Makers Air, a dynamic FAA Part 135 operator based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is actively seeking an experienced and safety-driven Chief Pilot. This pivotal leadership role will oversee all aspects of flight operations, pilot performance, and regulatory compliance, primarily involving Cessna Caravan (C208) aircraft, to ensure safe and reliable service across Florida and the Bahamas.
About the Role
The Chief Pilot will provide hands-on leadership for all FAA Part 135 flight operations. This critical position is responsible for driving operational excellence, fostering a robust safety culture, and mentoring pilots. Key responsibilities include:
-
Leading pilot recruitment, onboarding, training, standardization, and performance management.
-
Ensuring strict adherence to FAA regulations, company policies, Operations Specifications, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
-
Overseeing pilot qualifications, certifications, training records, and continuous FAA compliance for all flight crew members.
-
Managing flight scheduling, crew assignments, duty time compliance, and operational control to support efficient flight operations.
-
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date aircraft manuals, flight publications, and operational documents.
-
Collaborating with the Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, and cross-functional teams to ensure aircraft availability and regulatory adherence.
-
Leading FAA compliance efforts, including audits, inspections, and reporting.
-
Championing the company's Safety Management System (SMS) by promoting hazard reporting and accountability.
Requirements
Candidates for the Chief Pilot position must possess:
-
A minimum of three (3) years of recent Pilot in Command (PIC) experience under 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135.
-
Recent Cessna Caravan (C208) PIC experience acquired within the past three (3) to five (5) years.
-
A valid Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings; an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate is preferred.
-
Previous experience as a Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot is advantageous. First-time Chief Pilot candidates must satisfy the qualification requirements of 14 CFR §119.71.
-
Demonstrated leadership ability, with a proven capacity to mentor pilots, promote safety initiatives, and lead a high-performing flight department.
-
Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the United States, Caribbean, and Canada for training, maintenance, or other business needs, for periods ranging from days to weeks.
-
Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
-
The ability to meet all FAA, company, General Operations Manual (GOM), Operations Specifications, training, checking, and qualification requirements.
-
Availability to work a full-time, salaried leadership schedule, including weekends, holidays, and outside normal business hours as required by a 7-day week Part 135 operation.