Chief Pilot, Corporate Aviation
Location: Charlotte, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Category: Aviation Management
Job ID: JR-02150862
Position Summary:
The Chief Pilot is responsible for bringing and maintaining a strong track record in aviation, with a significant focus on safety and the successful management of the pilot workforce. This role provides day-to-day leadership and motivation for the pilot team, driving excellent technical and operational performance aligned with overall department goals. Key responsibilities include recruiting, training, career path management, and establishing aircraft operating standards. The Chief Pilot is expected to set the highest industry standards, inspiring the team to prioritize safety and excellence in all operational aspects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the management, supervision, and observation of flight crew personnel, ensuring strict adherence to Federal Regulations and company policies and procedures.
- Ensure departmental flight operations are appropriately staffed, organized, trained, and directed to fulfill all responsibilities efficiently.
- Maintain the validity and currency of all departmental documentation.
- Drive the department toward achieving business goals and objectives while consistently prioritizing safety above all else.
- Ensure the department and personnel possess the adequate resources required to perform their duties successfully and efficiently.
- Coordinate operations to ensure proper scheduling of aircraft and pilots, alongside accurate tracking of flights.
- Support the Director of Aviation in conducting performance evaluations for department personnel.
- Establish and maintain a close, professional working relationship with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Prepare and maintain all pilot training, flight, duty, and proficiency records.
- Manage all record-keeping requirements mandated by the FAA and the company.
- Ensure aircraft documents, checklists, publications, and databases are continuously updated.
- Oversee and schedule training resources and their execution, including aircraft training flights, simulator sessions, enroute flight checks, ground school, and other departmental learning courses.
- Ensure compliance with customs, immigration, and all applicable international laws.
- Conduct basic indoctrination and emergency training, as well as other internal training, including customer service.
- Assist with the selection and hiring of new crew members, including contract pilots.
- Perform flight duties as Captain on qualified aircraft based on scheduling needs and crew capacity.
- Conduct regular pilot meetings and maintain constant communication channels with flight crews.
- Ensure policies and procedures are followed and that paperwork is submitted by crews in a timely manner.
- Represent the department at networking functions and with business partners serving departmental needs.
- Balance flying duties (approximately 50%) with office duties (approximately 50%).
- Provide monthly operational reports to the Director of Aviation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
- Demonstrated experience in an aviation leadership role.
- Extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).
- Solid understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and industry best practices.
- 5-7 years of experience within general aviation and equivalent operational experience, including familiarity with aircraft maintenance scheduling, crew and staff management, and budget planning.
- Understanding of business operations concepts, including budgets, financial performance, and reporting.
- Strong analytical ability to evaluate data and information for operational decision-making.
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and effective interpersonal aptitude.
- Proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Office products and scheduling software.
- Proven capability in people management, conflict resolution, and resource allocation.
- Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
- Demonstrated management and leadership capabilities.
- Ability to prepare and complete comprehensive reports pertaining to the department and position.
- Must hold a current First-Class Medical certificate.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience as a Check Airman, Instructor, or Safety Manager.
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credential.
About Lowe’s:
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2024 sales of more than $83 billion, Lowe’s operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing, improving community spaces, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts, and providing disaster relief to communities in need.
Lowe’s is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.