Air Methods | Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot

Location: Greenwood Village, CO (Relocation to Denver required)

Category: Executive

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Overview

The Chief Pilot provides leadership, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance for the pilot workforce at Air Methods. This role oversees pilot hiring, training, scheduling, performance management, and labor relations, including engagement with the pilot union. The Chief Pilot ensures adherence to all FAA regulations and company policies, identifies compliance risks, and maintains operational discipline across all bases.

The incumbent owns the FAA-approved training program and ensures all flight manuals and publications remain current and effective. In addition to maintaining Pilot in Command (PIC) qualification in at least one aircraft, the Chief Pilot represents the organization in industry groups and FAA safety forums. This position is mission-critical, supporting one of the largest air medical transport programs in the country.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Flight Operations staff and ensure safety across all flight operations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, including the development and standardization of pilot training.
• Lead team development, mentorship, and the selection of Company Instructors and Check Airmen.
• Monitor pilot flight and duty times to maintain work-life balance.
• Manage pilot administration, including recruitment, reviews, scheduling, and compensation adjustments.
• Ensure standard aircraft procedures throughout the fleet.
• Actively participate in the Safety Management System (SMS) and ensure maintenance of proficiency records, pilot files, and operational reports in accordance with CFRs.
• Coordinate with the FAA and internal departments, conduct investigations, and provide oversight of the Part 135 air carrier certificate.
• Assume Director of Operations duties and authorities during absences.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff performance, addressing complaints and resolving personnel issues.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year university with 5–8 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Flight Requirements: Minimum of 2,500 flight hours.
• Operational Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience as Pilot in Command (PIC) under 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135 within the last 6 years.
• Certifications: Commercial Pilot Certificate required; Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate preferred.
• Preferences: Experience in maintaining and standardizing pilot training programs; Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Instrument Instructor (CFII) credentials.
• Regulatory: Must meet all applicable requirements outlined in 14 CFR Part 119. FAA Second Class Medical required for Check Airman/Instructor duties.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to manage a broad range of administrative tasks, and capacity to exercise sound judgment.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $130,250.00 – $170,000.00 per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Air Methods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. The company adheres to all pay transparency regulations as set forth in 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).