Flight Operations Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Total Aviation Staffing is hiring a Flight Training Manager II for our client, a respected university aviation program focused on developing the next generation of professional pilots.

This role is ideal for an experienced flight instructor and aviation training leader who is ready to take on a key management position within a structured academic flight training environment. You will oversee university flight lab courses, support and mentor flight instructors, conduct stage checks and end-of-course evaluations, and serve as a key point of contact for FAA and TSA-related flight training requirements.

If you have strong Part 141 flight training experience, proven leadership ability, and a passion for aviation education, this is a meaningful opportunity to shape pilot development while supporting a safety-focused training operation.

As the Flight Training Manager II, you will help lead the daily execution, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement of the university’s flight training program.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the effective execution of university flight lab courses.
• Lead, mentor, and support Assistant Flight Training Managers and staff flight instructors.
• Foster instructor development, training quality, accountability, and professional growth.
• Serve as a primary liaison with the FAA and TSA for flight training operations.
• Conduct stage checks, end-of-course checks, instructor evaluations, and flight instructor upgrades.
• Develop, review, and update training course outlines and flight training materials.
• Teach the Flight Instructor Fundamentals course.
• Ensure flight training operations remain compliant with applicable FAA regulations, TSA requirements, and university policies.
• Coordinate with the Airport Operations Director to forecast staffing, aircraft, scheduling, and program needs.
• Support administrative duties related to flight operations, records, scheduling, compliance, and student progression.
• Promote a training culture built around safety, consistency, professionalism, and student success.

The ideal candidate is a strong aviation educator and flight training leader who can balance instructional quality, regulatory compliance, instructor development, and operational execution.

This role requires someone who can communicate clearly, lead instructors effectively, manage multiple priorities, and help maintain a structured, professional, and safety-focused flight training environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aerospace, or a related field.
• An equivalent degree may be considered with a strong flight training background.
• Minimum of 5 years of flight instruction experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of flight training management experience.
• Must meet the flight experience requirements of 14 CFR §141.35(b)–(d).
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate.
• FAA Flight Instructor Certificate.
• Current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and flight training requirements.
• Familiarity with TSA security policies related to flight training operations.
• Strong communication, leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems and university or flight training software platforms.

• Experience in a university aviation program or collegiate flight training environment.
• Experience in Part 141 flight school operations.
• Prior Chief Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor, Flight Training Manager, or similar leadership experience.
• Experience managing flight instructors, student progression, stage checks, training records, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of FAA/TSA audit readiness, flight lab execution, and instructor standardization.

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced aviation training professional to step into a leadership role that directly impacts students, instructors, and the future of professional aviation.

This position offers:

• Leadership role within a university aviation program
• Opportunity to shape flight training quality and instructor development
• Direct involvement with FAA and TSA compliance
• Meaningful work supporting aspiring professional pilots
• Strong benefits package
• Long-term career growth in aviation education and flight training management

This opportunity includes a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plan options
• Optional 401(k) and/or 403(b) options
• Generous vacation leave
• Sick leave
• 13 paid university holidays
• Educational opportunities for employees and eligible family members

If you are an experienced flight instructor, flight training leader, Chief Instructor, Assistant Chief Instructor, or Part 141 aviation professional ready to help lead a university flight training program, we encourage you to apply today.

Total Aviation Staffing connects qualified aviation professionals with career opportunities across commercial aviation, business aviation, MRO, aerospace manufacturing, defense, aviation education, and aviation technology.