Wipaire seeks an experienced Chief Pilot to lead Advanced Flight Training and Leasing (AFT&L) Fire Boss operations and training programs for the AT-802 and 802A Fire Boss aircraft in [Location - if specified in source, otherwise omit]. This key role reports to the General Manager and is responsible for flight instruction, pilot services, and management oversight, ensuring pilot qualifications, staffing, curriculum development, service quality, and flight safety programs meet high standards. The Chief Pilot also conducts customer ferry and test flights, maintains operational currency, supports aircraft sales, and manages contract resources and customer relationships in compliance with FAA regulations.
About the Role
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Oversee all AFT&L Fire Boss operations and training programs.
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Ensure adequate pilot staffing for departmental and external customer needs.
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Develop and maintain comprehensive aircraft-specific training materials, including syllabi, presentations, and simulator programs.
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Establish course curricula, service-quality standards, and flight-safety programs.
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Provide ground and flight instruction on AT-802 and 802A Fire Boss aircraft, covering systems, operations, amphibious flying, aerial firefighting techniques, and water scooping/dropping.
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Conduct client endorsements, currency training, insurance check-outs, Flight Reviews, and IPCs.
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Perform customer flight services, including aircraft ferrying.
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Maintain operational currency for company and client aircraft.
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Conduct flight and test work in compliance with VFR/IFR regulations, coordinating with air traffic control and ground crews.
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Evaluate aircraft performance in various conditions, respond to emergencies, and maintain detailed flight logs.
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Support Fire Boss aircraft sales with technical information and mission profiles.
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Manage contract resources and cultivate long-term customer relationships.
Requirements
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Adherence to all applicable FAA regulations.
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Compliance with AFT&L syllabi, including VFR and IFR operations as appropriate.
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Ability to file instrument flight plans when required.
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Maintain flying currency through Flight Reviews and IPCs.
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Conduct client endorsements, currency training, and insurance check-outs for approved pilots.
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Coordinate effectively with air traffic control and ground crews.
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Report emergencies and malfunctions accurately.
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Verify passenger and cargo distribution and fuel against weight-and-balance specifications.
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Document test flights as required.
Benefits
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Health and dental coverage.
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401(k) plan with employer match.
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Tuition reimbursement.
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Life insurance.
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Short- and long-term disability insurance.
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Paid Time Off (PTO) starting at 15 days.
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Holiday pay.
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First-shift work.
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Family-friendly atmosphere.