US Airline-Owned FTO Seeking to Recruit Senior Director of Flight Training in 2026

Arizona, USA – United Aviate Academy (UAA), the wholly owned flight school of United Airlines, is recruiting a Senior Director of Flight Training to oversee its flight training operations at Phoenix Goodyear Airport.

See job post below:

The Senior Director of Flight Training is responsible for overseeing all aspects of flight training operations at United Aviate Academy. This role ensures compliance with FAA regulations, maintains high training standards, and leads the instructional team to deliver safe, effective, on-time, and quality flight education.

Duties/Responsibilities

Training Operations & Compliance

• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of flight training curricula in accordance with FAA Part 141 or Part 61 standards

• Ensure all training operations comply with FAA regulations and safety standards

• Oversee the development and updating of training manuals, standard operating procedures, and safety protocols Oversee student records, training documentation, and certification processes

Leadership & Team Management

• Develop and implement instructor training and standardization programs
• Conduct performance reviews and provide professional development opportunities for instructional staff Strategic Planning & Business Development
• Develop long-term strategic plans for training program growth and expansion
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for training operations
• Collaborate with leadership on budget planning and financial forecasting
• Identify opportunities for new training programs and revenue streams
• Build partnerships with aviation industry stakeholders and educational institutions

Operations Management UAL - GENERAL:

• Manage training schedules, aircraft utilization, and resource allocation
• Oversee maintenance coordination to ensure aircraft availability for training
• Optimize training efficiency and student throughput
• Implement technology solutions to enhance training delivery and record-keeping
• Lead safety meetings and promote a culture of safety throughout the organization Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
• Oversee quality assurance programs to monitor training effectiveness
• Analyze training data and metrics to identify areas for improvement
• best practices and industry standards in flight training
• Conduct regular audits of training programs and procedures
• Develop corrective action plans for identified deficiencies

Duties/Responsibilities Required:

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings (required)
• FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings (required)
• 1000 plus hours of Instructional Flight Experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in flight training operations
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 141)
• Proven track record in strategic planning and business development
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• ATP Certificate
• Master’s degree in Aviation, Education, or Business Administration
• Experience managing training operations
• Background in curriculum development and instructional design
• Proficiency with flight training management software and data analytics tools

About United Aviate Academy
United Aviate Academy is United Airlines' wholly owned ab-initio flight school, operating from a 340,000-square-foot campus at Phoenix Goodyear Airport and forming part of United's Aviate pilot career pathway. The academy's students earn seven certificates and ratings before progressing through the wider pilot career pathway subject to program requirements. UAA's 2026 student catalog lists Cirrus SR20 single-engine aircraft and Diamond DA42 and Piper PA-44 Seminole multi-engine aircraft for training.

Source: United Aviate Academy