Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist

External Description

Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Pilot Training & Qualification Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. 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).

Travel:
Up to 20%; sporadically, travel, local and national, could be as much as 25% of the time.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautical science, or a closely related field required, from an accredited college or university; or, an 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); national and international aviation standards related to pilot training and qualification.
• 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 rule making 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.
• Strong communication skills, including the 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 the ability to distill complex technical and regulatory information into clear, actionable…