[Company] is recruiting a Chief Flight Instructor to join our Aviation team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $81,000 - $100,000 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.
Who we are:
We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams. Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students. [Company] has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus. Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A
What we offer:
Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.
The Role:
The principle function of the Chief Flight Instructor is to accomplish safe, efficient and quality flight training that complies with [Company] and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policies and procedures. Provide supervision to the Flight & Ground Instructor Pilots. Responsible to the Director of Special Operations in the management of flight training to include safety of training, quality of training, student service and student progress. This position plays a vital role in shaping the vision, mission, and values of [Company] by enhancing the Aviation Professional Pilot Program as the trusted choice for aspiring pilots. They create a work and learning environment built on trust, accountability, excellence, safety, and stewardship. This important position will influence the future of aviation by promoting a culture that embodies these principles, all within an academic framework that emphasizes innovation and professional integrity in flight training and education. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in aviation or related field.
Meets the Chief Instructor requirements of 14 CFR §141.35(a), (c) and (d).FAA Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate:Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL);
Instrument Airplane; and
Airplane Multiengine Land (AMEL).
Valid FAA Flight Instructor Certificate:Airplane Single-Engine Land (CFI);
Instrument Airplane (CFII); and
Airplane Multiengine Land (MEI).
Meets recent flight experience of PIC general experience in accordance with 14 CFR §61.57(a) and instrument experience in accordance with 14 CFR §61.57(c) or (d).
Must satisfactorily pass a knowledge and flight proficiency test with the Flight Standards District Office's (FSDO) Principal Operations Inspector (POI), in accordance with 14 CFR §141.35(d)(3) and (4).
At least 2,000 hours as PIC;
At least 100 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions; and
Flight training experience as a certified flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program3 years and a total of 1,000 flight hours; or
1,500 flight hours.
Minimum three (3) years of flight training experience, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Valid state driver's license or government issued photo ID.
Valid FAA Medical Certificate or BasicMed.
Meets the flight review requirements in accordance with 14 CFR §61.56.
Complex endorsement in accordance with 14 CFR §61.31(e).
Must satisfactorily complete an evaluation/standardization check flight with the CWU Assistant Chief Instructor or designee.
Must authorize CWU to examine FAA Accident/Incident file.
Proficient with Microsoft Office or similar software (Word, Excel, Outlook, flight scheduling software).
No restrictions that prevent performing assigned flight duties or normal non-flying activities.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and institutional excellence through leadership and engagement with students and/or colleagues.
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in aviation or related disciplines.
Experience as a full-time flight instructor in a FAA Part 141 flight school.
Any airplane type rating in accordance with 61.31(a).
Experience in the following aircraft: Piper Archer, Seminole, Warrior III, and Cessna 172.
Experience in Frasca RTD Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD).
Experience in Garmin G1000NXi, G500NXi, G5, G430, and Aspen Evolution Backup Display.
High-performance endorsement in accordance with 61.31(f).
High altitude endorsement in accordance with 61.31(g).
Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.
Competencies
Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.