Full-Time Curriculum Aviation Instructor – Chief Instructor – 9 Month

The Aviation Instructor/Chief Instructor (AI/CI) reports to the Department Chair of Transportation and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Sandhills Community College FAA Part 141 Ground Training program. 
The position serves as the primary point of contact with the FAA for ground training operations and works collaboratively with the Aviation Program Coordinator and Department Chair to ensure program quality, compliance and student success.
The Aviation Instructor provides instruction in aviation courses, supports student advising, and contributes to program development, outreach, and continuous improvement efforts.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Maintain Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) credentials in good standing with the FAA.
• Instruct aviation ground school and support simulator-based instruction.
• Oversee ground and simulator training activities, including syllabus updates, Training Course Outline (TCO) support, and recordkeeping.
• Ensure compliance with FAA Part 141 regulations and other applicable standards.
• Advise and support aviation students in academic and career progression.
• Maintain accurate instructional and student records in accordance with FAA and institutional requirements.
• Monitor scheduling and utilization of simulator and instructional resources.
• Collaborate with program leadership to support program assessment and continuous improvement.
• Participate in student recruitment, outreach, and community engagement activities.
• Support coordination with partner flight training organizations and airport stakeholders.

Required Education and Experience

• An associate degree in an aviation-related field from a regionally accredited institution is required.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience as a ground school instructor at a certified pilot school or military pilot training program is required.
• Current Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) certifications issued by the FAA are required.
• Demonstrated ability to instruct aviation content in accordance with FAA standards is required.

Chief Instructor Qualification Requirement
Sandhills Community College operates as a Part 141 Ground School and requires this position to serve as Chief Instructor.
Candidates who do not currently meet all FAA requirements for Chief Instructor designation at the time of hire may still be considered, provided they:

• Meet baseline FAA certification requirements (including CFI/CFII or AGI/IGI and appropriate pilot certification), and
• Demonstrate the ability to obtain Chief Instructor designation within the first semester of employment.

FAA Qualification Expectations (Summary)
In accordance with 14 CFR §141.35, candidates must be able to meet applicable requirements for Chief Instructor designation, including:

• Appropriate Commercial or ATP pilot certificate with instrument rating
• Recent flight experience in accordance with 14 CFR §61.57
• Successful completion of FAA-required knowledge and proficiency evaluations
• Demonstrated instructional competency aligned with approved course standards

Preferred education and experience:

Bachelor’s degree in an aviation-related field from a regionally accredited institution preferred.  Experience in a Part 141 or Part 61 training environment preferred.  Experience with FAA Training Course Outlines (TCOs), simulator-based instruction, or aviation program coordination preferred.  Prior teaching or training experience in a postsecondary or structured training environment preferred.

Salary : $48,600 - $52,000