industry level, and department-level workgroups and committees. The position is expected to maintain a classroom teaching load that is consistent with university policy and departmental needs. The Assistant Professor/Assistant Chief Flight Instructor is considered by the Federal Aviation Administration to be a key stakeholder who may act in behalf of the Chief Flight Instructor when needed. This position reports to the Chief Flight Instructor/Operations Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supports the Chief Flight Instructor with the mentoring and supervision of Senior and Staff Flight Instructors, standardization and standards enhancement, and general supervision of flight training operations.
• Supports the Chief Flight Instructor with regulatory compliance, safety standards, training standards per 14 CFR Part 141.
• Maintain a classroom teaching load consistent with university policy and departmental needs.
• Assist the Chief Flight Instructor with those duties and responsibilities as outlined in 14 CFR Part 141.85.
• Serve on university-level, industry level, and departmental level workgroups and committees.
• Assist the Chief Flight Instructor with the oversee of initial selection, onboarding, upgrade training, and transition training for all instructor pilots.
• Responsible for conducting and administering stage checks and end of course exams in accordance with 14 CFR Part 141.
• Serves as an Academic Adviser.
• Maintain currency to operational and industry standards.
• Accomplish safe, efficient and customer satisfying flight training that complies with university and FAA standards.
• Work with community outreach programs, the ASI, and internal university departments to coordinate special events highlighting the flight training department and flight training programs.
• Promote the Southeastern Aviation SMS program with all students and flight instructors.
• Assist the Chief Flight Instructor in ensuring flight curriculum is current to industry standard.
• Responsible for assigning students to appropriate flight instructors for flight courses and maintaining appropriate flight instructor student loads.
• Assist in providing Senior and Staff Flight Instructors tools to be used in daily flight training operations to ensure standard training to flight students.
• May be asked to serve as faculty advisor to various student organizations.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Flight Instructor.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (FUNCTIONS, DUTIES)
Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended upon to report to the assigned duty station at the scheduled time. Employee can be depended on to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the university.
Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the university. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain a constructive working environment.
Safety: The employee works safely, attends safety training offered/required, and follows appropriate safety rules and regulations. In relation to level of NIMs training completed, participates in incident management preparation and performs incident duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED
• A current FAA medical or Basic Med
• A current flight instructor certificate with ASEL and Instrument ratings,
• Must meet 14 CFR Part 141.36 requirements for Assistant Chief Flight Instructor designation or all courses.
• Bachelor's degree in Aviation or a related field.
PREFERRED
• A minimum of two years of relevant flight training experience.
• Masters degree in Aviation or a related field.
• Experience with Talon ETA scheduling and flight management systems.
• Flight In
• Experience as a Check Instructor in a Part 141 flight training environment.
• Experience mentoring and supervising flight instructors.
• Experience in classroom teaching at the collegiate level.
• 2 years of flight instructing experience in a collegiate level aviation degree program.
Experience with academic advising at the collegiate level.
Founded in 1909 as a teachers' college, Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues the strong tradition of producing outstanding educators for southeast Oklahoma and north Texas. Student enrollment is approximately 6,000 students and the campus is situated in rural Oklahoma. The main campus is located in Durant, Oklahoma, which is 90 miles north of Dallas, Texas, and 150 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The community is close to Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino Resort. Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues to be among the nation's most affordable universities according to the U. S. News & World Report's America's Best colleges.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The preferred start date is October 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled.
Southeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package including university paid health, vision, life insurance, long term disability, retirement contributions to Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System, as well as a tuition waiver for employees and spouse/dependents who wish to enroll at Southeastern. Southeastern offers 25 paid holidays per fiscal year and has a generous leave package including annual/vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and birthday leave. In addition to the SE paid benefits, there are many voluntary products available to employees such as 403(b), Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, dental, short term disability, dependent life insurance and a variety of ancillary benefits.
Employment is contingent upon the results of a national criminal and sex offender background check. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. SE participates in E-Verify.
SE is an AA/EEO employer committed to multicultural diversity.
Notice to applicants:
If selected, official transcripts from each degree-granting institution will be required upon date of hire.
It is Southeastern Oklahoma State University's policy that all newly hired employees must provide an original social security card during the hiring process. Failure to provide an original social security card will delay the hiring process and ability to begin employment.