Senior Manager, Flight Training chez Spirit Airlines

At Spirit, we live “More Fly.” It’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about feeling fly while you’re at it. For our Team Members, it means thinking BIG, taking action, making connections, and having a blast while doing it. From the station to the cockpit, the cabin to the computer, every day is an adventure as we redefine travel.

Soar with us and enjoy travel perks that bring you closer to what matters. Join a team that empowers you to bring your full self to work, grow personally and professionally, and fuel the communities we serve. At Spirit Airlines, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning!

The Senior Manager of Flight Training is directly responsible for the design, development, and implementation of all Pilot training and instructional programs, activities, courseware, and resources. They are responsible for maintaining an adequate number of Instructor Pilots to meet the training demand of Spirit Airlines and for the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of Spirit Instructor Pilots as necessary.

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of all elements of the Spirit pilot training program, including curricula, lesson plans, courseware, instructional aids, training supplements, and multimedia.
• Direct the strategic planning and overall direction of the Spirit flight training program.
• Maintain effective revision control of all instructional courseware.
• Design engaging, high-quality training events aimed at achieving the highest levels of pilot quality and proficiency.
• Lead initial and ongoing training of Spirit instructor pilots to ensure consistency and instructional excellence.
• Determine appropriate training curriculum and implement remediation when necessary.
• Continuously monitor Instructor Pilot workforce needs to ensure adequate staffing of qualified instructors in line with the Spirit Advanced Qualification Program.
• Regularly evaluate pilot proficiency data to identify training interventions that improve overall safety and performance within the training program.
• Monitor and analyze pilot and instructor performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide clear, consistent communication with the Instructor/Evaluator cadre to ensure standardized execution of training events.
• Plan and facilitate continuous learning and performance improvement initiatives for the I/E group to enhance training quality and effectiveness.
• Direct the Instructor Pilot qualification process.
• Manage the recruiting, interviewing, and selection process for Instructor Pilots.
• Co-facilitate and contribute to the FAA AQP annual review meeting.
• Conduct regular observations of training events at all Spirit training locations to ensure professionalism, respect, quality, and success for Spirit and its pilot team members.
• Oversee all Instructor Pilot activities related to training delivery.
• Conduct quarterly I/E Continuing Qualification (CQ) meetings.
• Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Flight Training and Evaluation and other leaders to integrate training programs into the Flight Operations Training Manual (FOTM).
• Maintain subject matter expertise in Spirit FOTM training requirements.
• Maintain subject matter expertise in ALPA Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions related to pilot training and evaluation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Spirit AQP training and collaborate with Training Services and Records/Qualifications as required.
• Oversee the annual update of ground and flight training events, incorporating feedback, pilot performance data, I/E input, FOQA, and ASAP trends to ensure relevance.
• Integrate CRM, TEM, and Human Factors into all ground and flight training programs.
• Manage all FOTM pilot training curricula, ensuring regulatory compliance, addressing learner needs, and recommending updates as required.
• Develop and maintain grade sheets for all training events.
• Share responsibility with the Sr. Director of Flight Training and Evaluation for the conduct and quality of quarterly Training Review Boards.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to ensure Spirit training is delivered at the highest standard.
• Create remedial training plans following validation or evaluation failures in collaboration with the Sr. Director.
• Support the initial and ongoing qualification of FSTD devices.
• Serve as SME and demonstration pilot for FAA NSP qualification and requalification of FSTDs.
• Conduct Safety Risk Evaluations as required by the Spirit SMS manual and 14 CFR 5.51.
• Manage effective stakeholder collaboration, including coordination with the ALPA Training Committee.
• Lead effective change management initiatives impacting flight training.
• Monitor and adjust the monthly training budget to accurately reflect program needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Sr. Director of Flight Training and Evaluation.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree

Experience

• 4-6 years of experience in part 121 Flight Training or Flight Operations Management

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Preferred

• Airbus 320/321 PIC/SIC Experience
• Experience leading pilot training organizations
• Proven track record of successfully working across large matrixed organizations
• Three years Evaluator or Instructor Pilot experience (Part 121, 142, or equivalent)
• Flight Training Management Experience
• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (able to produce professional documents, presentations, charts, etc.)
• Contributes to an effective and thriving high-performance culture that prioritizes extraordinary results.
• Consistently demonstrate commitment to excellence, grit, relationships, reliability, and service
• Develop effective and professional relationships throughout Spirit
• Provide effective and timely support for all questions relating to Spirit A320 training requirements and processes
• Strong advocate for the use of standardized operating procedures and recommended practices at all times.
• Determines, documents, and develops recommended practices based on “tribal knowledge” and perceived best practices for the purposes of providing clear direction on how Spirit Instructor/Evaluator are expected to train Spirit pilots in the operation and management of aircraft.
• Support the responsible and systematic integration and implementation of changes to the Spirit training program
• Effective Communicator
• Able to develop effective relationships with pilots and all training and operational Team Members
• Work with the Sr. Manager Training Development, and other training staff to refine, develop, write, and implement training material for the Spirit Training Department.

Certifications Required

• Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

Certifications Preferred

• A320 Type Rating

Physical Requirements

• General Population – High Activity
• Lifting Requirements: Regularly lift up to 50 lbs and occasionally lift heavier items with assistance.
• Pushing/Pulling: Regular pushing/pulling of carts, equipment, or weighted items as part of standard tasks.
• Standing/Sitting Requirements: Standing or active movement for the majority of the shift; limited seated work.
• Bending/Kneeling/Reaching: Frequently bending, reaching, or kneeling for tasks requiring flexibility and mobility.
• Coordination: High manual dexterity and coordination for handling materials, operating tools, or using specialized equipment.
• Vision/Auditory Requirements: Clear vision for detailed inspections and accurate reading; clear hearing for communication in varied environments.
• Environmental Conditions: Indoor and outdoor work in varied conditions, including exposure to temperature changes and potential noise from equipment.
• Safety Equipment: Must be able to utilize PPE, including safety boots, gloves, and other equipment as required.

Spirit Airlines is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.