Chief Pilot
Backcountry Aviation, a Part 135 airline serving the Pacific Northwest, seeks a highly skilled and dedicated Chief Pilot to provide leadership and guidance to its flight operations team. The Chief Pilot is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This position blends strategic vision with tactical execution, addressing immediate operational needs while contributing to the company's long-term goals.
Responsibilities:
- Oversees and manages flight operations, ensuring strict adherence to all FAA and company regulations and safety protocols.
- Exercises Operational Control, as authorized by the Director of Operations.
- Collaborates with operations and maintenance teams to optimize flight schedules and maintain aircraft airworthiness.
- Manages the assignment and scheduling of all pilots.
- Serves as Pilot in Command (PIC) when necessary.
- Supports the Director of Operations in employee management, including the interviewing, hiring, and counseling of pilots and operations staff.
- Directs all pilot training activities and compliance programs.
- Maintains accurate pilot and operational records in compliance with Part 135 and DOT requirements.
- Ensures clear and consistent communication with pilots, disseminating critical information and updates.
- Prepares and distributes necessary crew member instructions, bulletins, and manual updates.
- Promotes a culture of safety throughout all aspects of the operation, implementing safety programs and management protocols.
- Maintains authority and accountability for all training and manual revisions.
- Represents Backcountry Aviation in regulatory meetings and audits.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations.
Job Requirements:
- Must meet the management qualifications outlined in 14 CFR 119.69 and the Chief Pilot experience requirements of 14 CFR 119.71(c).
- Possession of an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Cessna 402C and/or T303 type ratings.
- Minimum of 1,500 flight hours, including at least 500 hours of multi-engine (AMEL) PIC time.
- Previous leadership experience within a Part 135 airline is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.
- Ability to effectively multitask and manage administrative, operational, and flight duties.
- Thorough understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Company Manuals, Operations Specifications, FAA and DOT regulations, and aviation safety standards.
- Successful completion of DOT drug and alcohol testing and possession of a valid FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
- Ability to travel to offsite locations for meetings and events as a representative of Backcountry Aviation.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary, starting at $100,000 annually.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Paid time off.
- Employee discounts.
- Potential base locations in Port Angeles or Seattle.
- Relocation assistance may be available.
To Apply: Submit your resume, cover letter, and flight logbook. Please include "Chief Pilot Application" in the subject line.