Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist

About the role

The Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist provides staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional stakeholders on behalf of ALPA's Air Safety Organization (ASO) and other Association committees, Master Executive Councils (MECs), and National Officers, as assigned by the department Director or Manager. Their specific focus is in the policy area of pilot training and qualification—encompassing air carrier training programs as well as student, private, commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and instructor certification. Additionally, they serve as the subject matter expert in training conducted internationally, including ab initio training, as well as standards and recommended practices at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist effectively represents the Association and the department, interacting with government and industry safety officials on a routine basis, advocating on behalf of the Association's priorities from a policy perspective. In coordination with relevant ALPA committees and staff members, they develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on a wide variety of pilot training issues. They occasionally provide technical support to accident and incident investigations involving pilot training issues, Federal Aviation Administration/Transport Canada (FAA/TC) pilot certificate enforcement action cases, and other safety investigations within their policy area(s).

Responsibilities

• Provide staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional stakeholders on pilot training and qualification policy
• Serve as subject matter expert on international training standards, including ab initio training and ICAO standards and recommended practices
• Represent the Association in interactions with government and industry safety officials
• Develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on pilot training issues
• Provide technical support to accident and incident investigations involving pilot training issues
• Support FAA/TC pilot certificate enforcement action cases and other safety investigations within policy area(s)

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, aeronautical science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university; or equivalent combination of education and practical experience
• Three (3) years of progressive experience in civil aviation pilot training, pilot qualification programs, regulatory compliance, or a closely related area required; five (5) or more strongly preferred
• Experience in U.S. and/or Canadian Aviation Regulations (FARs and CARs)
• Knowledge of national and international aviation standards related to pilot training and qualification
• Strong communication skills, including ability to prepare guidance, training materials, policy summaries, and program documentation for pilot leadership use
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent high-priority projects under tight deadlines
• Sound judgment and analytical thinking, with ability to distill complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable recommendations
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and support sensitive volunteer work with professionalism and discretion
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and respond proactively to emerging needs or time-sensitive program issues
• Strong time management skills; ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment and transition easily between projects
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel) and ability to quickly learn new platforms or organizational systems
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including supporting volunteer coordination during incidents or time-critical events

Qualifications

• Pilot's license with an instrument rating and/or special knowledge or applicable expertise in the aviation industry strongly preferred
• Experience engaging with federal advisory committees, aviation rulemaking committees, or international aviation organizations (ICAO, IFALPA) preferred
• Expert knowledge of pilot training and qualification requirements at the air carrier level, including ATP, type rating, First Officer Qualification, and recurrent training standards a definite plus

Benefits

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment; no employee contribution required; employees can choose pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions; in-plan Roth conversions permitted; 4-year vesting schedule for 401(k); MBCBP has 3-year cliff vesting
• Generous health care benefits on day one – Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), including medical, dental, and vision for employee, spouse, and/or dependent children; no premiums for Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or Kaiser HMO Plan
• Paid vacation and holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year
• Generous sick and bereavement leave
• Competitive parental leave
• Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts
• Retiree health plan and retiree health account (retiree HRA) for eligible medical expenses in retirement
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing 100% of eligible expenses
• Optional benefits: legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available)
• Partial remote work opportunities available after six months of service

Pay

Projected annual salary range: $97,948.00 – $139,923.00

Schedule

Travel: Up to 20%; sporadically, travel (local and national) could be as much as 25% of the time. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.