PrivateFlite Aviation | Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot - FAA Part 135 Charter Operations

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Sellersburg, IN (Louisville, KY Metro Area)

The Company: PrivateFlite Aviation and Aircraft Specialists

PrivateFlite Aviation and Aircraft Specialists are premier providers of comprehensive general aviation services, excelling in FBO operations, robust FAA Part 145 Maintenance, and critical Part 135 Charter services. Based just outside Louisville, Kentucky, the organizations are dedicated to achieving their mission: “Provide the Ultimate Client Experience.”

The company culture is built upon six foundational core values: Integrity, We Before Me, Commitment to Excellence, Service-Centered, Level 10 Attitude, and Always Be Winning. The Chief Pilot is expected to embody these values while driving unmatched safety and excellence in all air operations.

Role Summary and Accountability

The Chief Pilot serves as a pivotal aviation leadership position within the organization, reporting directly to the Director of Operations (DO) within the FAA Support Department. This key role holds primary responsibility for the effective supervision, professional performance, and stringent FAA regulatory compliance of all flight crewmembers operating under Part 135.

The Chief Pilot is authorized to exercise Operational Control under 14 CFR §135.77 and must meet the qualification standards outlined in 14 CFR §119.71(b) at the time of appointment and throughout their tenure. While certain tasks may be delegated, the Chief Pilot retains full responsibility and final authority for all assigned operational functions. The successful candidate must demonstrate comprehensive mastery of the General Operations Manual (GOM), applicable FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, aircraft flight manuals, and all relevant operational guidance.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Flight Crew Oversight and Training

• Direct and manage all comprehensive initial, recurrent, and upgrade training activities for flight crew members in strict accordance with company policies and Federal Aviation Regulations.
• Coordinate operational policies, training matters, and standardization efforts with relevant departments, including Safety, Maintenance, Sales, and Flight Control.
• Ensure crew standardization through continuous evaluation, constructive feedback, and the implementation of corrective action when necessary.

Compliance, Documentation, and Regulatory Reporting

• Conduct routine audits of aircraft documentation to verify that all current required materials (e.g., registration, airworthiness certificate, AFM) are properly onboard and accessible.
• Maintain meticulous and up-to-date proficiency records, flight schedules, operational reports, and correspondence related to all flight operations.
• Ensure the timely submission of all required reports pertaining to flight crew activities directly to the Director of Operations (DO).

Operational Control and Scheduling

• Exercise critical Operational Control authority under 14 CFR §135.77, except when assigned as a required flight crewmember, in which case release authority must be appropriately delegated.
• Manage flight crew scheduling and establish duty hours in full compliance with FAA flight duty limitations and stringent company policy.
• In collaboration with the Director of Training, designate and oversee sufficient Part 135 Check Airmen to meet the ongoing checking requirements outlined in 14 CFR §§135.293, 135.297, and 135.299.

Aircraft Manuals and Technical Updates

• Maintain current subscriptions to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) revision services and manufacturer bulletins for all aircraft types owned and/or operated by the certificate holder.
• Rigorously review all updates to the AFM and evaluate their applicability and potential impact on organizational operations.
• Disseminate all relevant revisions and procedural changes promptly to affected flight crew members.
• Collaborate with the Director of Training to incorporate applicable updates into the aircraft training program, ensuring all training materials reflect current operational guidance.

Pilot-in-Command Currency

• Maintain active proficiency and qualifications as a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) in accordance with 14 CFR §119.71, including currency in at least one aircraft type operated by the certificate holder.

Required Professional Qualifications

• Pilot Certificate: Must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with appropriate ratings for the aircraft operated.
• PIC Qualification: Must be currently qualified and eligible to serve as Pilot-in-Command in at least one aircraft used by the certificate holder.
• Experience:
  • If serving as Chief Pilot for the first time: Minimum of three (3) years of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) experience within the past six (6) years under 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135 operations.
  • If previously served as Chief Pilot: Minimum of three (3) years of PIC experience under Part 121 or Part 135 operations.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, and company manuals specific to Part 135 charter operations.
• Operational Control: Must be eligible and authorized to exercise Operational Control under 14 CFR §135.77.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership Experience: Prior supervisory or managerial experience in high-volume flight operations, crew management, or pilot training departments.
• Check Airman Authorization: Previous designation or current authorization as a Check Airman under 14 CFR §§135.293, 135.297, or 135.299.
• Training Program Development: Proven experience designing, implementing, or managing pilot training programs, including advanced standardization and recurrent training modules.
• Technical Expertise: Strong familiarity with AFM revision services, manufacturer bulletins, and the ability to evaluate and seamlessly integrate technical updates into daily operations.
• Operational Systems: Proficiency with professional scheduling software, flight tracking systems, and electronic document management platforms.
• Safety Culture: Demonstrated leadership commitment to safety management systems (SMS), compliance, and continuous improvement in all aspects of flight operations.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)