Chief Pilot - US Midwest
Location:
Indiana / Louisville catchment area
Representation:
Goose Recruitment
Reports To:
Director of Operations
Goose Recruitment is seeking a senior, calm, and highly competent Chief Pilot for a well-established, confidential aviation operator based in the US Midwest. With a fleet scaling toward 25+ aircraft and a growing team of over 25 pilots, the operator maintains a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence. This role is viewed as a strategic leadership position with a clear succession path to the Director of Operations.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory & Compliance
-
Act as the Part 119 Chief Pilot with full regulatory accountability.
-
Ensure strict adherence to Part 135 regulations, internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and FAA standards.
-
Uphold a zero-tolerance approach to safety compromises.
-
Manage and maintain operational manuals, procedures, and compliance documentation.
Operational Oversight
-
Lead flight operations for a mixed fleet, including King Air, Citation, Sovereign, and Global aircraft.
-
Supervise and mentor a growing pilot team to ensure high performance and consistency.
-
Provide 24/7 availability for operational escalations, safety-related matters, and team support.
-
Maintain a stable Monday-Friday schedule when not flying, with adjustments during active flight weeks.
Leadership & Strategy
-
Provide senior-level leadership and mentorship to the pilot group.
-
Collaborate with the Junior Chief Pilot to manage departmental workloads and delegation.
-
Support the Director of Operations in long-term organizational planning and growth.
-
Act as a stabilizing force within the flight department.
Candidate Profile
Required Experience
-
Current or previous experience serving as a Part 119 Chief Pilot is required.
-
Extensive Part 135 operational experience is essential.
-
Preference for candidates with mixed-fleet experience, specifically within the Citation series.
Required Attributes
-
Demonstrated leadership style characterized by stability, calm, and senior-level decision-making.
-
Integrity-driven, safety-first mindset.
-
Strong communication and collaboration skills.
-
Willingness to relocate to the Indiana region.
Compensation & Benefits
-
Base Salary: $150,000 - $180,000.
-
All-in Compensation: Approximately $225,000 (including per diems and bonuses).
-
Comprehensive benefits package, including 401k and sign-on bonus.
-
Relocation support provided.
Interview Process
-
Initial screening with Goose Recruitment.
-
Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams with the operator’s leadership team.
-
Review of policy manuals and operational materials.
-
On-site visit to meet with executives and department leadership.
-
Offer stage.