Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Aviation Science and Technology Program Advisor serves as both a primary student-facing advisor and a key contributor to the operational management and growth of the aviation program. This position supports students through academic coursework, FAA certification milestones, medical requirements, flight training, and institutional processes while also assisting Aviation Department Leadership with program coordination, enrollment growth, retention initiatives, and long-term sustainability planning.

As a developing program, the aviation program requires an advisor who can balance individualized student support with program-level thinking. This role requires specialized knowledge of aviation training pathways, FAA regulations, Veterans Affairs education rules, and the operational coordination needed between academic units and external flight training partners. The position collaborates closely with Aviation Department Leadership, campus administrative offices, and flight training partners to ensure both student success and program viability
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, Aviation Safety or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of aviation or flight training experience (e.g., prior flight training, pilot certification, flight instructor experience, or professional aviation background).
Solid understanding of FAA rules, regulations (14CFR Parts 61, 91, 141, 142, and Part 5 SMS), and certification pathways.
Knowledge of Veterans Affairs requirements for flight training and eligibility for receiving benefits toward a private pilot’s license.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with academic departments, flight training organizations, and administrative offices.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications
FAA pilot certification (Private Pilot or higher).
Experience advising students or working in higher education.
Familiarity with university academic policies, financial aid processes, and student information systems.
Experience working with veteran or military-affiliated students.
Understanding of scheduling systems used by flight training providers.
Essential Functions and percent of time:
Student Advising & Program Navigation – (20%)
Advise aviation students on all academic and training requirements from program entry through completion, including integration of summer semester training strategies, benefits, and burdens.
Track and document major program milestones, including:
Completion of FAA Class 1 (or appropriate) Medical Certificate.
Required advising and check-in meetings with Aviation Department Leadership.
Enrollment in ground school and flight courses in correct sequence.
Provide clear explanations of program structure, timelines, expectations, and performance standards for both academic and flight training components.
Collaborate with Aviation Department Leadership on course overrides, prerequisites, instructor permissions, and registration approvals.
Communicate departmental policies related to progression, training performance, academic standing, and professionalism expectations.
Refer students to campus resources to support academic success, financial stability, mental/physical well-being, and career development.

Aviation Program Management, Growth & Sustainability – (20%)
Partner with Aviation Department leadership to support the strategic and operational management of a rapidly growing aviation program, with particular focus on enrollment scaling, capacity planning, resource alignment, and student progression across multi‑year pipelines.
Serve as a thought partner to leadership by analyzing program performance and helping translate growth goals into actionable operational plans that balance demand, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Provide regular insights and recommendations to Aviation Department leadership regarding student demand trends, operational constraints, instructional capacity, and future resource needs.
Track, analyze, and interpret program‑level performance indicators, including enrollment growth, retention, persistence, time‑to‑completion, FAA milestone progression, and attrition.
Use data to identify bottlenecks, risk points, and opportunities for continuous improvement, supporting evidence‑based decision‑making as the program scales.
Support the development of dashboards, reporting tools, and milestone tracking systems that enable proactive intervention and transparent program oversight.

FAA Requirements & Certification Pathway Management – (15%)
Maintain and communicate a thorough understanding of FAA certification progression (e.g., Private Pilot → Instrument Rating → Commercial Pilot → CFI → Multi-Engine → ATP).
Assist students in planning FAA knowledge tests, practical tests, and required flight experience hours.
Monitor progress toward FAA milestones and proactively identify delays, barriers, or compliance risks requiring intervention.


Essential Functions and percent of time (cont'd):
Financial Guidance & Program Cost Awareness – (10%)
Explain the full financial commitment of the aviation program, including flight fees, simulator costs, course charges, and billing timelines.
Support students in understanding loan eligibility, financial aid options, cost projections, and budgeting for multi-year training.
Communicate program financial policies related to refunds, scheduling costs, and billing practices in collaboration with university offices.

Flight Training & Academic Schedule Coordination – (10%)
Coordinate with the university’s flight training partner(s) to resolve conflicts between academic schedules and required flight training.
Support students in maintaining full-time enrollment while meeting flight training demands.
Communicate with flight school leadership and staff regarding student progress, capacity limitations, and issues requiring academic or program-level intervention.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Compliance & Advising – (10%)
Maintain working knowledge of VA education benefits related to aviation training, including eligibility, covered expenses, certification limits, and reporting requirements.
Guide veteran and military-affiliated students through compliance expectations to maintain benefit eligibility.
Coordinate with the institution’s VA certifying official and Aviation Department Leadership as needed.

Transfer Credit, Prior Learning & Certification Evaluation – (5%)
Evaluate transfer credit and prior FAA certifications for incoming students.
Communicate how external flight hours, certificates, or coursework apply to program requirements.
Coordinate with the Registrar and Aviation Department to ensure accurate credit articulation and documentation.
:
Academic Performance Monitoring – (5%)
Monitor student academic performance in aviation core courses.
Identify academic concerns early and advise on corrective actions affecting flight training progression.
Assist with academic improvement plans and referrals to tutoring, coaching, or departmental support.

Student Support, Retention & Professional Development – (5%)
Build strong advising relationships that promote persistence, professionalism, and student well-being.
Help students manage challenges unique to aviation training (weather delays, financing gaps, medical issues, extended timelines).
Encourage participation in aviation industry events, internships, clubs, professional organizations, and career pathways.