Lead Flight Instructor

Vantage Aviation•Duluth, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Flight Instructor is a senior, working Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at Vantage Aviation’s DLH location. The primary responsibilities are delivering flight and ground instruction and promoting instructional standardization among instructors at that location. The Lead Flight Instructor maintains an active student roster and provides other DLH CFIs with guidance on training delivery, student progress, and instructional best practices. Under the direction of Vantage’s Chief Flight Instructor, who oversees all Vantage Flight School locations, the Lead Flight Instructor performs limited part-time coordination tasks according to procedures established and approved by the Chief Flight Instructor. The role helps maintain high standards of training, safety, and customer service at DLH, and provides input on instructor and aircraft schedule conflicts. The position has no responsibilities at other Vantage locations. The position is in person in an active airport and flight-training environment. The anticipated coordination time is approximately 20 to 30 hours per month, up to a maximum of 40 hours per month when needed, in addition to flight instruction time. Hours must be accurately recorded, and the position is classified as non-exempt. It is part-time and is not eligible for Company benefits other than those required by law, such as Minnesota earned sick and safe time. Minimal travel is required.

Requirements

Current and active Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
At least 150 hours of flight instruction in the last year.
Current FAA Third-Class Medical certification, as required to lawfully perform the instructional duties of the position.
Thorough working knowledge of FAA regulations and training standards applicable to instruction provided at DLH.
Demonstrated ability to deliver effective flight and ground instruction and coach and standardize other instructors.
Strong communication and customer-service skills with students, parents, and FBO staff.
Ability to work effectively with students, instructors, and operational teams.
Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.

Responsibilities

Perform the essential responsibilities and duties of a Certified Flight Instructor and maintain an active student roster.
Foster and uphold a strong safety culture, keeping safety the highest priority in flight school operations.
Report aircraft discrepancies and schedule routine maintenance appointments under a plan approved in advance by the Chief Flight Instructor, who retains authority over maintenance and leaseback decisions.
Assign Discovery Flights and new students to qualified instructors through the equitable rotating process established by the Chief Flight Instructor.
Monitor instructor enrollment activity and periodically review student records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with school procedures.
Serve as the first-line on-site contact for routine student and parent questions, resolve routine issues professionally and promptly, and escalate complaints, account, enrollment, and policy matters to the Chief Flight Instructor.
Distribute new student inquiries among instructors on a rotating basis to ensure fair access to instructional opportunities.
Serve as the on-site point of contact for aircraft-related concerns, report them to the Chief Flight Instructor, and follow up on corrective actions approved by the Chief Flight Instructor.
Collaborate with FBO front desk staff to support aircraft renters, students, and instructors and promote efficient daily operations.
Manage and maintain aircraft GPS navigation database updates in accordance with operational requirements.
Keep the Chief Flight Instructor informed of significant safety, operational, maintenance, personnel, and student-related matters.
Provide on-site operational support for professional and effective flight school activities and escalate matters to the Chief Flight Instructor as needed.
Conduct all initial Part 61 pre-solo stage checks. Delegate additional stage checks to qualified instructors only at the Lead Flight Instructor’s discretion and under criteria approved by the Chief Flight Instructor.
Provide flight and ground instruction, mentorship, and standardization training for newly hired CFIs.
Assist with recruitment, evaluation, selection, and onboarding of instructional staff when requested and directed by the Chief Flight Instructor. Hiring decisions are made by the Chief Flight Instructor and Human Resources.