Job Description

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As the Chief Instructor at Hillsboro Aero Academy's Redmond, 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 Redmond 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.