Chief Flight Instructor, eFIRC

Summary 

The AOPA Air Safety Institute (ASI) is seeking a passionate and experienced flight instructor to craft insightful, high-quality content that shapes and influences the way flight instructors teach, with a focus on improving general aviation safety. As part of our team, you’ll develop and edit engaging materials for our online Flight Instructor Refresher Course (eFIRC), process CFI renewal applications, deliver exceptional customer service, and ensure FAA compliance through detailed documentation.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Training Course Outline (TCO) Updates and FAA Authorization: Update and submit the Training Course Outline (TCO) to the FAA, ensuring compliance and securing program renewal every 24 months or as needed. 
• Content: Leverages CFI experience and subject matter expertise to continuously refresh and create compelling course content and quizzes that reflect changes to regulations, policies, guidance, and CFI best practices.
• Client Communications: Monitor and refine customer email processes, cadence, and messaging to ensure effective and streamlined communication. Proactively implement solutions, including email and web notifications, to keep CFIs informed about policy and regulatory updates. 
• Program Maintenance: Collaborate with ASI’s Senior Design Architect to identify and address the Learning Management System (LMS) interface or backend administrative issues, implementing cost-effective solutions to enhance the course experience.
• Flight Instruction Knowledge and Proficiency: Maintain your credibility as a safety expert by staying active as a flight instructor and pursuing advanced certificates and ratings to deepen your aviation knowledge.
• ASI Representation: Use your CFI experience and insights to deliver engaging and informative safety presentations at aviation events, meetings, and forums, enhancing ASI’s reputation as a leader in aviation safety. (1-2 x per year)
• Creative Contributions: Provide innovative and thoughtful feedback on ASI’s videos, articles, reports, and other materials during development. Refresh and promote ASI’s Focused Flight Review program, encouraging its adoption within the general aviation training community.

Experience and Education Requirements:

• Active FAA Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) who meets the requirements of 14 CFR 141.35(d), Chief Instructor qualifications: At least 2,000 hours PIC and flight training experience consisting of at least 3 years and a total of 1,000 or 1,500 flight hours. 
• Holds a bachelor's degree in an aviation-related field. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in flight instruction and developing lesson plans and flight training curriculum. 
• Excels in multitasking and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong work ethic, commitment, and initiative; some after-hours work may be required.
• Substantial project and time management skills
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. 
• Experienced in public speaking and teamwork, open to constructive feedback. 
• Self-motivated with a commitment to ongoing professional growth. 
• Willingness to travel for ASI and AOPA representation. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Additional Information: 

• This position is located at the Frederick, MD location and is not eligible for remote status. 
• The salary range for this position is: $65,000 - $70,000 depending on education and experience. 
• Benefit Information:
• Flight Training (learn to fly for free) & Flight Proficiency Program 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents the 1st of the month following their start date 
• Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (only if choosing the HDHP medical plan) 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution 
• Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up  
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure) 
• Paid Holidays: 12 holidays 
• Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date) 
• Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)  
• Paid Parental Leave  
• AOPA Membership 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts) 
• Gym Reimbursement Program 
• Flexible Spending Plans 
• Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity) 
• Tuition Reimbursement Program  
• Business casual dress code 
• Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa