Wipaire, Inc. - Advanced Flight Training and Leasing (AFT&L) | AT-4/5/6/8 Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot

Advanced Flight Training and Leasing (AFT&L), a subsidiary of Wipaire, Inc.

About AFT&L

Advanced Flight Training and Leasing (AFT&L) is a leading provider of specialized flight training programs, including amphibious Cessna Caravan, Fire Boss scooping firefighter training, and corporate flight operations. AFT&L is a subsidiary of Wipaire, an industry leader with over 60 years of experience engineering and manufacturing aircraft floats. Wipaire's products are used globally to convert existing airplanes into seaplanes, supporting passenger service, tourism, and firefighting operations. Both companies are committed to investing in their people, products, and technology, fostering a culture built on the core values of a win-win mindset, technical adeptness, work/life balance, ethical conduct, and enjoyment in the workplace.

Position Summary

The Chief Pilot plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of flight services for both AFT&L and Wipaire. This position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including providing flight instruction, managing pilot resources, overseeing training programs, and maintaining compliance with all applicable FAA regulations. The Chief Pilot will develop and implement standardized training curriculums and safety programs, ensuring the highest quality of service for AFT&L's clientele. A key aspect of this role involves managing a diverse team of company and contract pilots, overseeing their qualifications, training, and flight assignments to meet internal and external needs effectively.

Primary Responsibilities

• Flight Department Leadership: Guarantees the safe and effective operation of the flight department, serving both AFT&L and Wipaire.
• Pilot Resource Management: Strategically manages a matrix of company and contract pilots, ensuring their qualifications and experience align with operational needs. This includes:
  • Assessing pilot certifications and currency.
  • Assigning pilots based on qualifications and project requirements.
  • Prioritizing flight assignments based on internal and external customer needs, with AFT&L and internal resources taking precedence over contract resources.
• Curriculum Development & Training:
  • Develops and maintains up-to-date training materials tailored to AFT&L's clients, including syllabi, presentations, comprehensive manuals, reference handouts, and simulator programs.
  • Delivers high-quality training services to Wipaire employees and customers, including:
    • Client lessons and test flights.
    • Necessary endorsements for client pilots.
    • Currency training, insurance checkouts, Flight Reviews, and IPCs for approved company pilots.
• Flight Services:
  • Provides essential flight services to both Wipaire employees and customers, including:
    • Aircraft ferrying between Wipaire, customer locations, and other designated sites.
    • Maintaining personal flying currency, including flight reviews and IPCs, to operate aircraft owned or maintained by Wipaire and external clients.
    • Adhering to FAA regulations for VFR and IFR flights, including filing instrument flight plans, coordinating with air traffic control, and ensuring passenger and cargo weight and balance compliance.
• Team Leadership & Supervision: Provides direct supervision to AFT&L flight instructors, fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Aircraft Maintenance & Testing: Conducts maintenance test flights and evaluates the performance of aircraft released from Wipaire maintenance or in support of engineering projects. This includes providing detailed test flight documentation as required.
• Administrative Responsibilities: Manages 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 by developing mission profiles and other relevant information to aid in sales efforts.
  • Serving as the primary liaison with insurance companies, in collaboration with the AFT&L General Manager and Wipaire Treasurer.
  • Coordinating with Human Resources on matters related to contract pilot resources.
  • Cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with customers to benefit the company.

Experience and Skills

Education, Experience, and Credentials:

• Certified Flight Instructor Certificate - Single Engine & Instrument (required), Multi-Engine (preferred).
• Current United States Passport.
• Commercial Pilot's Certification (required); Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification (preferred).
• Minimum 2,000 hours total flying time (required); 4,000+ hours (preferred), with a strong emphasis on:
  • 1,000+ hours Cessna 208 amphibious time (highly preferred).
  • 250+ hours AT802 Fire Boss experience (preferred).
  • Significant experience with a range of floatplanes, including Aviat Husky, Cessna 172, 180, 182, 185, 206, and 208 models.
• Complex and high-performance endorsements (required).
• Seaplane rating (required).
• Type certification in applicable aircraft (required).
• Instrument rating (required).
• Tailwheel endorsement (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Instructional Expertise: Proven ability to assess learning styles, tailor complex information for different audiences, and effectively evaluate comprehension levels.
• Curriculum Development: Proficiency in developing engaging training materials using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Business Acumen: Adept at developing and executing strategies to achieve training business growth objectives.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Committed to delivering outstanding customer service, responding promptly and comprehensively to internal and external inquiries.
• Organizational & Time Management: Highly organized with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively in a dynamic environment, work independently, and exhibit proactive problem-solving skills.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: A strong team player who embraces a collaborative approach, demonstrates adaptability, and maintains a positive attitude.
• Professionalism & Initiative: Consistently demonstrates professionalism, takes initiative, and strives to exceed expectations in all endeavors.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Exhibits strong analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling effective problem identification, evaluation, and the implementation of sound solutions.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Excellent communication skills, including clear verbal and written communication in English.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while piloting aircraft.
  • Strong manual dexterity and visual acuity are essential for safe aircraft operation and reviewing detailed reports.
  • Ability to move throughout the hangar, shop, and office areas frequently.
• Travel Requirements: This position requires significant travel, primarily domestic with potential international travel to customer and company locations, approximately 60% of the time.
• Medical Requirements: Must be able to pass an FAA 2nd class medical physical exam.

Wipaire and AFT&L are Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.