Lead Flight Instructor

Description

About Vantage Aviation: 

Vantage is a fully integrated, multi-vertical business aviation firm that specializes in all things’ private aviation. Hangar leasing, fuel and ground handling support, aircraft management and charter services, flight training schools, and turbine maintenance services are all within our scope of capability and expertise. Vantage Aviation is a private equity backed, fully integrated business aviation firm pursuing FBO, MRO, and 135 charter acquisitions and development opportunities throughout North America. 

We seek opportunities where airport sponsors and their aviation stakeholders can benefit from our highly integrated, full-service offering. Our menus of services meet the highest Minimum Standards of Service within the industry, allowing us to provide a better service for all those who enjoy the benefits of general and business aviation. 

Position Summary: 

The Lead Flight Instructor is a senior, working Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at the DLH location whose primary function is delivering flight and ground instruction and promoting instructional standardization among DLH instructors. The Lead Flight Instructor fulfills all requirements of the CFI position, maintains an active roster of flight school students, and serves as an instructional resource for DLH Certified Flight Instructors by offering guidance on effective training delivery, student progress, and instructional best practices. On a limited part-time basis, the Lead Flight Instructor performs defined coordination tasks under procedures set and approved by Vantage's Chief Flight Instructor. 

Working under the direction of Vantage's Chief Flight Instructor, who oversees all Vantage Flight School locations, the Lead Flight Instructor helps maintain a high standard of training, safety, and customer service at the DLH location and provides input to the Chief Flight Instructor on instructor and aircraft schedule conflicts. This position has no responsibilities at other Vantage locations.

Requirements

Essential Responsibilities & Duties: 

• Perform all Essential Responsibilities & Duties of a Certified Flight Instructor, maintaining an active student roster to foster onsite relationships with both students and other Certified Flight Instructors.
• Foster and uphold a strong culture of safety, ensuring that safety remains the highest priority in all 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 all maintenance and leaseback decisions. 
• Assign Discovery Flights and new students to qualified flight instructors through an equitable and rotating assignment process as outlined and implemented by the Chief Flight Instructor. 
• Monitor instructor enrollment activity and periodically review student records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with school procedures. 
• Serve as the first-line on-site contact for routine student and parent questions, resolving routine issues in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner and escalating complaints, account, enrollment, and policy matters to the Chief Flight Instructor.
• Distribute new student inquiries among flight instructors on a rotating basis to ensure fair access to instructional opportunities. 
• Serve as the on-site point of contact for reporting aircraft-related concerns to the Chief Flight Instructor and following up on corrective actions approved by the Chief Flight Instructor. 
• Collaborate closely with the FBO front desk staff to support aircraft renters, students, and instructors while promoting 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 to ensure the effective and professional conduct of flight school activities as needed and escalate to the Chief Flight Instructor as needed. 
• Conduct all initial Part 61 pre-solo stage checks. Additional stage checks may be delegated to qualified instructors at the discretion of the Lead Flight Instructor, under criteria approved by the Chief Flight Instructor. 
• Provide flight and ground instruction, mentorship, and standardization training for newly hired Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs). 
• Assist in the recruitment, evaluation, selection, and onboarding of new instructional staff, as needed, when requested and at the instruction of the Chief Flight Instructor. All hiring decisions are made by the Chief Flight Instructor and Human Resources.

Chief Flight Instructor Oversight

The Lead Flight Instructor will work in close partnership with the Chief Flight Instructor in carrying out these responsibilities. All scheduled aircraft maintenance activities must be reviewed and approved by the Chief Flight Instructor prior to authorization. The Chief Flight Instructor will provide strategic oversight, guidance, and operational support as necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Current and active Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) 
• Flight Instruction Time: Minimum of 150 hours of flight instruction in the last year.
• Current FAA Third-Class Medical certification, as required to lawfully perform the instructional duties of this position.
• Thorough working knowledge of the FAA regulations and training standards applicable to the instruction provided at DLH. 
• Demonstrated ability to deliver effective flight and ground instruction and to 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 
• Able to pass a background check and drug screen 

Travel Requirements: 

• Minimal travel required 

Working Conditions & Physical Demands: 

• In-person role in an active airport and flight training environment 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends based on training schedules 
• Exposure to operational ramp areas, aircraft, and varying weather conditions 
• Ability to manage workload in a fast-paced and dynamic environment 

Compensation & Time Commitment:

 The anticipated time commitment for this position is approximately 20 to 30 hours per month with of a max of 40 hours a month when needed, in addition to Flight Instruction time, with flexibility to accommodate operational requirements as needed. 

This position is classified as non-exempt. All hours worked, including flight instruction, ground instruction, and administrative and coordination time, must be accurately recorded in the Company’s timekeeping system.

This position is part-time and is not eligible for Company benefits other than those required by law, such as Minnesota earned sick and safe time.

Confidentiality & Disclosure: 

Vantage Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state or local laws. This job description outlines the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions without imposing undue hardship on the organization. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this position, please contact HR@vantageair.com. We are here to support you. 

Vantage Aviation is committed to a safe and productive work environment and operates as a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Employees must report to work free from any substance that could impair job performance. Drug and alcohol testing may be required in accordance with law and company policy, including for reasonable suspicion or following a workplace accident or injury. Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.