Sr Director, Flight Ops Training & Evaluation presso 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!

This role is directly responsible for the design, development, implementation, validation, and evaluation of Spirit Airlines’ pilot training programs. This includes oversight of Instructor and Evaluator Pilots, ensuring sufficient staffing, consistent execution, and the highest standards of safety, quality, and standardization. The position requires collaboration with FAA, ALPA, and internal stakeholders to maintain compliance, improve training effectiveness, and support the overall proficiency of Spirit pilots.

• Provide strategic planning and direction for all flight training, validation, and evaluation programs to ensure regulatory compliance, safety, and effectiveness.
• Responsible for the creation, maintenance, and effective revision control of all Spirit pilot training program elements, including curricula, lesson plans, courseware, instructional aids, training supplements, multimedia, and grade sheets. Design and oversee engaging, high-quality training and evaluation events to achieve the highest degree of pilot quality and proficiency. Oversee initial and ongoing qualification and training of Spirit Instructor and Evaluator Pilots to ensure standardization, consistency, and quality. Monitor Instructor and Evaluator workforce needs to ensure sufficient numbers of qualified personnel are available to meet training and evaluation demand. Administer recruiting, interviewing, and selection processes for Instructor and Evaluator Pilots.
• Facilitate and direct Instructor and Evaluator Pilot qualification processes, including FAA documentation and approval requirements. Co-facilitate and develop the FAA AQP annual review meeting.
• Regularly observe training, validation, and evaluation events at all training locations to ensure professionalism, respect, quality, and consistency. Monitor and analyze pilot proficiency and Instructor/Evaluator performance data to identify trends, training interventions, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with the Director-level leadership team to plan and execute continuous learning and performance improvement activities for the Instructor/Evaluator group.
• Oversee and ensure the conduct of quarterly Instructor/Evaluator CQ Meetings, quarterly APD Lead Meetings, and the Training Review Board.
• Oversee the Spirit I/E Quality Assurance Observation (QAO) program to ensure standardized execution.
• Publish the Flight Ops Training Newsletter (jointly with leadership) to provide updates, areas of emphasis, and reinforcement of SOP and recommended practices.
• Maintain expertise in Spirit’s Flight Operations Training Manual (FOTM), FAA/Spirit SMS requirements, and ALPA Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions relating to pilot training and evaluation.
• Lead annual updates of training and evaluation events (ground, flight, and LOE) to ensure relevance and alignment with pilot performance data, FOQA, ASAP, and I/E feedback.
• Ensure integration of CRM, TEM, and Human Factors into all ground, flight, and evaluation training programs.
• Develop remedial training and re-testing plans following validation or evaluation failures and determine additional training requirements as necessary.
• Supervise IOE and SLF programs to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Provide SME support and serve as demonstration pilot during FAA FSTD qualification and requalification events.
• Support the initial and ongoing qualification of FSTD devices.
• Conduct Safety Risk Evaluations as required by the Spirit SMS manual and 14 CFR 5.51.
• Act as FAA/Spirit interface and point-of-contact relating to training, validation, and evaluation events.
• Ensure all records are completed following validation and evaluation events.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including ALPA Training Committee, Training Services, and Records/Qualifications, to ensure alignment and program effectiveness.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities to ensure Spirit Flight Training provides extraordinary training delivery at all times. Effectively manage change and oversee stakeholder communications to support safe and standardized training.
• Monitor and adjust the monthly flight training budget to accurately account for training needs.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate (e.g., emergencies change in workload, rush jobs or technical developments).

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree - Aircraft/Airline Management 

Experience

• 6-10 years of experience in part 121 Flight Training or Flight Operations Management

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Flight Training Management experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office products (able to produce professional documents, presentations, charts, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Preferred

• Proven ability to work across large, matrixed organizations.
• Experience leading large pilot training organizations.
• Contributes to an effective, high-performance culture that prioritizes extraordinary results.
• Demonstrates excellence, grit, reliability, and service in all responsibilities.
• Builds and maintains effective professional relationships across Spirit.
• Strong advocate for standardized operating procedures and best practices.
• Documents and develops recommended practices based on tribal knowledge and industry standards.
• Supports systematic integration and implementation of training program changes.
• Effective communicator and collaborator across pilots, training staff, and operational teams.

Certifications Required

• Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
• Three years’ Evaluator Pilot experience (Part 121, 142, or equivalent).

Certifications Preferred

• Airbus 320/321 PIC experience
• 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.