Jet Aviation | Chief Pilot

Jet Aviation Staffing seeks a Chief Pilot for a Part 91 operation based in Conroe, TX (KCXO). This professional role involves leadership and oversight of all flight operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance for a corporate flight department.

About the Role

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of the corporate flight department. This position provides leadership and day-to-day oversight of flight operations, flight crew, scheduling, training, standardization, and regulatory compliance for a private FAR Part 91 operation. The Chief Pilot works closely with the Aviation Director, aircraft owner or representative, maintenance personnel, cabin crew, and other internal and external partners to ensure each mission is executed safely, discreetly, efficiently, and to the highest standards of service.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader and active line pilot who demonstrates sound judgment, strong operational discipline, exceptional communication skills, and a service-oriented approach appropriate for a private corporate aviation environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for all flight activities conducted under FAR Part 91.
• Serve as Pilot in Command as required and maintain currency and proficiency.
• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure flight operations comply with applicable FAA regulations, company policies, aircraft limitations, and established operating procedures.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve flight department policies, procedures, manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operating standards.
• Exercise sound operational judgment regarding flight planning, weather, airport suitability, crew readiness, aircraft performance, international requirements, and overall mission risk.
• Coordinate flight crew scheduling and staffing to ensure appropriate trip coverage, crew qualifications, rest, availability, and continuity of service.
• Oversee pilot training, recurrent training, checking, currency, medical certificates, and qualification records.
• Maintain accurate flight department records and ensure required operational documentation is current and properly maintained.
• Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, onboarding, development, and performance management of flight crew members.
• Coach and mentor pilots, establish clear performance expectations, and foster a collaborative and professional crew environment.
• Coordinate closely with maintenance personnel to support aircraft availability, discrepancy management, maintenance planning, and safe return-to-service decisions.
• Partner with cabin crew, scheduling, aviation management, and external service providers to deliver seamless trip execution and an exceptional passenger experience.
• Support domestic and international trip planning, including permits, customs, handling, security, ground transportation, and other mission-specific requirements.
• Maintain familiarity with international operating requirements and ensure crews are properly prepared for worldwide operations.
• Participate in Safety Management System (SMS) activities, risk assessments, safety reporting, emergency response planning, and investigation of operational irregularities or incidents.
• Identify operational risks and recommend practical solutions that support safety, reliability, service, and cost effectiveness.
• Assist with annual operating plans, staffing requirements, training budgets, and other flight department planning.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with the FAA, training providers, FBOs, vendors, OEM representatives, and other aviation partners.
• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of the aircraft owner, passengers, family members, guests, business activities, travel schedules, and flight department information.
• Demonstrate flexibility to support changing schedules, short-notice travel, weekends, holidays, extended trips, and international missions.
• Perform other aviation-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with appropriate airplane category and class ratings.
• Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.
• 10 or more years of experience in a corporate or commercial aviation setting, including at least four years leading and supervising pilots.
• Appropriate type rating for the assigned aircraft, or ability to obtain the required type rating prior to assuming flight duties.
• Minimum 5,000 hours total flight time preferred, with substantial turbine and multi-engine experience.
• Demonstrated experience as Pilot in Command in corporate or business aviation; large-cabin or comparable aircraft experience preferred where applicable.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR Part 91 operations, FAA regulations, flight planning, aircraft performance, international operations, and aviation safety practices.
• Prior Chief Pilot, Lead Captain, Standards Captain, Director of Aviation, or comparable leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring professional flight crews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and respond effectively to schedule changes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally and work a flexible schedule based on operational requirements.
• Valid passport and ability to meet all applicable travel and entry requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and aviation experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or recent experience on the assigned aircraft type.
• Extensive international and oceanic operating experience.
• Experience with a corporate aviation Safety Management System (SMS), emergency response planning, and operational risk management.
• Experience helping establish, transition, or improve a self-managed corporate flight department.
• Knowledge of aviation budgeting, vendor management, training programs, and flight department administration.
• NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) or other relevant professional certification.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, climb aircraft stairs, and work in and around aircraft and airport environments.
• Ability to lift and move baggage, supplies, or equipment consistent with normal flight department operations.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions, noise levels, time zones, and operational environments.
• Must meet all medical, physical, and regulatory requirements necessary to perform assigned flight duties.