Certified Flight Instructor

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

1d•$32 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Entry-Level Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) provides safe, professional, and effective flight and ground instruction to students enrolled in the CMU Tech Aviation Program. The instructor prepares students for successful FAA practical tests while developing safe operating practices, sound aeronautical decision-making, and professional aviation skills. The CFI supports student progression through the flight training curriculum and contributes to the development of safe, competent, and professional aviators. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, instructional excellence, and student success.

Requirements

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) privileges.
FAA Instrument Airplane Rating.
FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate.
Current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate or higher.
FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Eligibility to work in the United States.
Ability to meet all Colorado Mesa University and aviation program employment requirements.
No minimum flight time requirement beyond the experience required to obtain the required FAA certificates and ratings.

Nice To Haves

FAA Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII) Certificate.
FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.
Associate degree or higher, preferably in aviation, aeronautics, education, or a related field.
Previous flight instruction experience.
Experience working within a Part 141 flight training environment.
Experience teaching college-age aviation students.
Experience using electronic flight training management systems.

Responsibilities

Provide safe, professional, and effective flight instruction in accordance with FAA regulations, Colorado Mesa University policies, aircraft operating procedures, and approved flight training standards.
Conduct ground instruction and individualized training sessions to prepare students for FAA knowledge examinations, practical tests, and professional flight operations.
Prepare students for successful FAA practical tests through structured instruction, performance evaluation, and targeted skill development.
Provide instruction in designated training aircraft, including: Cessna 172, Piper Pilot 100i
Maintain accurate and timely student training records, lesson documentation, endorsements, and progress evaluations using Flight Schedule Pro and other approved systems.
Provide constructive feedback to students regarding flight performance, knowledge development, safety practices, and overall progression through the flight curriculum.
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, Part 141 requirements, Colorado Mesa University policies, and flight training procedures.
Maintain instructor currency, required endorsements, and proficiency in instructional techniques, aircraft systems, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
Participate in FAA, university, and flight training provider standardization activities to maintain consistency and quality across the training program.
Attend required instructor meetings, safety meetings, training events, and professional development activities.
Promote a strong safety culture by modeling professionalism, effective risk management, hazard identification, and sound aeronautical decision-making.
Encourage students to develop safe operating habits and professional standards expected of aviation industry professionals.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and protected educational information in accordance with applicable university policies and regulations.
Represent Colorado Mesa University professionally during aviation-related activities and interactions with students, faculty, staff, and industry partners.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Aviation Program.