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Chief Instructor Pilot Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor SUMMARY The Assistant Chief Flight Instructor assists the Chief ... pilots. Responsible for conducting and administering stage checks and end of course exams in ...

... all instructor pilots. • Responsible for conducting and administering stage checks and end of ... Chief Flight Instructor in ensuring flight curriculum is current to industry standard. • ...

Chief Instructor Pilot information

What is a chief instructor pilot?

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?

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 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.

How do you become a chief instructor pilot?

To become a chief instructor pilot, individuals typically need extensive flight experience, often exceeding 3,000 flight hours, and must hold an airline transport pilot certificate. They also need advanced instructor ratings, such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), along with leadership skills and experience in flight training management. Gaining experience as a senior instructor pilot and demonstrating strong communication and safety record are essential steps toward this leadership role.

What cities in Oklahoma are hiring for Chief Instructor Pilot jobs?

Cities in Oklahoma with the most Chief Instructor Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Instructor Pilot job openings in Oklahoma as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor

SEOK

Durant, OK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 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.