Job Title

Assistant Director - Flight Training

Department

Flight Training Program

Salary

$92,886 - $143,120; commensurate with experience

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Assistant Director of Flight Training serves as a direct report to the Director of Aerospace Airport Operations with overall leadership responsibility for MTSU flight training. This includes oversight of all 14 CFR Part 141 and Part 61 flight training operations, serving over 400 students per semester and more than 100 flight instructors. Provides direct supervision of the Flight Training Managers, Records Manager, and the Checkride Coordinator. Coordinate flight training operations with the academic mission of the Department of Aerospace through the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures.

Serve as the FAA-designated 14 CFR Part 141 Chief Instructor for all MTSU Part 141 flight courses. Support the Director of Aerospace Safety by serving as the flight training representative to the Aerospace Safety Committee and ensuring operational compliance with safety program policies and procedures. Collaborate with the Director of Aerospace Airport Operations on planning and implementing strategic initiatives related to flight training. Assist Aerospace faculty with accreditation activities and departmental initiatives that involve flight training. Provide evaluation and assessment of flight training activities to promote standardization and continuous program improvement. Serve as the faculty of record for all Flight Lab courses.

Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
• Communicating and coordinating effectively with the Director of Aerospace Airport Operations to ensure flight training alignment with both short- and long-term departmental goals and objectives;
• Collaborating with the Director of Aerospace Safety to ensure continuous improvement and regulatory compliance in all aspects of flight training safety;
• Leading, supervising, and evaluating assigned personnel in the execution of the department’s mission, values, and strategic objectives;
• Overseeing the hiring, training, retention, and supervision of the flight instructor workforce through direct supervision of Flight Training Managers and coordination of related processes;
• Defining, developing, implementing, evaluating, and refining operational policies and procedures that support effective and consistent flight training delivery;
• Serving as the escalation point for resolving complex flight training issues, instructor performance concerns, and training irregularities requiring cross-manager coordination;
• Coordinating flight training support for Aerospace faculty teaching, assessment, and research initiatives;
• Communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders to support the success and advancement of MTSU’s flight training programs;
• Performing other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aerospace, or related field. Master’s preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in a non-aviation field with a strong background in flight training may be considered.

Required Related Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in providing flight instruction to primary and advanced students, including at least three (3) years of management experience in flight training
• Flight experience meeting the requirements of 14 CFR §141.35(b)–(d) for Chief Flight Instructor
• At least one (1) year as Chief Instructor or two (2) years as Assistant Chief Instructor at a Part 141 Flight School

Required License/Registration/Certification

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL, AMEL, Instrument-Airplane)
• FAA Flight Instructor Certificate (ASE, AME, Instrument-Airplane)
• Current Second Class FAA Medical Certificate

Desirable Related Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a Part 141 flight training environment
• Safety Management System training or experience as a Safety Officer
• Two (2) years teaching flight training ground school courses in a university setting
• Part 121 or Part 135 airline experience

Desirable License/Registration/Certification

• FAA Air Transport Pilot Certificate
• First Class FAA Medical Certificate
• FAA Flight Instructor Gold Seal

Documents Needed to Apply

Cover Letter & Resume Required

Special Instruction to Applicants 

Please download and complete the Qualification & Experience Review Form.pdf. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the completed form as a “Supporting Document,” as it serves as an important resource in evaluating qualifications and experience requirements.

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:  

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email hrs@mtsu.edu.

Application Review Date: June 2, 2026