Flight Operations Manager

Cirrus Aircraft’s Mission is to deliver an aviation experience that is the pinnacle of innovation, quality, and safety to our customers. Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet™, the world’s first single engine Personal Jet and recipient of the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined performance, comfort and safety in aviation with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 15 million hours and over 240 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS® as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. Find out more at www.cirrusaircraft.com.

Cirrus offers a competitive benefits package and is dedicated to the advancement of general aviation. The Cirrus Flying Club offers employees and their family members the unique opportunity to obtain their private pilot’s license in the comfort of a Cirrus or rent a Cirrus for an impromptu adventure at a greatly reduced rate. We are committed to investing in the future of our employees and company by offering professional development and career progression opportunities and we engage employees by offering several employee and family events throughout the year, as well as the opportunity to take part in activity clubs and community events.

Job Summary:

The Vision Jet Flight Training Manager’s primary responsibility is to develop and lead a world-class flight training branch at Cirrus Aircraft’s Delivery center in Knoxville, Tennessee. With an emphasis on quality flight training, world-class customer service, flight safety, and standardization, the Vision Jet Flight Training Manager will be responsible for establishing and leading a team of highly capable flight instructors. The Vision Jet Flight Training Manager will report to the Knoxville Director of Flight Operations and will assist in the development of business plans, annual budget, and revenue forecast and establishing resource requirements. Flight training managerial experience, along with relevant flight instruction and pilot experience, is required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Vision Jet Flight Instructors

Job Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

• Establish, guide, and empower a team of flight instructors to meet departmental goals: Driving an environment of constant improvement, exemplary customer service, flexibility in resolving new problems, and uniting a team to achieve set goals and deliverables in accordance with Cirrus Aircraft’s core values and mission statement.
• Manage and oversee all Vision Jet training operations for the Knoxville location, ensuring the smooth day-to-day execution of all missions.
• Manage and be responsible for the Vision Jet training budget: making timely financial decisions that improve Cirrus Aircraft’s interests and strengthen customer relationships. This includes auditing monthly spending and ensuring stipulated revenue goals are met.
• Effectively work with other Cirrus Aircraft departments to meet and surpass customer expectations and department and company goals and objectives.
• Resolve flight training challenges and/or escalate to the Director of Flight Operations or another applicable leader as necessary.
• Work closely with the Director of Flight Operations, Content Development, to ensure all processes, procedures, materials, and courseware are up-to-date, accurate, and effective.
• Ensure operations are in compliance with the Flight Operations Manual, FAA regulations, and guidance from the Chief Pilot.
• Act as pilot in command and flight instructor in the SF50 Vision Jet in accordance with Cirrus Aircraft’s Flight Operations manual and applicable regulations.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Two years of recent flight training & operations management in the military, part 142/141 or standardized 61 flight school, including the direct oversight of flight training staff - required
• Recent teaching experience in aircraft - required
• Teaching experience in Cirrus SR or SF model aircraft - preferred
• Recent teaching experience in advanced General Aviation Glass Cockpit - preferred
• 3000 hours of total flight time - preferred
• 2000 hours acting as instructor - preferred
• 500 hours CSIP - preferred
• Flight experience in IFR, congested airspace, mountain flying, extensive IMC, and night experience - required
• Advanced FTD/Full Flight Simulator experience - preferred

Demonstrated Proficiencies/Skills/Abilities:

• Prior position as a supervisor of pilots or instructors - preferred
• Strong management, customer service, and interpersonal skills - required
• Ability to effectively work with other departments and outside vendors - required
• Willingness to travel as necessary in of support Cirrus Aircraft’s Flight Operations Department – required

Certificate or Licensures:

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor w/ Instrument (CFII) required
• FAA 1st or 2nd class medical required

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

This opportunity is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Chosen as the location for our Vision Center Campus, the hub of our customer experience activities, Knoxville is often described as a hidden gem. Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains and home to the rambling Tennessee River, the town offers a plethora of outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown. Very few places feature the opportunity to experience live music, culture, outdoor adventures and acclaimed cuisine in one location. It’s no wonder why Knoxville was recently named as a “Top 10 Destination on the Rise” by Trip Advisor.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.