Build and lead the flight operations department, including chief pilot, director of operations, and ... Oversee selection and onboarding of training partners, simulator providers, and instructor cadre
New
Build and lead the flight operations department, including chief pilot, director of operations, and ... Oversee selection and onboarding of training partners, simulator providers, and instructor cadre
New
Vice President of Flight Operations #0204CG
$275K - $340K/yr
Build and lead the flight operations department, including chief pilot, director of operations, and ... Oversee selection and onboarding of training partners, simulator providers, and instructor cadre
Vice President of Flight Operations #0204CG
$275K - $340K/yr
Build and lead the flight operations department, including chief pilot, director of operations, and ... Oversee selection and onboarding of training partners, simulator providers, and instructor cadre
Chief Flight Instructor information
See Matawan, NJ salary details
$81.6K - $93.2K
5% of jobs
$93.2K - $104.8K
7% of jobs
$112.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$104.8K - $116.4K
19% of jobs
The median wage is $125.8K / yr.
$116.4K - $128K
22% of jobs
$138.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$128K - $139.6K
22% of jobs
$139.6K - $151.2K
17% of jobs
$151.2K - $162.8K
1% of jobs
$162.8K - $174.4K
1% of jobs
$174.4K - $186K
2% of jobs
$186K - $197.6K
1% of jobs
$197.6K - $209.2K
1% of jobs
$81.6K
$132.1K
$209.2K
How much do chief flight instructor jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief flight instructor in Matawan, NJ is $132,060.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,700.00 and $142,100.00 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 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.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Chief Flight Instructor position, and why are they important?
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.
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Job description
Aviation Flight Operations Leader
Our client is a well-capitalized early-stage aviation venture developing a regional premium scheduled service connecting Northeast business hubs to vacation and second-home markets along the Eastern Seaboard. The founding team combines deep capital markets experience with senior aviation operating expertise, and the company is preparing to enter the FAA certification process within the coming year. The role provides an opportunity to build and lead the flight operations function from the earliest stages, with direct accountability for pilot organization, dispatch, training, and operational performance.
This role demands an aviator-leader with a proven track record in commercial flight operations, deep regulatory fluency, and the temperament to build a department from scratch.
Key Responsibilities- Build and lead the flight operations department, including chief pilot, director of operations, and dispatch leadership
- Establish pilot hiring standards, training pathways, upgrade criteria, and career progression frameworks
- Define operational performance standards across on-time performance, completion factor, and safety metrics
- Lead crew scheduling philosophy, base structure decisions, and bid systems
- Partner with the certification team on flight operations elements of the Part 121 application, including the Flight Operations Manual and Standard Operating Procedures
- Establish initial and recurrent training programs aligned with FAA AQP or traditional training requirements
- Oversee selection and onboarding of training partners, simulator providers, and instructor cadre
- Partner with the safety function on flight data monitoring, ASAP, and operational risk management
- Lead irregular operations response, diversion management, and operational decision-making frameworks