Command Pilot (PIC)
Location: Billings, Montana, United States
Position Summary
Billings Flying Services is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Command Pilot (PIC) to oversee and execute safe and efficient flight assignments. Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot, the PIC holds critical responsibility as the ultimate authority for all flight operations, ensuring strict adherence to Company policies, the General Operations Manual (GOM), and all applicable FAA requirements. This pivotal role may also involve deputizing for the Chief Pilot/Assistant Chief Pilot, facilitating seamless business continuity and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensures the paramount safety of all flight operations.
- Exercises active supervisory responsibility over flight crews and field personnel, issuing directives and notices as required.
- Provides vital on-the-job training (OJT) for flight crewmembers, assists with PIC upgrade training, conducts flight base audits and inspections, and performs other aviation duties as directed by the Chief Pilot.
- Participates actively in pilot training programs, as qualified.
- Contributes significantly to the Company's Safety Management System (SMS) by diligently reporting hazards and incidents, understanding and complying with safety policies, and promoting a robust safety culture.
- Thoroughly reviews flight assignments, gathering comprehensive briefing information concerning flight purpose, weather conditions, operating procedures, and any specific instructions.
- Prepares or meticulously supervises the preparation of detailed flight plans, considering critical factors such as altitude, terrain, prevailing weather, aircraft range, weight, cruise performance, airport facilities, and navigational aids.
- Guarantees that the aircraft undergoes rigorous pre-flight inspections, is correctly loaded, appropriately equipped, and adequately manned for each flight assignment.
- Verifies compliance with duty and flight time limitations, ensures proper crew certification, adequate rest, and appropriate dress.
- Confirms that all requisite forms, equipment, and materials are secured on board the aircraft prior to departure.
- Accurately records all mechanical irregularities and discrepancies, promptly informing maintenance personnel for resolution.
- Prior to any flight, verifies that all recorded items have been procedurally addressed, deferred, or corrected by maintenance personnel in strict accordance with the approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL) for the specific aircraft.
- Upholds the full responsibility and authority of the Pilot in Command as stipulated by CFR 91.3, including making final decisions regarding weather and overall aircraft operation.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to maintain a comprehensive understanding of Billings Flying Services' policies and procedures, consistently embodying and championing the Company's core values.
- Exceptional knowledge of FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, Flight Manuals, and the entire content of the BFS General Operations Manual (GOM), Training Manual, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Approved/Accepted FAA/USFS Manuals.
- Minimum of 3,500 hours total flight time, including 2,500 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC) time, and 1,500 hours turbine time.
- Must satisfy all applicable USFS hour requirements for aerial operations.
- Proven experience in USFS Aerial Firefighting operations utilizing helicopters.
- Possession and maintenance of a current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate.
- Proficiency in Vertical Reference operations.
- NVG (Night Vision Goggle) qualification.
- Availability for both domestic and international assignments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with Tandem Rotor aircraft is highly desirable.
- Type Rating in the CH-47D (BV234) is a distinct advantage.
Behavioral Competencies
- Embodies Billings Flying Services' core values, fostering a culture of integrity and excellence.
- Demonstrates acute awareness of hazardous situations, proactively implementing appropriate actions to ensure a safe environment for all.
- Exhibits strong collaborative skills, working effectively within a team to achieve organizational objectives.
- Approaches challenges proactively and persistently, consistently identifying and seizing opportunities.
- Communicates openly, honestly, and respectfully with diverse audiences, facilitating constructive dialogue and building consensus.
- Treats colleagues and stakeholders with fairness, honesty, and respect, thereby strengthening organizational integrity and trust.
- Inspires and motivates others towards achieving excellence and committing to shared goals, cultivating self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence.
- Assumes a pivotal leadership role, guiding and supporting others to deliver exceptional results.
- Embraces change, is open to novel ideas and methodologies, and champions transformational initiatives within the organization.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- The role involves work in austere field settings, often under challenging conditions.
- Exposure to typical shop environments, including noise, dust, odors, and fumes.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move freely within facilities.
Benefits
- Full-time employment with a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and credentials.
- Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
- Enrollment in a 401K plan with an attractive company match of up to 4%.
- These valuable benefits are available following an initial waiting period.