Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot - 18603
Description
This position is pending contract award. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2027.
Description
The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures meet the highest levels of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational proficiency. As the Chief Flight Standardization Pilot you will plan, organize, direct, and control all phases of flight operations. This position is responsible for both Operations and Maintenance standardization, providing unified oversight across flight, simulator, and academic environments.
The Chief Flight Standardization Pilot must be qualified as an Instructor Pilot/Maintenance Test Pilot Course (IP/MTPC) graduate, centrally located, and readily available to coordinate with the Government Flight Representative (GFR) to ensure compliance with AR 95‑20 and all contract requirements. This role drives uniformity in flight execution, maintains alignment with FAA and military standards, and supports continuous improvement in pilot performance, documentation, and operational readiness.
What You Will Be Responsible For
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Lead and manage all pilot standardization programs to ensure consistent application of SOPs, checklists, CRM practices, and operational procedures.
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Plan, organize, direct, and control all phases of flight operations, ensuring standardized execution across Ops and Maintenance activities.
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Serve as head of the Standardization and Evaluation Board, maintaining flight SOPs aligned with industry, FAA, and military best practices.
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Oversee development, publication, and control of operating manuals—including aircraft‑specific manuals—ensuring accuracy and currency.
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Collaborate with training teams to design and deliver training programs that elevate pilot proficiency and standardization across all operational environments.
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Conduct pilot evaluations, check rides, and standardization assessments in academic, simulator, and aircraft settings.
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Ensure all flight operations comply with FAA regulations, operational specifications, organizational standards, and AR 95‑20 requirements.
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Coordinate directly with the GFR to maintain compliance with contract requirements, operational directives, and standardization expectations.
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Support the Aviation Safety Officer in incident reviews, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
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Partner with engineering, maintenance, support, and deployed operations teams to integrate training, documentation, and operational feedback.
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Maintain and update ground and flight operating procedures for internal and external use.
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Provide technical leadership to flight crews, instructors, and operational teams to ensure safe, standardized, and mission‑ready operations.
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All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
What You Will Need to Be Successful in This Role
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Minimum 10 years of helicopter aviation experience, including support of U.S. Army or government aviation training programs.
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Minimum 2,000 hours total rotorcraft time and 1,000 hours instructor pilot time.
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500+ NVG/NVS experience and 100+ hours of instrument time.
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Extensive aviation experience in military or commercial operations with a strong record of technical and operational leadership.
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Deep knowledge of FAA regulations, Part 141 operations, and pilot standardization requirements.
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Demonstrated experience leading standardization programs, evaluation boards, or pilot training organizations.
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Strong technical proficiency in aircraft systems, flight operations, and safety management systems.
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Prior experience as a Chief Pilot, Flight Standardization Officer, or equivalent leadership role in a certificated operator.
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Instructor Pilot/Maintenance Test Pilot Course (IP/MTPC) graduate required.
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Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence high‑performance operational culture.
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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred; Master’s preferred
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Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.
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In order to hold a secret clearance, US Citizenship is required.
The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:
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Competitive compensation package.
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Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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401(k) retirement plan with company match.
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Generous paid time off program.
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Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
Physical Demands / Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the facility.
The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.
AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.
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Job: Defense
Primary Location: United States-Alabama-Fort Rucker
Schedule: Full-time
Overtime Status: Exempt
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
