Chief Pilot
About Advanced Flight Training & Leasing (AFT&L)
A subsidiary of Wipaire, Advanced Flight Training & Leasing (AFT&L) stands as a leader in aviation training programs. With a focus on amphibious Cessna Caravan, Fire Boss scooping firefighters, and corporate flight operations, AFT&L delivers comprehensive and specialized training solutions.
Backed by Wipaire's six decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing aircraft floats, AFT&L benefits from a legacy of aviation excellence. Wipaire, a renowned industry leader in diversified aviation services, provides products used to convert existing airplanes into seaplanes, supporting passenger service, tourism, and fire-fighting operations globally. Both companies are dedicated to investing in their people, products, and technology, guided by core values of a win-win mindset, technical adeptness, work/life balance, ethical conduct, and a positive work environment.
Position Overview
The Chief Pilot holds a critical role ensuring the safe and effective operation of flight departments supporting both AFT&L and Wipaire. This individual will provide flight instruction, pilot services, pilot management, and training program oversight while adhering to all applicable FAA regulations, AFT&L syllabi, and customer needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Flight Department Leadership:
- Ensures the flight department operates safely and efficiently, meeting the needs of both AFT&L and Wipaire.
- Strategically manages company and contract pilots, ensuring appropriate aircraft authorization, currency maintenance, and engagement for flight operations.
- Prioritizes pilot utilization to maximize internal resources and minimize reliance on external contractors.
- Training Program Development and Delivery:
- Develops and maintains comprehensive training materials tailored to AFT&L's diverse clientele.
- Designs program syllabi, classroom presentations, comprehensive training manuals, reference handouts, and simulator training programs.
- Provides training services to both Wipaire employees and external customers, including:
- Client lessons and test flights.
- Necessary endorsements for client pilots.
- Currency training, insurance checkouts, flight reviews, and IPCs for company-approved pilots.
- Flight Services:
- Provides a range of flight services to Wipaire employees and customers, including:
- Aircraft ferrying between Wipaire, customer locations, or other designated sites.
- Adherence to all FAA regulations for VFR and IFR flight operations.
- Meticulous pre-flight checks to ensure compliance with weight and balance specifications.
- Maintenance of personal flying currency, including flight reviews and IPCs, to operate aircraft owned or maintained by Wipaire and external clients.
- Team Leadership and Administrative Duties:
- Provides supervision and guidance to AFT&L flight instructors.
- Conducts maintenance, test flights, and performance evaluations of aircraft released from Wipaire maintenance or supporting the Wipaire engineering department.
- Performs administrative tasks related to Flight Services, such as:
- Providing customers with information and quotations for flight training and other services.
- Supporting the Wipaire aircraft sales team through the development of mission profiles and other pertinent information.
- Collaborating with insurance companies in coordination with the AFT&L GM and Wipaire Treasurer.
- Partnering with Human Resources to manage contract resources.
- Cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with customers to foster business growth and satisfaction.
Qualifications:
- Education and Certifications:
- Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (single engine & instrument required; multi-engine preferred).
- Commercial Pilot's Certification (ATP preferred).
- Current United States passport.
- Seaplane rating.
- Instrument rating.
- Complex and high-performance endorsements.
- Type certification in applicable aircraft.
- Tail wheel endorsement (preferred).
- Experience:
- 2,000 hours total flying time (4,000 hours preferred).
- 1,000 hours Cessna 208 amphibious time (preferred).
- 250 hours AT802 Fire Boss time (preferred).
- Experience with floatplanes including: Aviat Husky, C172, C180, C182, C185, C206, C208, AT802 Fire Boss (preferred).
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of adult learning principles and the ability to tailor instruction to different learning styles.
- Proficiency in developing training materials using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to respond promptly and thoroughly to inquiries.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative team player with a flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, sit for extended periods, and work long hours while piloting an aircraft.
- Visual acuity and manual dexterity necessary for operating an aircraft and reviewing detailed reports.
- Ability to pass an FAA 2nd class medical physical exam.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, approximately 60% of the time.
Benefits:
Wipaire offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- Holiday pay.
- A positive and family-friendly work environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wipaire and AFT&L are Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.