National Jets | Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot, FAR 135 Operations (Fort Lauderdale, FLL)

Company Background

National Jets, founded in 1947 by the Boy family, is an established, full-service aviation organization renowned for delivering award-winning customer service and a full complement of aviation services. The company operates across three distinct divisions: Fixed-Base Operations (FBO), specialized aircraft maintenance, and comprehensive aircraft management and charter services. Operating a modern, internally maintained charter fleet, National Jets seeks highly competent and enthusiastic individuals who share a deep passion for aviation and are prepared to make a significant contribution to the organization's continued success.

Job Purpose

The Chief Pilot is a critical leadership position responsible for the comprehensive management of all activities pertaining to the company’s pilot workforce. This role requires the oversight, development, and standardization of the flight department to ensure continuous safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance under FAR 135 operations. The Chief Pilot directly manages pilot recruitment, initial and recurrent training, career path development, and the implementation of aircraft operating standards and proficiency requirements. The incumbent will also be responsible for prioritizing and distributing additional duties and special projects among the pilot team as necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Chief Pilot performs core functions related to standardization, compliance, and personnel management, including but not limited to the following:

• Establishes, maintains, and keeps current all approved company documentation, including the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the General Operations Manual (GOM), and all company ground and flight training programs associated with FAR 135 operations.
• Monitors and ensures rigorous compliance with the FAA-approved company ground and flight training programs for crew members, Check Airmen, instructors, and other operations personnel.
• Approves contract training, monitors the use of aircraft simulators, and verifies the availability of required aircraft and equipment for all training activities conducted by the Training Department.
• Serves as the primary personnel manager for the flight crew, assuring flight crew member standardization and executing periodic standards checks and proficiency evaluations.
• Prepares and advises the Director of Operations regarding crew member status for all flight operations and training events.
• Assists the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Operations in the formulation and enforcement of company operations policies across the entire crew member population.
• Maintains all required recordkeeping mandated by the FAA and the company, including preparing, maintaining, and periodically reviewing all pilot training and proficiency records.
• Disseminates timely information to all crew members pertaining to operations, manual revisions, and training activities.
• Ensures that all company pilots maintain current route qualifications and receive all proficiency checks required by the FAA and the company.
• Exercises operational control over all company flights and may initiate, conduct, or terminate a flight in accordance with FAR 135.77.
• Assures that crew members’ flight and duty records are accurately entered into their permanent files on the first day of each month for the preceding calendar month.
• Acts as a representative and voice of the company, promoting the business plan internally and externally when interfacing with front-line employees, vendors, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborates with the Director of Operations to develop departmental budgets and provides required monthly variance reporting.
• Serves as an active member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT).

Required Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; a college degree is preferred.
• A minimum total flight time of 3,000 hours.
• A minimum of 1,500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Must possess a Type Rating in at least one jet aircraft; applicants with an LR-JET type rating are strongly preferred.
• Must possess at least three years of experience, within the preceding six years, as Pilot in Command of an aircraft operated under 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135.
• Must possess strong knowledge of all FAA Regulations (FARs), including flight operations and training requirements under Part 135.
• Must have a clean legal and professional record, free of accidents, incidents, violations, or DUI/DWI convictions.
• Intermediate or better proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be able to successfully complete the company’s training program and demonstrate proficiency with all job requirements.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and must demonstrate strong customer service skills.
• Must meet the qualification requirements set forth in 14 CFR 119.71(c).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous operations management experience encompassing multiple aircraft fleets and domiciles.
• Extensive knowledge of the company General Operations Manual, Flight Standards Operating Procedures, FAA Regulations, NTSB Procedures, Operations Specifications, and Flight Manuals pertinent to the role.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
• Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
• Valid U.S. Passport.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Work Authorization and Security Clearance

In accordance with applicable airport security regulations administered by the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, and/or local governing authorities, the selected candidate must successfully obtain the requisite security clearance and the Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) security badge as a mandatory condition of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

National Jets is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Application Instructions

Prospective candidates are invited to apply by completing the official application for employment. Details regarding submission methods and contact information are provided via the designated company career portal.