The Chief Pilot (135) is responsible for the performance of assigned flight crews and associated support personnel, ensuring flight operational safety and compliance with 14 CFR regulations, company OpSpecs, and manual systems. This individual must possess a comprehensive understanding of aviation standards and safe operating practices. The Chief Pilot will maintain currency as a line Captain, instructor, and check airman in at least one aircraft type on the company's operating certificate.
Responsibilities:
- Maintains current flight proficiency as a Pilot-In-Command in at least one company-operated aircraft.
- Supervises Assistant Chief Pilots, when designated, by aircraft fleet or type of operation.
- Exercises supervisory control over all pilot interviewing, hiring, counseling, and termination processes.
- Manages company check airman functions.
- Develops and provides detailed guidance for the execution of company check airman duties.
- Maintains currency and proficiency as a company check airman in at least one company-operated aircraft.
- Develops and maintains flight standards policies and procedures.
- Ensures flight crew compliance with established flight standards policies and procedures.
- Communicates with FAA representatives regarding flight standards policies, procedures, and the reporting of non-routine flight crew events.
- Assists Flight Operations/Dispatch personnel in crew selection, flight operational decision-making, and provides technical solutions.
- Participates as an advisor in staff meetings with instructors and check airmen.
- Supports the Training Department with outsourced training provider oversight and audits.
- Participates in certification activities for new flight operations programs and capabilities.
- Conducts research and development of policies and procedures for compliance with new FAA and industry regulations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
- Meets the minimum qualifications outlined in 14 CFR Part 119.71.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
- Working knowledge of FAA policy and guidance documents.
- Ability to travel extensively for oversight activities.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security clearance.
- Availability to work or be on-call beyond standard office hours.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities, interpersonal skills, and professional demeanor.
- No prior FAA violations, suspensions, or criminal history.
- Possession of a valid U.S. Passport with unrestricted travel capabilities.
- High School Diploma.
Preferred:
- FAA Class I Medical Certificate.
- Previous experience as a Chief Pilot or in a similar air carrier management role.
- Prior air carrier experience as an aircraft and/or simulator instructor and check airman.
- Knowledge and experience with Crew Resource Management (CRM), risk management, Safety Management Systems (SMS) (14 CFR Part 5), and the development of standard operating procedures.
- Type rating or prior flight crew experience in one or more aircraft types operated by the company.
- Undergraduate degree.
Physical Requirements:
- Primarily an office environment requiring prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
- Fieldwork may involve conducting flight operational oversight activities in diverse environments, including outdoors and potentially austere locations.
- Physical activities, such as lifting, pushing, and pulling, are at the discretion of the individual and are not required.