Academic Director

Tigerswings.com is a premier aviation training institute committed to producing world-class aviation professionals. We deliver a comprehensive portfolio of programmes spanning ab-initio pilot training, aircraft maintenance engineering (AME), air traffic control, cabin crew certification, aviation management, and ground staff training. Our faculty, simulators, and regulatory approvals are benchmarked against DGCA, EASA, and FAA standards.

We are driven by a single mission: to bridge the global pilot and aviation skills shortage by delivering rigorous, innovative, and student-centred training that equips graduates to meet the demands of modern commercial, cargo, and general aviation.

As we scale into new geographies and launch advanced digital learning platforms, we are seeking an exceptional Academic Director to lead our academic vision and set the standard for excellence in aviation education.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Vision and Strategy

• Define and champion the long-term academic vision of Tigerswings, aligned with industry demand, regulatory requirements, and the institute's growth ambitions.
• Develop and maintain a 3–5 year Academic Roadmap covering programme portfolio, technology integration, global accreditation targets, and partnerships.
• Lead the launch of new training verticals — including type-rating programmes, simulator endorsements, advanced avionics, drone pilot certification, and eVTOL readiness training.
• Represent Tigerswings at industry forums, aviation conferences, and regulatory panels as the academic voice of the institution.
• Drive the institute's transition to blended and digital-first learning models, including CBT (Computer-Based Training), VR simulation, and adaptive learning platforms.

Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance

• Own end-to-end curriculum design, review, and validation for all programmes — ab-initio PPL/CPL/ATPL, AME, ATC, cabin crew, ground operations, and aviation management.
• Ensure all syllabi are fully compliant with DGCA (India), EASA (Europe), FAA (USA), and ICAO standards, with structured annual review cycles.
• Benchmark curricula against top-tier international aviation academies (CAE, FlightSafety International, Oxford Aviation Academy) and integrate best practices.
• Establish and manage a Quality Management System (QMS) for academic delivery, including lesson plan audits, assessment moderation, and student outcome tracking.
• Develop standardised assessment frameworks including written exams, simulator evaluations, oral assessments, and practical skill checks.
• Oversee the production and maintenance of all training manuals, study guides, SOPs, and learning materials in line with current regulatory publications.
• Lead continuous improvement cycles using student performance data, employer feedback, regulatory audit findings, and faculty input.

Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all regulatory authorities — DGCA, EASA, ICAO, and any applicable national civil aviation authority.
• Own the institute's Approved Training Organisation (ATO) certification — ensuring all approvals, amendments, and renewals are managed proactively and without lapse.
• Lead preparation for and management of all regulatory audits, inspections, and surveillance visits — ensuring zero critical findings.
• Monitor regulatory changes across all relevant jurisdictions and ensure the academic team is briefed and syllabi updated within prescribed timelines.
• Manage relationships with accreditation bodies and pursue international quality certifications (e.g., ISO 21001 Education Management Systems, IATA Training Centre approval).
• Maintain a Compliance Register covering all active approvals, expiry dates, audit schedules, and corrective action plans.

Faculty Management and Development

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of all instructors — including Flight Instructors (FI), Type Rating Instructors (TRI), Ground Instructors, Simulator Instructors (SFI), and AME faculty.
• Establish and maintain minimum instructor qualification standards, currency requirements, and recurrency training schedules aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Design and implement an Instructor Standardisation Programme to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across all faculty members.
• Conduct and oversee periodic instructor evaluations, check rides, and teaching observations, with structured feedback and development plans.
• Foster a collaborative academic culture that values innovation, student-centricity, and professional integrity.
• Manage faculty workload planning, succession planning, and retention strategies to maintain academic continuity.
• Oversee the performance management and appraisal cycle for all academic staff, including KPI setting, mid-year reviews, and annual assessments.

Student Experience and Outcomes

• Set and monitor student outcome KPIs: first-attempt pass rates on regulatory exams, simulator check completion rates, on-time graduation rates, and employment placement rates.
• Design and oversee a comprehensive student support framework including academic counselling, remedial training pathways, and mental fitness support in line with aviation medical requirements.
• Establish and manage a student grievance and appeals process that is transparent, timely, and fair.
• Build relationships with airlines, MROs, airports, and aviation corporates to create structured placement pipelines for graduating students.
• Champion diversity and inclusion in student recruitment, ensuring the institute attracts candidates across gender, geography, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Oversee the design and continuous improvement of the student journey from enrolment through graduation and alumni engagement.

Simulator and Training Fleet Oversight

• Work closely with the Chief Flight Instructor and simulator maintenance teams to ensure all Full Flight Simulators (FFS), Flight Training Devices (FTD), and FNPT IIs are maintained in accordance with regulatory qualification standards.
• Oversee the academic scheduling and utilisation of simulators to maximise training efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Lead evaluation and procurement of new simulation technology, avionics training systems, and digital learning tools.

Digital Learning and Innovation

• Lead the institute's digital transformation agenda — implementing a Learning Management System (LMS), student portals, and analytics dashboards.
• Commission the development of interactive CBT modules, e-learning courses, and virtual classroom capabilities to complement simulator and ground school training.
• Use learning analytics to identify at-risk students early and deploy targeted interventions.
• Explore and pilot emerging technologies — AI-assisted debriefing, VR cockpit familiarisation, AR maintenance training — in partnership with technology providers.

Academic Operations and Administration

• Oversee the academic calendar, timetabling, and scheduling across all programmes and training locations.
• Manage the academic budget — including faculty costs, learning material development, simulator academic time allocation, and regulatory filing fees.
• Produce regular academic performance reports for the CEO and Board, including programme health dashboards and KPI scorecards.
• Establish data governance standards for student records, training records, and regulatory documentation, ensuring full traceability and auditability.