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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for T 44C Pilot Instructor

💰 $110,000 - $145,000

AviationFlight InstructionDefense ContractorTraining

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a seasoned multi-engine aviator ready to make a lasting impact? Join our elite team as a T-44C Pilot Instructor and take on the critical mission of molding Student Naval Aviators into the world's finest multi-engine pilots. In this role, you will be a mentor, evaluator, and Subject Matter Expert, delivering world-class ground, simulator, and in-flight instruction at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. This is more than a job; it's an opportunity to pass on your invaluable expertise and contribute directly to national security by ensuring the highest standards of naval aviation excellence.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recently separated Military Instructor Pilot (USN, USMC, USAF, etc.)
  • Experienced Civilian Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) with turboprop time
  • Corporate or Regional Airline Pilot with a background in flight instruction

Advancement To:

  • Check Airman / Standardization Instructor
  • Simulator Program Lead or Site Manager
  • Chief Flight Instructor

Lateral Moves:

  • Courseware Developer or Curriculum Subject Matter Expert
  • Aviation Safety Officer
  • Instructor Pilot on a different military training platform

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive flight instruction in the T-44C Pegasus aircraft, covering all aspects of the multi-engine training syllabus from basic maneuvers to advanced instrument navigation.
  • Provide expert pre-flight and post-flight briefings to students, delivering constructive, detailed feedback on performance, decision-making, and adherence to procedures.
  • Operate and instruct in advanced T-44C Operational Flight Trainers (OFTs) and Flight Training Devices (FTDs), simulating normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.
  • Deliver dynamic academic and classroom instruction on aircraft systems, aerodynamics, meteorology, flight regulations, and mission-specific tactics.
  • Evaluate and document student performance, progress, and proficiency in accordance with established Navy training standards and syllabi.
  • Administer and grade written examinations, oral evaluations, and in-flight progress checks and check rides to ensure student mastery of training objectives.
  • Maintain a thorough, expert-level knowledge of the T-44C aircraft, its systems, and all applicable Navy instructions, including the CNAF M-3710.7 (NATOPs).
  • Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) on instructional flights, ensuring the safety of the student, crew, and aircraft at all times.
  • Demonstrate and teach advanced instrument flight procedures, including precision and non-precision approaches, holding patterns, and en-route navigation in a complex airspace environment.
  • Train students in multi-engine-specific aerodynamics and emergency procedures, such as engine-out operations, Vmc demonstrations, and propeller feathering.
  • Uphold the highest levels of professionalism and mentorship, instilling the core values and airmanship expected of a Naval Aviator.
  • Ensure all training activities and personal flight operations are conducted in strict compliance with FAA and military regulations.
  • Maintain personal flight currency, qualifications, and all required FAA certifications and medical certificates.
  • Provide tailored, remedial instruction to students as needed to overcome learning plateaus and ensure successful completion of the training pipeline.
  • Conduct formation flight training, teaching the precise skills required for multi-aircraft operations.
  • Instruct students on the use of advanced avionics, flight management systems (FMS), and electronic flight bags (EFBs) integrated into the T-44C cockpit.

Secondary Functions

  • Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) during the development, review, and updating of training curriculum, courseware, and examinations.
  • Participate in Safety Stand-downs, operational risk management meetings, and contribute to the command's overall safety culture.
  • Perform collateral duties as assigned, which may include scheduling, record-keeping, publications management, or acting as a liaison to specific departments.
  • Assist in the maintenance of training folders and electronic training records, ensuring accuracy and completeness for student and instructor logs.
  • Provide input and support for syllabus review conferences and working groups to continuously improve the training program.
  • Mentor junior instructors, sharing best practices and insights to enhance the overall quality of the instructor cadre.
  • Participate in standardization meetings to ensure consistent and uniform application of grading criteria and instructional techniques across the squadron.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL) and Instrument Airplane ratings.
  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII).
  • FAA Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certification.
  • Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
  • Minimum of 500 hours of multi-engine flight time.
  • Minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction given.
  • Current FAA Second-Class (or First-Class) Medical Certificate.
  • Deep knowledge of FAA regulations and publications, specifically Parts 61 and 91.
  • Proficiency with modern glass cockpit avionics, GPS, and Flight Management Systems (FMS).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
  • Strong instructional and mentorship abilities, fostering a positive and effective learning environment.
    அல்ல- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills, especially under pressure.
  • High degree of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to established procedures.
  • Patience and adaptability to work with students of varying backgrounds and learning styles.
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with military personnel and fellow contractors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aeronautics / Aviation Science
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Business Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 8-15 years of aviation experience, with a significant portion as a pilot in multi-engine aircraft and as a flight instructor.

Preferred:

  • Previous designation as a U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force Instructor Pilot, particularly in the T-44 or a similar multi-engine turboprop aircraft (e.g., C-12, P-3, T-1).
  • Current or prior NATOPs qualification in a military aircraft.
  • Experience training in a formal military flight training syllabus environment.
  • 1,000+ hours of multi-engine flight time.
  • 500+ hours of flight instruction given.