Staff Vacancies

Position Overview:
Southwest Virtual Airlines is seeking dedicated and experienced pilots to join our team as Instructor Pilots. As an Instructor Pilot, you will play a crucial role in training and mentoring our virtual pilots, helping them develop the skills needed to excel in their virtual aviation careers. You will be an integral part of our training department, contributing to the growth and enhancement of our training programs.

Key Responsibilities:
- Training Delivery: Conduct training sessions in accordance with Southwest Virtual Airlines training materials and standards.
- Student Support: Assist students with their learning, providing guidance, answering questions, and offering support as needed.
- Community Engagement: Actively participate in our Discord community, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with the training team, sharing insights and feedback to continuously improve our training courses.
- Reporting and Compliance: Report directly to the Training Department, ensuring all training sessions and flying time are documented and meet monthly requirements.

Minimum Commitments:
- Conduct at least one training session per month, with all instruction time contributing to your monthly requirements.
- Actively work towards the next achievable VATSIM P rating.

Qualifications:
- Proven experience in virtual aviation, with a strong understanding of flight operations and training principles.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
- Commitment to fostering a positive and educational experience for students.
- Active participation in the virtual aviation community is a plus.
- Must have a minimum of VATSIM P1 rating, and the rating that you wish to Instruct

Click here to apply for the position above.
Description:
Southwest Virtual Airlines is seeking a talented and passionate Web Developer to design, build, and maintain our dynamic and engaging website. The ideal candidate will work closely with our team to enhance user experience, integrate operational systems, and support the airline's mission of delivering exceptional services to our virtual pilots. This role is crucial in ensuring the website remains functional, user-friendly, and up to date with the latest technological standards.

Location: Remote
Reports to: Director of Technology

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Website Development & Maintenance: Design, develop, and maintain SVA’s website, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability.
- User Interface & Experience (UI/UX): Collaborate with Pilots to enhance the user experience by creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.
- Content Management: Assist in publishing and managing content, including pilot resources, news, and updates.
- Troubleshooting & Support: Identify and resolve technical issues promptly to ensure minimal downtime and disruption.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other departments (e.g., Training, Operations) to understand and implement their web-based needs.
- Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on the latest web technologies and propose improvements to enhance website functionality and performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proficiency with Linux as well as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
- Experience with modern front-end frameworks (e.g., Apache, Nginx).
- Understanding of web hosting environments and cloud platforms (e.g. Ionos, Azure).
- Familiarity with backend technologies and frameworks
- Knowledge of database management systems (e.g., MySQL)

REQUIREMENTS:
- Members are required to remain active by accomplishing one (1) flight every 60 days.
- Members may NOT be in a staff role with another virtual airline.
- Members must be at least 17 years of age.
- Staff members must have achieved at a minimum the rank of First Officer within the VA.
- Must be in good standing with the airline.

Interested candidates should attach their resume, a cover letter detailing their experience and vision for the role, and any relevant portfolio or project examples to this application.

While we understand that this is by no means a real-world job, this position does require that you spare time for the VA furthermore than you may as a non-staff member. If you have any questions about this position, please contact vpo@swavirtual.com via email.

Southwest Virtual Airlines is an equal opportunity organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Click here to apply for the position above.
Job Title: Training Coordinator
Division: Training Department
Reports To: Director of Training

Position Overview:
We are seeking a motivated and organized individual to join our team as a Training Coordinator. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for flight simulation, a desire to help others learn, and a solid understanding of VATSIM and its pilot training structure. The Training Coordinator will be primarily responsible for organizing and facilitating the VATSIM Rating Course’s, helping our pilots achieve their online flying certifications.

Key Responsibilities:
• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of the training process.
• Schedule and facilitate live and/or self-paced training sessions for pilots.
• Maintain and update course materials to ensure alignment with VATSIM standards and best practices in collaboration with the Manager of Training and Standards
• Provide guidance, feedback, and support to students throughout their training.
• Collaborate with the Training Department to continually improve training quality and effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate records of training progress and communicate updates to leadership.
• Ensure a positive and professional experience for all trainees.


