LIFT Academy ODA Administrator

Job Category:

LIFT Academy is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as the ODA Administrator responsible for overseeing its Airman Certification Organizational Designation Authorization (AC ODA) program. This role ensures compliance with FAA Order 8100.15C, manages the performance of Unit Members (UMs) authorized to conduct practical tests and certification tasks, and serves as the primary liaison with the FAA’s ODA Office and Certificate Management Team.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, detail-oriented leader with deep knowledge of 14 CFR Part 141, airman certification standards, and FAA delegation systems. This role will shape the future of LIFT’s autonomy and excellence in certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Other duties may be assigned to this position as needed.

ODA Program Oversight

• Serve as the ODA Administrator per FAA authorization, with full accountability for the structure, integrity, and compliance of the Airman Certification ODA Unit.
• Ensure all delegated airman certification activities (e.g., practical tests) are conducted in accordance with FAA Order 8100.15C, FAA Order 8900.1, and applicable CFRs.

FAA Interface

• Act as the primary liaison to the FAA ODA Office, Certificate Management Team, and relevant FSDO personnel.
• Coordinate FAA audits, reviews, surveillance, and reporting requirements.
• Submit all required manuals, data, and internal performance metrics to the FAA.

Unit Member (UM) Management

• Interview, appoint, and supervise Unit Members who perform certification functions (e.g., practical tests).
• Ensure all UMs meet FAA qualifications, training, and currency standards.
• Oversee UM standardization, conduct internal evaluations, and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Maintain a delegation procedures manual (DPM) and ensure ongoing adherence.
• Develop and lead an internal audit program that supports a systems-based FAA oversight model.
• Investigate any discrepancies in certification outcomes and lead root cause analysis and remediation.

Process Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve the efficiency, transparency, and scalability of delegated certification operations.
• Leverage training performance data to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with instructional, scheduling, and safety teams to align delegated processes with LIFT’s operational needs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE.

• Must meet the general eligibility, references, qualifications, and disqualifiers outlined in FAA Order 8000.95, Volume 1, Chapter 2.
• At least 5 years of experience working with the FAA on projects related to airmen training or certification programs under 14 CFR Parts 121, 135, 141, 142, 145, or 147.
• Experience must include various levels of technical, airworthiness, or operational responsibilities, such as Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, Training Program Manager, Director of Training, Training Program Manager, Standards Manager, QA/Safety Manager, or Operations Inspector.
• Must possess commensurate management experience appropriate to the scope of the ODA, specifically in operations or training program management.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of FAA regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to airman certification and ODA functions.
• Must possess sufficient technical knowledge to understand and oversee all functions delegated under the ODA.
• Must demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to safety culture, including proactive hazard reporting, continuous learning, and workforce safety advocacy.
• Must submit to FAA an application with supplemental documentation demonstrating qualifications per FAA Order 8100.15C, Section 1, Chapter 3.
• Must complete required ODA applicant training (Parts I and II for AC ODA) before appointment.
• Must attend an FAA ODA seminar every two calendar years to maintain qualification.

PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Commercial Pilot Certificate with CFI/CFII (ATP Preferred)
• Prior experience as a Chief Instructor or Check Instructor at a Part 141 school, or as a designated pilot examiner (DPE)
• Experience managing DPEs, TCEs, or internal examining processes
• Familiarity with WebOPSS, IACRA, and FAA data systems
• Experience implementing or operating under a Safety Management System (SMS) or internal Quality Management System
• Strong technical writing and audit/inspection preparation skills

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, DISABILITY, AND VETERAN ACCOMODATIONS

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability and Veteran Accommodations

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.