"Chief Flight Instructor"

Posting Details

Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Chief Flight Instructor

Posting Number
NFE02986P

Department
SDSU-School of Health & Consumer Sci

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University’s Aviation program is seeking an experienced Chief Flight Instructor to provide leadership and support for the program. This position is critical and essential in the delivery of the Aviation program ensuring that all federal regulations, policies and procedures are met for students who are seeking flight certification. This position is located in Brookings, SD and is a 12 month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

The Aviation Education Program is committed to preparing safe, innovative, professional aviation educators who enhance human potential through transdisciplinary, learner-centered education in South Dakota and beyond. We assure this by forming multi-engine commercial pilots and instructors who are able to apply their core educational experience to the aviation profession.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
In our organizational structure, this position will provide oversight and management of our FAA Part 61 Multi-Engine Instructor and Instrument Instructor flight training as well as duties of a Part 141 Assistant Chief Flight Instructor overseeing students enrolled in our Part 141 Course Outline conducting Private Pilot, Instrument and Commercial ASEL and AMEL training. The position is responsible for managing and providing quality flight instruction and management and recruitment for 30 + flight instructors in collaboration with the Director of Aviation Operations and Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor. To effectively provide leadership and mentorship to both instructors and students by utilizing a strong working knowledge of all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, to include Parts 61, 91, and 141 and valuate the proficiency of each student as progression is made in their flight certifications.

Additional duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting training with students, stage checks, end of course checks, and staff training;
• Ensure all students understand and practice all aspects of the South Dakota State University Aviation Safety Program;
• Verify each assigned student satisfactory progress through their flight courses and that all course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met;
• Mentor students and assist with job placement and recruitment of new students will be required of this position;
• Accurately maintain all appropriate records to include student training records, student logbooks, and computer records;
• Recommend curriculum and courseware improvements when appropriate and develop new curriculum or courseware as assigned for quality review;
• Participate in service as required by the university, department, and program
• Maintain open dialog between the campus and flight facility;
• Assist the Director of Aviation Operations with managing different aspects of flight operations; including maintenance, finances, support staff, desk operations, and any other areas the director deems necessary;
• Ensure compliance with the approved TCO, all FAA part 61 & 141 regulations (including currency), as well as all university safety policies and procedures.

BENEFITS:
SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree completed by date of hire;
• At least four (4) years of experience in aviation instruction;
• Commercial Pilot Certificate, Single and Multi-engine Land Instrument rating ( ASEL & AMEL );
• FAA Flight Instructor Certificate ( CFI );
• FAA Instrument Flight Instructor Certificate ( CFII );
• FAA Multi-engine Flight Instructor Certification ( MEI );
• Current FAA Medical Certificate or ability to obtain one by employment start date;
• Meet requirements listed in 14 CFR 141.35 or 141.36 for an Assistant Chief or Chief of Flight Instruction;
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire;
• Effective written communication skills; and
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Successful placement of this position will contingent upon successful completion of an FAA checkout meeting at a minimum the requirements of 14 CFR 141.36.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous 14 CFR 141 experience as an Assistant Chief or Chief Flight Instructor;
• Aviation industry experience;
• Demonstrated ability to provide quality flight instruction;
• Experience work at an institute of higher learning.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date
02/24/2026

Closing Date
(blank)

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
03/18/2026

Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary for this position is $81,074 with education and or experience to be considered, including benefits.

Duration of the Term
12 months

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours
Can be varied dictated by weather and flight availability that can include nights, weekends and holidays. On call 7 days a week 7am to 12am. This is an FAA requirement anytime flight training is taking place.

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No