Position Qualifications:
• Must hold a VATSIM P1 rating or higher; Instructor or Mentor experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of VATSIM rules, procedures, and pilot resources.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working independently in a remote, volunteer-based environment.
• Passion for aviation, education, and community engagement.

Staff Requirements:
- Staff Members are required to remain active by accomplishing two (2) flights every 60 days.
- Members may NOT be in a staff role with another virtual airline.
- Members must be at least 18 years of age.
- Staff members must have achieved at a minimum the rank of First Officer within the VA.
- Must be in good standing with the airline.

What We Offer:
• A chance to contribute to a growing and respected VATSIM virtual airline.
• Leadership opportunities and recognition within the flight simulation community.
• A supportive and fun team of aviation enthusiasts.
• Opportunities for professional development in training and coordination.

Click here to apply for the position above.
Job Title: Manager of Training and Standards
Reports To: Director of Training
Department: Training & Development

Position Overview:
The Manager of Training and Standards at Southwest Virtual Airlines (SVA) plays a crucial role in developing, implementing, and overseeing our training programs across both ground and flight operations. This position will be responsible for establishing and enforcing training standards, managing the training team, evaluating program effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The Manager of Training and Standards will work closely with the Director of Training to develop strategies for enhancing training processes, maintaining program quality, and promoting continuous improvement throughout the training lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with a deep understanding of training systems and a passion for delivering top-tier aviation education. This is a leadership role that requires excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong commitment to ensuring the highest standards in all training and development activities.

Key Responsibilities:
• Training Strategy Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive training strategy that aligns with the business objectives of SVA, ensuring a cohesive approach across all training areas, including ground school and flight operations.
• Training Standards & Compliance: Establish, implement, and enforce high training standards to ensure consistency, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance across all training programs. Monitor industry regulations and adapt training protocols as necessary.
• Program Management & Oversight: Oversee the planning, implementation, and management of training programs for new hires and ongoing development. Evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Instructor Selection & Training: Lead the recruitment, selection, and ongoing training of all instructional staff, ensuring they meet SVA’s high performance and professionalism standards. Develop and oversee a robust instructor training program that includes orientation, skill development, and continuous education.
• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, mentor, and develop the training team to maximize performance and ensure a positive and collaborative work environment. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the team.
• Evaluation & Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess the effectiveness of training programs through feedback, assessments, and performance evaluations. Use insights to refine and improve training materials and delivery methods.
• Industry Trends & Technology Integration: Stay abreast of the latest developments in aviation training technology, instructional methodologies, and industry trends. Integrate new tools and technologies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the training programs.
• Collaboration & Reporting: Work closely with senior leadership and other departments to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Provide regular reports to the Director of Training, summarizing the status of training initiatives, challenges, and improvements.
• Maintaining High Standards of Performance: Ensure that all training content is accurate, up to date, and reflects the latest best practices in the aviation industry. Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and high standards across all training initiatives.

Qualifications:
• Preferred: Experience in a training or instructional role, preferably within the VATSIM or flight simulation industry.
• Experience with the development and management of training programs and teams.
• Strong understanding of training best practices, instructional design, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and team-building skills with a proven ability to motivate and guide staff.
• Ability to analyze program effectiveness and implement improvements.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and engaging manner.
• Familiarity with VATSIM regulations and industry standards.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Staff Requirements:
- Staff Members are required to remain active by accomplishing two (2) flights every 60 days.
- Members may NOT be in a staff role with another virtual airline.
- Members must be at least 18 years of age.
- Staff members must have achieved at a minimum the rank of First Officer within the VA.
- Must be in good standing with the airline.

What We Offer:
• A chance to contribute to a growing and respected VATSIM virtual airline.
• Leadership opportunities and recognition within the flight simulation community.
• A supportive and fun team of aviation enthusiasts.
• Opportunities for professional development in training and coordination.

Click here to apply for the position above.