Talon Air | Chief Pilot

Position Overview

The Chief Pilot holds a critical leadership position within the Operations Department, tasked with overseeing pilot operations and upholding the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and service excellence. This role is fundamental to leading the pilot team, cultivating a culture of outstanding performance, and ensuring the achievement of departmental and organizational objectives. The Chief Pilot is expected to possess a distinguished background in aviation leadership, successful pilot workforce management, operational proficiency, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Key responsibilities include providing day-to-day leadership and motivation for the pilot team, managing recruitment, training, and career development, and maintaining rigorous aircraft operating standards. The Chief Pilot also plays a vital role in supporting exceptional customer service interactions with clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective day-to-day leadership, guidance, and motivation to the pilot team, driving superior technical and operational performance.
• Lead and manage the pilot workforce, including oversight of recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, counseling, and personnel management processes, in coordination with the Director of Operations.
• Assist in the development, communication, and implementation of efficient operational procedures, policies, and strategies that contribute to business growth and objectives.
• Ensure the department and its personnel are adequately resourced to perform their duties successfully and efficiently.
• Contribute to fostering a positive and engaging departmental culture that promotes employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, safety awareness, integrity, and overall excellence.
• Support the Director of Operations in conducting performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and developing plans for professional development and corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Prepare and meticulously maintain all pilot training, flight and duty time, and proficiency records.
• Ensure that aircraft documents, checklists, publications, and databases are consistently current and readily available.
• Manage the electronic flight bag (EFB) program, including tablet administration and document updates.
• Coordinate closely with the Director of Operations and Director of Maintenance regarding timely communication and resolution of mechanical issues, as well as the integration of planned inspections and maintenance with flight schedules.
• Perform flight duties as Captain on qualified aircraft as required by scheduling needs and crew capacity.
• Ensure flight crews adhere to established policies and procedures and submit all required paperwork in a timely and legible manner.
• Maintain compliance with the Part 12.5 security program.
• Assist in the conformity process for integrating new aircraft into the operational certificate.
• Exercise authority and ensure compliance in accordance with CFR 119.69.
• Balance responsibilities with an approximate time allocation of 25% dedicated to flight duties and 75% to office/administrative responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
• Requires a minimum of three (3) years of experience serving as a Chief Pilot for a Part 135 or Part 121 turbine multi-aircraft operator OR at least three (3) out of the last six (6) years serving as Pilot in Command (PIC) in a department conducting turbine multi-aircraft operations under Part 135 or Part 121 regulations.
• Possesses extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Advisory Circulars (ACs), SAFO/InFO documents, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and aviation industry best practices.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience within general aviation, including equivalent operational experience in areas such as aircraft maintenance scheduling coordination, crew and staff management, and customer relations.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Experience as a Check Airman, Instructor, or Safety Manager is preferred.