Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Flight Scheduling Manager serves as an essential team member of the Eastern Kentucky University Aviation School of Aviation (EKU-A), orchestrating the complex scheduling and operational coordination of one of the nation’s most dynamic collegiate flight programs. This critical role oversees the management of over 5,000 monthly reservations and flight events for more than 400 students and instructors, ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 61/141 training requirements. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional organizational leadership, technical expertise, and strategic foresight to optimize scheduling efficiency, maintain regulatory compliance, and support the program’s mission of delivering world-class aviation education. As a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders, the Flight Scheduling Manager ensures seamless operations and fosters a culture of safety, precision, and excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage complex, high-volume scheduling operations with precision and efficiency.
• In-depth knowledge of FAA part 61/141 regulations and aviation training requirements.
• Advanced problem-solving abilities to address real-time operational challenges and implement data-driven process improvements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with students, instructors, FAA Designated Pilot Examiners, airport personnel, and university leadership.
• Proficiency in aviation management systems, scheduling tools, and Microsoft Office Suite to facilitate seamless program operations

Licensure & Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Duties:

• 60% - Flight Operations Scheduling and Coordination: Strategically manage and coordinate over 5,000 monthly reservations and flight events, including aircraft, instructor, and simulator assignments, to support the training needs of 400+ aviation students and Certified Flight Instructors (CFI’s) in compliance with FAA Part 61/141 regulations within Kentucky’s top collegiate flight program. Assign CFI’s flight schedule to ensure balanced workloads and adherence to FAA regulatory standards. Prioritize assignments based on availability, instructor qualifications, and operational priorities. Monitor live flight operations, making real-time adjustments to mitigate disruptions caused by weather, maintenance, or other unforeseen challenges. Schedule stage checks and End-of-Course (EOC) evaluations to facilitate timely student progression through flight labs, ensuring alignment with program milestones. Coordinate student checkrides with FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE’s), securing appropriate dates, times, and aircraft, while ensuring completion of all applications and documentation. Cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships with DPE’s to facilitate efficient scheduling and support successful student outcomes. Scheduling duties include evening and weekend adjustments. - (Essential)
• 20% - Regulatory Compliance and Operational Oversight: Maintain comprehensive records of instructor and student currency requirements, proactively assigning assets to ensure compliance. Verify student medical certifications and required documentation prior to scheduling of flight assets, upholding the highest of standards of regulatory and safety compliance for the university and department. Monitor flight account balances to ensure students do not drop into negative balances, implementing proactive measures to maintain financial compliance and support uninterrupted training progress. - (Essential)
• 10% - Stakeholder Engagement and Airport Coordination: Serve as liaison with the Central Kentucky Regional Airport Fixed Based Operator (FBO) manager and line staff to ensure timely aircraft availability, hangaring, and movement to support daily flight operations. Foster strong partnerships to maintain operations continuity and align airport services with the program’s training objectives. - (Essential)
• 5% - Process Optimizations and Policy Development: Analyze flight schedule performance metrics to identify opportunities for enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness. Develop and recommend innovative policies and procedures to streamline scheduling processes and strengthen the EKU-A program’s operational framework. Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager to ensure aircraft readiness and compliance with maintenance schedules, optimizing fleet availability for training operations. - (Essential)
• 5% - Perform other duties as assigned. - (Essential)