Chief Pilot
Advanced Flight Training & Leasing (AFT&L), a Wipaire Company
About AFT&L
A subsidiary of Wipaire, Advanced Flight Training and Leasing (AFT&L) is a leading provider of specialized flight training programs. With a focus on amphibious Cessna Caravan operations, Fire Boss scooping firefighter training, and corporate flight instruction, AFT&L plays a crucial role in developing skilled aviators for diverse aviation sectors.
About Wipaire
For over six decades, Wipaire has been at the forefront of aviation innovation as a premier designer and manufacturer of aircraft floats. Renowned for transforming conventional airplanes into seaplanes, Wipaire's products empower passenger transport, tourism, and firefighting operations worldwide. Committed to excellence, Wipaire invests in its people, products, and technology, fostering a culture rooted in a win-win mindset, technical proficiency, work/life balance, integrity, and a shared passion for aviation.
Position Summary
The Chief Pilot holds a pivotal role ensuring the safe and efficient operation of flight departments for both AFT&L and Wipaire. This individual will provide expert flight instruction, manage pilot services, oversee training programs, and ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations.
The Chief Pilot plays a critical role in maintaining Wipaire’s high standards for quality of service and flight safety. A key aspect of this role involves managing pilot qualifications, both internal and contracted, to guarantee the availability of qualified personnel to meet a variety of operational needs.
Primary Responsibilities
Safety and Resource Management
- Champions a safety-first culture across all flight operations for AFT&L and Wipaire.
- Strategically manages a roster of company and contract pilots, ensuring they possess the necessary qualifications, currency, and endorsements to fulfill flight requirements.
- Prioritizes the allocation of pilot resources to meet internal and external customer demands, utilizing AFT&L pilots first, followed by internal secondary resources, and lastly, contract pilots as needed.
Training and Development
- Develops and maintains up-to-date, comprehensive training materials tailored to AFT&L client requirements, encompassing program syllabi, presentations, manuals, handouts, and simulator programs.
- Delivers high-quality flight training programs to Wipaire employees and clients, including initial certifications, recurrent training, insurance check flights, and specialized endorsements.
Flight Operations
- Provides a wide range of flight services to both Wipaire and AFT&L clients, including aircraft ferrying and customer-specific flight requests.
- Adheres meticulously to all FAA regulations for VFR and IFR flight operations.
- Files instrument flight plans and coordinates with air traffic control to maintain airspace safety and efficiency.
- Collaborates effectively with ground crews and air traffic control to ensure seamless flight operations.
- Conducts thorough in-flight tests and evaluations, documenting findings accurately.
- Responds decisively and effectively to in-flight emergencies or malfunctions.
- Meticulously maintains flight logs, documenting flight times, cycles, distances, fuel consumption, and other relevant information.
Leadership and Administrative Duties
- Provides leadership and mentorship to AFT&L flight instructors.
- Conducts post-maintenance test flights and performance evaluations in collaboration with Wipaire’s maintenance and engineering teams.
- Prepares and submits detailed test flight documentation.
- Manages administrative tasks associated with flight services, including client scheduling, quotations, and billing.
- Collaborates with the Wipaire sales team, providing technical expertise and developing mission profiles to support aircraft sales.
- Serves as the primary liaison with insurance companies in conjunction with AFT&L and Wipaire leadership.
- Partners with Human Resources on matters related to contract pilot agreements.
- Cultivates strong, long-term relationships with clients to foster customer loyalty and support business growth.
Education, Experience, and Credentials
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with single-engine and instrument ratings required; multi-engine rating highly preferred.
- Current United States passport required.
- Commercial Pilot's License (CPL) required; Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license preferred.
- Minimum 2,000 hours total flight time required; 4,000 hours preferred.
- Experience with Cessna 208 amphibious aircraft highly desirable (1,000 hours preferred); AT802 Fire Boss experience a plus (250 hours preferred).
- Familiarity with a range of floatplanes, including Aviat Husky, Cessna 172, 180, 182, 185, 206, and 208, is highly advantageous.
- Complex and high-performance aircraft endorsements required.
- Seaplane rating required.
- Type rating in applicable aircraft required.
- Instrument rating required.
- Tailwheel endorsement preferred.
- Ability to successfully pass an FAA Second Class Medical examination.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Proven ability to assess learning styles, adapt communication to meet individual needs, and effectively convey complex information.
- Proficiency in developing engaging training materials using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to contribute to training business growth objectives.
- Exceptional customer service skills with a dedication to providing timely and comprehensive support to internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, work independently, and demonstrate creative problem-solving abilities.
- Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt to changing priorities.
- Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and a commitment to achieving goals and exceeding expectations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, evaluate, and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to maintain focus and concentration during extended periods of sitting while piloting an aircraft.
- Strong hand-eye coordination and visual acuity necessary for safe aircraft operation and detailed document review.
- Ability to move about a hangar, shop, and office environment frequently throughout the workday.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally, representing the company approximately 60% of the time.
Benefits
Wipaire offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Holiday pay
- A positive and supportive work environment
Join our Team
If you are a highly motivated and experienced aviation professional seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply!