Description The Director of Flight Training leads all flight training operations in support of Flight School Next (FSN) Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) requirements. This role oversees instructor ...
Description The Director of Flight Training leads all flight training operations in support of Flight School Next (FSN) Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) requirements. This role oversees instructor ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
... direct tactics, and coordinate the aircrew and external forces. * As Aviation Maintenance Duty ... Daily work blends flight operations, simulator events, mission planning, debriefs, and maintenance ...
Director Flight Operations information
See Alabama salary details
$30.8K - $42.8K
4% of jobs
$42.8K - $54.8K
8% of jobs
$54.8K - $66.8K
11% of jobs
$68.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$66.8K - $78.8K
12% of jobs
$78.8K - $90.8K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $92.4K / yr.
$90.8K - $102.8K
12% of jobs
$102.8K - $114.7K
13% of jobs
$117.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$114.7K - $126.7K
9% of jobs
$126.7K - $138.7K
9% of jobs
$138.7K - $150.7K
5% of jobs
$150.7K - $162.7K
3% of jobs
$30.8K
$97.6K
$162.7K
How much do director flight operations jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director flight operations position, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Director Flight Operations, you need deep knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, safety management systems, and significant leadership experience, often supported by a commercial pilot's license or equivalent operational background. Familiarity with airline management software, flight scheduling tools, and compliance documentation systems is essential. Outstanding organizational, communication, and crisis management skills are crucial for coordinating teams and maintaining operational efficiency. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of flight activities in a highly regulated environment.
What is a director flight operations?
A Director of Flight Operations is responsible for overseeing an airline or aviation company's flight operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, operational efficiency, and company policies. They manage pilot scheduling, flight planning, and coordination with regulatory authorities like the FAA or EASA. Additionally, they work closely with maintenance, safety, and dispatch teams to ensure smooth flight operations. Their role is critical in maintaining high safety standards, optimizing costs, and ensuring on-time performance.
What are some typical challenges a director flight operations faces in their day-to-day work?
Directors of Flight Operations often navigate complex logistical challenges, such as adapting flight schedules due to weather disruptions, maintenance issues, or crew availability. They must also ensure ongoing compliance with evolving aviation regulations while maintaining optimal safety and efficiency standards. Successfully leading a diverse team of pilots, dispatchers, and ground support staff requires balancing operational demands with strategic planning. Overcoming these challenges involves strong decision-making skills, effective communication, and the ability to respond quickly under pressure, making the role both dynamic and rewarding.

Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Posted 19 days ago
AAR Corp rating
7.8
Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
23rd of 65 rated aviation services
Job description
This position is pending contract award. The anticipated start date is November 1, 2026.
Description
The Director of Flight Training leads all flight training operations in support of Flight School Next (FSN) Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) requirements. This role oversees instructor development, standardization, safety, and compliance across academic, simulator, andaircrafttraining environments. The Director ensures training programs meet government standards, contractual obligations, and aviation regulatory requirements whilemaintainingthe highest levels of safety, instructional quality, and mission readiness.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Lead and manage all flight training operations supporting FSN IERW requirements.
- Train and standardize instructor pilots through a structuredtrain-the-trainermodel across academic, simulator, andaircraftenvironments.
- Deliver flight, simulator, and classroom instruction to support instructor development and student training needs.
- Conduct initial evaluations, stage checks, and instructorproficiencyassessments tomaintainstandardization.
- Oversee development and updates of SOPs, courseware, flight procedures, and Aircrew Training Manual revisions in coordination with government oversight.
- Monitor flight safety trends and training area procedures; recommend corrective actions to ensure safe operations.
- Manage multidisciplinary teams including instructors, SMEs, specialists, and engineering support personnel.
- Develop training materials and instructional resources aligned with FSN IERW requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable aviation regulations, government oversight requirements, and contract deliverables.
- Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate flight training staff while managing budgets, schedules, and resource allocations.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
What You Will Need to Be Successful in This Role
- Minimum 10 years of helicopter aviation experience, including support of/or running a U.S. Army ATP or government aviation training program.
- Minimum 2,000 hours total rotorcraft time and 500 hours instructor pilot time.
- Prior service as a U.S. Army Instructor/Standardization Pilot with experience in aircrew evaluation, regulatory compliance, and aviation safety.
- Commercial Rotorcraft certificate; CFI/CFII (AGI for ground instruction) or Army equivalent.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Class II Medical Certificate.
- Demonstrated experience leading aviation training operations or instructor development programs.
- Experience conducting evaluations, check rides, or standardization assessments in academic, simulator, and aircraft environments.
- Strong knowledge of aviation regulations, training standards, and compliance requirements.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- 5+ additional years of instructor pilot experience beyond minimums.
- ATP - Rotorcraft.
- 500+ NVG/NVS experience and 100+ hours of instrument time.
- Prior experience instructing civil aviation authorities or supporting FAA/EASA audits.
- Experience developing courseware, training modules, or aviation instructional systems.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.
- US Citizenship is required to be granted a secret clearance.
The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:
- Competitive compensation.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Generous paid time off program.
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
Physical Demands / Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the facility.
- The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.
AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.
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About AAR
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Aviation
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Wood Dale, IL, US
Year founded
1951