Director of Training Pilots DoT

Director Of Training - Pilots

The Director of Training - Pilots (DoT) provides strategic leadership and oversight for Air Methods' pilot training programs and serves as the executive leader responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing management of the organization's Advanced Qualification Program (AQP). This position is accountable for ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, company policies, operational standards, and safety objectives while driving continuous improvement in pilot training, qualification, and evaluation programs.

The Director of Training - Pilots is responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and effectiveness of all pilot and crewmember training curricula, training support functions, qualification standards, and training governance processes. Working closely with the Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilots, Director of Flight Safety, and FAA representatives, this role leverages operational and training performance data to enhance safety, standardization, training quality, and operational excellence across Air Methods' multi-base and multi-fleet operations.

Key Performance Objectives

AQP Implementation & Management

• Oversee successful achievement of program milestones and receive FAA approval within planned timeline (4Q2027).
• Effective use of AQP data to drive curriculum improvements and reduce adverse training outcomes.

Training Effectiveness & Quality

• Benchmark and optimize average "time to train" across all fleets
• Reduction in operational quality escapes
• Reduction in training-related aircraft damage events

Operational Support and Departmental Capacity

• Ensuring training department throughput meets demand, while anticipating flex capacity for surge events.
• Minimal training related disruptions to flight operations.
• Accurate forecasting and scheduling of training with minimal disruption to base operations.
• Reduction in OOS events, and CMs related to "pilot training".

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:

Pilot Training Program Leadership

• Direct the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of all pilot and crewmember training curricula.
• Ensure training programs comply with FAA regulations, company policies, operational standards, and safety objectives.
• Establish and maintain training standards, procedures, and evaluation methodologies across all fleet types and operations.
• Collaborate with Assistant Chief Pilots and operational leaders to ensure effective delivery and standardization of training programs.
• Evaluate and implement innovative training technologies, instructional methods, and learning solutions to enhance training effectiveness and operational performance.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the FAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI) regarding pilot training matters.
• Participate in regulatory audits, inspections, surveys, and assessments, and develop corrective action plans as required.

Advanced Qualification Program (AQP)

• Lead the design, implementation, FAA approval, and ongoing administration of the organization's AQP.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the FAA regarding AQP planning, milestones, validations, modifications, approvals, and oversight activities.
• Provide subject matter expertise for AQP data collection, analysis, reporting, and software systems.
• Leverage training and operational performance data to identify trends, improve curriculum effectiveness, and reduce training-related events.
• Ensure AQP documentation, processes, performance metrics, and governance structures remain compliant with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Establish sustainable processes supporting long-term AQP administration and continuous program improvement.

Training Operations and Support Functions

• Oversee pilot training records to ensure accuracy, completeness, audit readiness, and compliance with FAA and company requirements.
• Direct training scheduling activities to support operational demand while minimizing disruptions to flight operations.
• Forecast training requirements associated with organizational growth, fleet expansion, operational changes, and attrition trends.
• Collaborate with the Chief Pilot to ensure appropriate staffing levels for check airmen and training personnel.
• Oversee Pilot Basic Indoctrination (BI) training programs, including annual planning, resource allocation, scheduling, and execution.
• Develop and maintain the annual Pilot BI training calendar and ensure adequate facilities, instructors, and class capacity to meet organizational demand.
• Monitor departmental throughput and training capacity to ensure operational requirements are met.

Quality Assurance and Safety

• Ensure consistent application of training, qualification, and evaluation standards across all training programs.
• Partner with the Chief Pilot to establish pilot training audit schedules, standardization initiatives, and performance measures.
• Gather and assess feedback from Assistant Chief Pilots regarding training audits, standardization efforts, and program effectiveness.
• Monitor training outcomes, operational trends, qualification results, and training effectiveness using available data and reporting tools.
• Collaborate with the Director of Flight Safety to proactively identify training-related risks and implement mitigations through the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Support organizational initiatives to reduce quality escapes, operational errors, and training-related incidents.
• Other duties as assigned

Additional job requirements:

• Regular scheduled attendance
• Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling: Up to 50-70% travel based on business needs, including training center support, operational base visits, simulator and vendor engagements, FAA meetings, audits, standardization activities, and training program oversight.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role will directly supervise teammates in the Scheduling Analytics Manager, Aviation Records Manager, Aviation Education Manager, and Aviation Manager, Pilot Recruiting roles. Carries out Supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, selecting, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aviation Management, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Leadership, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in Part 135 or Part 121 flight operations, pilot training, aviation safety, flight standards, or aviation operational leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), FAA Order 8900.1, and aviation training requirements.
• Proven leadership experience managing complex operational teams and programs.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating aviation training programs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including direct interaction with FAA representatives.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience as a Director of Training, Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, or similar leadership role.
• Experience implementing, administering, or managing an FAA-approved Advanced Qualification Program (AQP).
• Experience supporting multi-fleet and multi-base aviation operations.
• Air medical transportation experience in helicopter and/or fixed-wing operations.
• Experience with instructional systems design, adult learning methodologies, or competency-based training programs.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of FAA regulations, flight operations, and aviation training requirements.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety principles, risk management, and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Knowledge of pilot training program development, curriculum design, and competency-based training models.
• Ability to analyze training and operational data to drive performance improvements.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and manage organizational change.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including experience working with regulatory agencies and senior leaders.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment across the