Chief Pilot
Company: ACASS
Location: 6700 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse, Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 2B5 (Montreal Area)
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time
Work Location: In person
ACASS, a leading provider of international business aviation support solutions, invites applications from an experienced and dedicated Chief Pilot to lead its Flight Operations team. This pivotal role is ideal for an aviation professional who combines exceptional leadership and communication skills with a profound passion for business aviation safety and operational excellence. This unique opportunity offers significant leadership responsibilities alongside active flight duties.
Position Profile
The Chief Pilot will serve as an integral member of ACASS's operations team, collaborating with a diverse group of aviation specialists and industry professionals to deliver world-class aviation support services globally. This role entails providing strategic leadership to achieve ACASS's operational objectives, with an unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and flight crew. The Chief Pilot will be responsible for maintaining strict compliance with applicable aviation regulations and company policies and procedures.
Based in Montreal, Quebec, this full-time position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package (including medical and dental), a company-sponsored group RRSP plan, generous paid time off, and excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a well-established and rapidly growing organization.
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Pilot's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Leading the safe and efficient operation of ACASS’s managed aircraft fleet.
- Ensuring full compliance and adherence with all aircraft operations regulatory requirements.
- Developing and maintaining robust aircraft checklists and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Confirming all aerodromes and routes are operationally suited and meet ACASS’s stringent requirements.
- Issuing crew directives and notices, and diligently processing and actioning flight crew reports.
- Leading by example, consistently practicing ACASS’s core values and leadership qualities.
- Managing, motivating, guiding, supporting, and mentoring ACASS’s flight crew and operations support staff.
- Ensuring that all crew members perform their duties in a proper and highly professional manner.
- Supervising pilot assignment approvals and scheduling.
- Developing or implementing all required approved training programs for the air operator flight crews.
- Overseeing flight crew training, including new pilot/crew orientation and line indoctrination training.
- Actioning and distributing accident, incident, and other occurrence reports promptly.
- Managing the contents of the Cabin Crew Manuals and their corresponding Training Manuals.
- Maintaining the Operational Library to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
- Building strong relationships and maintaining effective communication with Civil Aviation Authorities.
- Collaborating with the Director of Flight Operations and other team members to support the department's safe, compliant, and efficient operation.
- Performing the usual duties and tasks of a corporate pilot, which will comprise approximately 25% of their time.
Skills and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:
- Self-motivated, energetic, confident, disciplined, responsible, flexible, and highly capable.
- Exceptional leadership skills with the proven ability to supervise, provide direction, and offer support to staff and crew.
- A strong team player with a positive attitude and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Outstanding situational awareness and the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks efficiently.
- Strong analytical capabilities, a results-orientation, and superior decision-making skills.
- Excellent knowledge of aviation regulations and the private aviation industry in general.
- Ability to remain calm and perform effectively under pressure in a deadline-driven, fast-changing environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software and database programs.
- Skilled at effectively communicating with various aviation authorities.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following essential requirements:
- Must be a legal Canadian Resident and willing to relocate to the Montreal area (if required).
- Possession of a valid Transport Canada Class 1 Medical Certificate and an Airline Transport Pilot License - Aeroplane (ATPL).
- Aircraft type rating for Bombardier Challenger 604/605/650, Praetor 500/600, or Citation 10.
- A minimum of 5,000+ total Pilot Flight Hours, with at least 1,500+ hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) in transport category aircraft.
- A minimum of 5+ years of experience as a PIC in the Corporate/Private aviation industry.
- Demonstrated International Flight Operations Management experience within a TC CAR 604/704 and/or FAA Part 91/135 organization.
- An aviation record free from any conviction under subsection 7.3 of the Aeronautics Act and no more than one conviction occurring during separate unrelated events under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
- Strong communication skills in English are essential; bilingualism in English and French is considered a significant asset.
- Excellent knowledge of aviation regulations and the application of company operations and policies.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, often on short notice.
Working at ACASS
ACASS is a premier global provider of corporate and private aviation support services, encompassing flight crew staffing, aircraft sales, and management. Since its inception in 1994, ACASS has proudly served a distinguished international clientele, including heads of state, VIPs, and Fortune 500 corporations.
The company fosters a fast-paced, dynamic, and multicultural work environment characterized by professionalism, positive energy, respect, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. Team members benefit from a vibrant workplace featuring an upscale office, a fully equipped kitchen, an on-site gym with showers, and online access to virtual healthcare services. ACASS embodies its slogan, "OWN YOUR JOURNEY®," by empowering its team members to achieve their full career potential within an inspiring and supportive environment.
Benefits
ACASS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Company pension plan
- Dental care coverage
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care coverage
- Life insurance
- On-site gym access
- On-site parking
- RRSP matching program
- Vision care coverage