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Chief Instructor Pilot Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Chief Instructor Pilot information

What is the difference between Chief Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectChief Instructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and often additional instructor ratingsCommercial Pilot License and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentLeads flight training programs, oversees other instructors, and ensures training standards at flight schools or airlinesProvides individual flight training to students, conducts lessons, and evaluates student progress
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, flight schools, and aviation academiesFlight schools, aviation training centers, and private flight training

The main difference between a Chief Instructor Pilot and a Flight Instructor lies in their responsibilities and leadership roles. The Chief Instructor Pilot oversees training programs and manages other instructors, while the Flight Instructor focuses on delivering flight training to students. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Chief Instructor Pilot holds additional leadership duties within the training organization.

What are Chief Instructor Pilots?

Chief Instructor Pilots are highly experienced pilots responsible for overseeing the training programs and standards for other pilots within an organization, such as a flight school, airline, or military unit. They develop and implement training curricula, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and evaluate the performance of instructors and students. Chief Instructor Pilots also serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory authorities and are responsible for maintaining the highest levels of safety and proficiency among flight crews. Their leadership is critical in fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Instructor Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, extensive flight hours, instructor certifications, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight simulators, training management systems, and current aircraft technologies is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to mentor and evaluate other pilots are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure rigorous safety standards, high-quality training, and operational excellence within a flight training organization.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chief Instructor Pilot, and how can they be addressed?

As a Chief Instructor Pilot, one of the main challenges is balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on instruction and flight oversight. Managing a team of instructors, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining high training quality can be demanding. Effective delegation, clear communication, and staying updated with industry regulations are key strategies to address these challenges. Additionally, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement helps ensure both instructor and student success.
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Chief Instructor Pilot jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Chief Instructor Pilot job openings:

Chief Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Systems

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH โ€ข On-site

$59K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Information
Position Information (Default Section)
Job Title
Chief Pilot - Unmanned Aerial Systems
Location
National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE)
Job Number
05511
Department
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Job Category
Professional
Job Type
Full-Time
Status
Regular
Job Open Date
07/16/2026
Resume Review Date
08/04/2026
Closing Date
08/03/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Summary
The Chief Pilot position exists to manage and execute the vision of the National UAS Training and Certification Center, with a focus on Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), electric Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing (eVTOL), traditional aircraft flight operations, as well as client and partner collaborations and support. The Chief Pilot leads a team of technical experts and UAS and traditional aircraft crew members to conduct training and education, applied research and development, services, crew currency and compliance, and other operational tasks for internal and external stakeholders. The position supports revenue generation goals working with other senior personnel in the UAS department.
The potential minimum compensation for this position begins at $59,661.00 and is commensurate with education and experience.
Why work for Sinclair College?
The following are some of the benefits that professional staff with Sinclair College receive:
  • Tuition waiver for employee and dependents for all Sinclair courses and programs
  • Support for continued training and education, including tuition reimbursement for other universities and colleges.
  • OPERS pension participation, with 14% employer contribution
  • 4+ weeks of personal and vacation leave, 3+ weeks of sick leave annually
  • 14 days of annually observed company holidays
  • Expansive and competitive insurance programs, including an HSA with annual employer contribution available
  • High quality programs for work-life balance

*SCC has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
Principal Accountabilities
  • Organize and execute UAS, AAM Conventional-Take-Off-and-Landing (CTOL) and Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing (VTOL), and traditional aircraft flight operations, lab activities, and customer and partner engagements leading a team of technical experts and UAS, AAM CTOL and VTOL, and traditional aircraft crew members
  • Advance revenue generation opportunities including meetings with current or potential clients and support of proposal development
  • Support public awareness of UAS and AAM and advance the Sinclair brand nationally and internationally through demonstrations, speaking engagements, and other outreach activities
  • Manage condition and readiness of UAS facilities, equipment, vehicles, crew qualifications/currency, and training and other resources including those associated with AAM CTOL and VTOL and traditional aircraft to ensure ability to support standard and potential emergency aircraft operations and client support
  • Perform other duties assigned by the Chief Research Officer or Deputy Director for Unmanned Aerial Systems

Requirements
  • Minimum of a bachelor's degree in related topic required; master's degree in a related topic preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of related aviation, UAS, or AAM industry work experience required
  • Background in aviation with traditional aircraft, AAM, and UAS related experience required
  • Current Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required
  • Current Private Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA required
  • Current Commercial Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA required
  • Current Instrument Rating issued by the FAA required
  • Current Certified Flight Instructor and Flight Instructor - Instrument Ratings issued by the FAA required
  • Current or ability to obtain an FAA Second Class Medical required
  • Proven prior strategic planning and project management experience preferred
  • Strong personnel management, team building, team interaction and conflict resolution skills required
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills required
  • Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external customers and partners required
  • Strong PC skills, including standard office tools and industry specific software packages required
  • UAS operational flight experience on a variety of small UAS required
  • Certification through UAS, AAM, or traditional aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorized training program is preferred
  • Traditional aircraft fixed-wing flight experience required
  • Traditional aircraft helicopter flight experience preferred
  • Familiarity with and ability to instruct using UAS and AAM simulators preferred
  • Familiarity with and ability to instruct using traditional aircraft simulators and flight training devices preferred
  • Ability to create and use appropriate tools to manage people and tasks required
  • Experience in building an internal/external team to execute tactical operations and advance strategic and business strategies required
  • Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills, including experience in preparing and delivering proposals, reports and presentations required
  • Demonstrated experience developing, packaging, and delivering educational/training content preferred
  • Ability to read, research, and comprehend technical and regulatory documents required
  • Demonstrated experience managing a wide variety of technical and operational projects required
  • Proven ability to develop and sustain productive customer relationships required
  • U.S. Citizenship preferred
  • U.S. Passport preferred