What are the responsibilities and job description for the Airplane Chief Instructor position at Hillsboro Aero Academy?
Job Description:
As the Chief Instructor at Hillsboro Aero Academy’s Hillsboro, Oregon campus, you will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the highest standards of flight instruction, operational efficiency, and customer service. You will lead and manage a team of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) and collaborate closely with campus Chief staff, Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs), and key departments—including standards, operations, and safety—to deliver exceptional training outcomes. Your responsibilities will include maintaining regulatory compliance, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering a safe, supportive environment that helps students achieve their goals, including strong checkride pass rates.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership & Management:
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of CFIs, assistant chiefs, and check instructors.
- Ensure proper scheduling, training, and professional development of instructional staff.
- Conduct regular safety and standardization meetings, promoting alignment with FAA regulations and internal quality standards.
- Lead weekly CFI meetings and monthly student meetings
- Training Oversight & Quality Assurance:
- Uphold Chief Instructor duties in accordance with 14 CFR Part 141 and other applicable regulations.
- Collaborate with campus chief staff to refine curriculum delivery, streamline training operations, and ensure timely program completion.
- Monitor student progress and ensure instructional consistency, working directly with CFIs to address performance gaps and improve outcomes.
- Customer Service & Student Success:
- Foster a customer-focused culture, ensuring students receive supportive, personalized instruction and guidance.
- Proactively engage with students to address concerns, maintain satisfaction, and support successful progression through the training program.
- Checkride Preparation & Collaboration with DPEs:
- Work closely with Designated Pilot Examiners to ensure high checkride success rates.
- Continuously refine training approaches based on DPE feedback and industry best practices.
- Compliance, Safety & Resource Efficiency:
- Partner with standards, operations, and safety departments to maintain compliance with all regulatory and internal safety requirements.
- Actively participate in the Safety Management System (SMS) to identify risks and implement mitigations.
- Optimize resource allocation—including instructor availability—to improve training efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.
- Staffing & Administration:
- Recruit, interview, and onboard new CFIs as needed.
- Approve employee timecards, ensure proper workload distribution, and maintain equitable scheduling.
- Implement ongoing talent development initiatives to build and sustain a high-performing instructional team.
Qualifications/Licenses:
- Valid FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate
- Valid FAA Certified Flight Instructor Airplane (CFI) and Instrument Instructor (CFII)
Required Skills/Experience:
- Proven record of safe personal and operational flight practices
- Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including team building and development
- Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and critical thinking abilities
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, coupled with a high level of energy and professionalism
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Prior Chief or Assistant Chief/Program Manager experience
- Dual instruction experience with Cessna and Piper Seminole
Benefits Offered:
- Affordable health care benefits
- Company 401(k) with match
- PTO (20 days in first 2 years, 25 days after 2 years, 30 days after 5 years)
- 2-week Sabbatical after 5 years
- Discounted flight training
- Employee recognition program
About Hillsboro Aero Academy
Hillsboro Aero Academy is one of the nation’s largest multi-campus airplane and helicopter flight schools, distinguished by decades of training excellence and a dedication to student success. With an extensive fleet of over 100 aircraft, we uphold rigorous safety standards, maintain IS-BAO accreditation, and support a diverse range of aspiring pilots from around the world. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive, real-world training in a professional, nurturing environment—ensuring every student has the foundation to achieve their aviation career goals. As the Chief Instructor at our Hillsboro campus, you will be a key contributor to our continued growth, quality-focused approach, and reputation for producing skilled, confident aviators.
Hillsboro Aero Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
