Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for King Air Instructor Pilot

🎯 Role Definition

Are you an expert aviator with a gift for mentorship? We're on the hunt for a professional King Air Instructor Pilot to join our premier aviation training team. In this dynamic role, you will be responsible for shaping the next generation of King Air pilots by providing comprehensive ground school, simulator, and in-aircraft instruction. You will serve as a subject matter expert on all King Air systems, procedures, and operations, ensuring that every client receives an unparalleled training experience that prioritizes safety, proficiency, and excellence. If you are a seasoned pilot with a passion for sharing your knowledge and elevating industry standards, we invite you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Experienced Corporate or Charter Pilot (King Air)
Military Flight Instructor (Turboprop/Multi-Engine)
Chief Pilot of a small flight department
Part 135 Line Pilot with significant King Air time

Advancement To:

Chief Instructor or Lead Instructor
Training Center Manager or Director of Training
Fleet Program Manager
FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

Lateral Moves:

Standards Pilot or Check Airman
Corporate or Demonstration Pilot for an aircraft manufacturer
Aviation Safety Program Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive flight instruction and evaluation in King Air series aircraft, Full Flight Simulators (FFS), and Flight Training Devices (FTDs) in accordance with FAA regulations and company standards.
Deliver engaging and technically accurate academic ground instruction on aircraft systems, performance, flight planning, and operational procedures for the King Air family.
Act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) during instructional flights, demonstrating expert-level flight maneuvers and emergency procedures while ensuring the safety of all training operations.
Develop, review, and update training curricula, syllabi, and courseware to reflect the latest aircraft modifications, industry best practices, and regulatory changes.
Provide detailed pre-flight and post-flight briefings, offering constructive, objective feedback to enhance student learning, skill development, and decision-making.
Administer and grade written examinations, oral evaluations, and flight proficiency checks to accurately assess pilot competence and readiness.
Maintain impeccable training records for all assigned students, ensuring all documentation is completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the King Air fleet, providing technical guidance and support to fellow instructors, staff, and clients.
Manage the classroom, simulator, and aircraft environment to foster a positive, professional, and highly effective learning atmosphere for all clients.
Uphold and promote a robust safety culture by rigorously adhering to the company's Safety Management System (SMS) and reporting any potential hazards.
Conduct recurrent training, proficiency checks, and initial type ratings for a diverse client base, including corporate flight departments and individual owners.
Ensure all training activities comply with FAA Part 61, 91, 135, and 142 regulations, as well as specific Training Center Procedures and policies.
Customize training scenarios to meet specific client needs and operational requirements, ensuring the instruction is relevant and practical for their real-world flying.

Secondary Functions

Participate in the standardization of instructor pilots to ensure consistent and high-quality training delivery across the program.
Assist in the development and testing of new training technologies and methodologies to continuously improve the effectiveness of instruction.
Collaborate with the scheduling department to optimize the use of aircraft, simulators, and instructor resources while accommodating client availability.
Maintain personal currency and proficiency in the King Air aircraft and as a flight instructor, completing all company and FAA-required recurrent training.
Provide exceptional customer service, acting as a professional ambassador for the company and building strong relationships with clients.
Support training center audits conducted by regulatory agencies (such as the FAA) or internal quality assurance teams.
Mentor junior instructors, providing guidance on instructional techniques, technical knowledge, and professional development.
Contribute to special projects related to flight standards, operations, or curriculum development as assigned by the Director of Training.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Certifications: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Multi-Engine Land rating.
Instructor Ratings: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine (MEI).
Medical Certificate: Current FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate.
Flight Time: Minimum 2,500 hours total flight time, with 1,000 hours PIC and 500 hours multi-engine turbine.
King Air Experience: Significant experience (300+ hours preferred) as PIC in King Air series aircraft (BE-200/350). A BE-200 or BE-350 type rating is highly desirable.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep, working knowledge of FAA regulations, particularly Part 142, 135, and 91.
Avionics Proficiency: Experience with modern avionics suites common to the King Air, such as Collins Pro Line 21/Fusion and Garmin G1000/G3000 NXi.

Soft Skills

Instructional Ability: Proven ability to effectively teach complex technical information to a diverse audience and adapt teaching styles to individual learning needs.
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for delivering clear briefings, providing constructive feedback, and writing detailed reports.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build rapport, trust, and professional relationships with clients and colleagues.
Patience & Professionalism: Ability to remain calm, patient, and professional, especially when conducting training for emergency procedures or with challenging students.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Adept at analyzing situations, making sound aeronautical decisions, and solving problems effectively in both classroom and flight environments.
Leadership & Mentorship: A natural leader and mentor who inspires confidence and promotes a culture of continuous improvement and safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s or Master's degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aeronautical Science
Aviation Management
Education or Adult Learning
Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-10 years of professional aviation experience.
Must meet or exceed the flight time requirements outlined in the "Hard Skills" section.

Preferred:

Previous experience as a flight instructor in a formal Part 142 or Part 135 training environment.
Experience as a Check Airman or Standards Pilot.
International flight operations experience.