Vice President of Operations-Flight School

Melbourne Flight Training & Co. is seeking a Vice President of Operations to lead and oversee all aspects of the flight school’s daily functions. This executive role is responsible for managing aviation operations, safety, compliance, financial performance, and organizational development in a fast-growing, high-performance environment. The VP will be a strategic leader who ensures operational excellence across flight training, maintenance, student services, and business systems while fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will bring strong aviation management experience, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to execute vision into action. Responsibilities include ensuring FAA regulatory compliance (Part 141 and Part 61), overseeing fleet readiness and maintenance coordination, managing budgets and profitability targets, developing and refining training programs, and leading a multidisciplinary team of instructors, advisors, and administrative staff. This position reports directly to the President and plays a key role in shaping the company’s growth, culture, and long-term strategic success.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership, Management and Accountability

• Build and maintain effective relationships with students, industry partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee the school's budget, manage financial performance, and control costs to ensure the business meets its profitability objectives.
• Oversee Flight Operations, Dispatching/Customer Service, Fleet Management and Student Success departments. 

Operational Oversight

• Manage the day-to-day flight and ground operations, ensuring efficiency, proper scheduling, and high utilization of resources.
• Maintain a robust safety management system in accordance with FAA regulations and conduct regular safety audits and risk evaluations.
• Ensure constant communication between Dispatch and Maintenance, manage tracking and adjusting maintenance blocks, and maintain awareness of fleet status and resources available to meet operational needs. 
• Liaise with Aircraft and Engine manufacturers to expand the fleet and acquire additional engines, as required by the President. 

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Management

• Act as a primary point of contact with the FAA and ensure all training programs, documentation, and operational procedures strictly adhere to federal regulations.
• Maintain compliance with IAAC accreditation. 
• Promote safety culture by participating in safety stand-downs, regularly reviewing Hazard Reports, and ensuring regular review of procedures. 

Team Leadership and Development

• Foster a strong, safety-focused, and professional culture among all staff.
• Establish an appropriate meeting pulse with all employees.
• Promote professional development and training, identifying opportunities for improvement based on operational opportunities. 

Student Success and Customer Experience

• Monitor instructional delivery to ensure consistency and adherence to established standards and best practices.
• Analyze student and instructor performance data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop strategies to maximize student on-time performance and minimize training delays. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, Business, or a related field required. 
• 5–10 years of progressive leadership and management experience in a Part 61 or Part 141 flight school preferred. 
• Significant prior experience in a Chief or Assistant Chief Flight Instructor role required. 
• Experience with SEVIS and VA education benefits required. 
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building skills. 
• Strong strategic planning, financial management, and organizational skills. 
• A thorough understanding of FAA regulations, industry trends, and flight school management software. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.