Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l.•Tysons (McLean), VA

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist provides staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional stakeholders on behalf of ALPA’s Air Safety Organization (ASO) and other Association committees, Master Executive Councils (MECs), and National Officers, as assigned by the department Director or Manager. Their specific focus is in the policy area of pilot training and qualification—encompassing air carrier training programs as well as student, private, commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and instructor certification. Additionally, they serve as the subject matter expert in training conducted internationally, including ab initio training, as well as standards and recommended practices at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist effectively represents the Association and the department, interacting with government and industry safety officials on a routine basis, advocating on behalf of the Association’s priorities from a policy perspective. In coordination with relevant ALPA committees and staff members, they develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on a wide variety of pilot training issues. They occasionally provide technical support to accident and incident investigations involving pilot training issues, Federal Aviation Administration/Transport Canada (FAA/TC) pilot certificate enforcement action cases, and other safety investigations within their policy area(s).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautical science, or a closely related field required, from an accredited college or university; or, an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
Three (3) years of progressive experience in civil aviation pilot training, pilot qualification programs, regulatory compliance, or a closely related area required.
Experience in U.S. and/or Canadian Aviation Regulations (FARs and CARs); national and international aviation standards related to pilot training and qualification.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare guidance, training materials, policy summaries, and program documentation for pilot leadership use.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent high-priority projects under tight deadlines.
Sound judgment and analytical thinking, with the ability to distill complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, support sensitive volunteer work, and navigate issues with professionalism and discretion.
Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and respond proactively to emerging needs or time-sensitive program issues.
Must possess strong time management skills; be able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and, transition easily between projects.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel) and the ability to quickly learn new platforms or organizational systems.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including supporting volunteer coordination during incidents or time-critical events when needed.

Nice To Haves

Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in civil aviation pilot training, pilot qualification programs, regulatory compliance, or a closely related area strongly preferred.
Pilot’s license with an instrument rating and/or special knowledge or applicable expertise in the aviation industry strongly preferred.
Experience engaging with federal advisory committees, aviation rulemaking committees, or international aviation organizations (ICAO, IFALPA) preferred.
Expert knowledge of pilot training and qualification requirements at the air carrier level, including ATP, type rating, First Officer Qualification, and recurrent training standards a definite plus.

Responsibilities

Provides staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional stakeholders on behalf of ALPA’s Air Safety Organization (ASO) and other Association committees, Master Executive Councils (MECs), and National Officers.
Serves as the subject matter expert in pilot training and qualification policy, including air carrier training programs, student, private, commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and instructor certification.
Acts as the subject matter expert in international training, including ab initio training, and standards/recommended practices at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Represents the Association and the department, interacting with government and industry safety officials to advocate for ALPA’s priorities from a policy perspective.
Develops and coordinates written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on pilot training issues.
Provides technical support to accident and incident investigations involving pilot training issues, FAA/TC pilot certificate enforcement action cases, and other safety investigations.
Operates a computer/smartphone/tablet.
Maintains a stationary position; moves about the office and the local metropolitan area; determines what others have said or written; and, converses with others and exchanges accurate information.
Sits, stands, bends, reaches, and moves about the office and travels (locally, nationally, and internationally).
Occasionally bends, stoops, squats, and/or pushes and pulls or moves items.
Occasionally moves, raises, reaches, and/or retrieves binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds.
While on travel, may be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs.

Benefits

401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment.
Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k).
The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule.
The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period.
Generous health care benefits on day one – Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children.
Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan.
15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year.
Generous sick and bereavement leave.
Competitive parental leave.
Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment.
Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts.
Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA).
Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses.
Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available).
Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.