Chief Pilot — Part 135 Operator (West Texas)

Location: West Texas (base airport details provided upon interview) Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Operations

About the Opportunity

A well-established Part 135 charter operator based in West Texas is seeking an experienced Chief Pilot to lead flight operations. This is a hands-on leadership role for a pilot who wants to fly the line while also shaping the safety culture, training standards, and operational reliability of a growing certificate.

Company name withheld at this stage; details will be shared with qualified candidates.

The Role

As Chief Pilot, you will serve as the primary point of accountability for flight operations under our Part 135 certificate, working closely with the Director of Operations and Director of Safety to ensure every flight is conducted safely, legally, and efficiently.

Core Responsibilities:

Serve as the certificate's Chief Pilot per 14 CFR Part 135 requirements
Oversee pilot hiring, training, and standardization (initial, recurrent, and check rides)
Develop and maintain training programs, GOM/FOM/training manuals, and SOPs
Monitor pilot currency, qualifications, and duty/rest compliance
Serve as a check airman or coordinate with contracted check airmen as needed
Fly line trips as PIC to maintain proficiency and operational visibility
Investigate irregularities, incidents, and safety reports; drive corrective actions
Liaise with the FSDO on operational and certification matters
Support fleet, route, and crew scheduling decisions
Champion a strong safety culture (SMS experience a plus)

Qualifications

ATP certificate with appropriate type rating(s), or ability to obtain
Meets 14 CFR 135.153 Chief Pilot experience requirements
Prior Part 135 experience required; prior Chief Pilot, Check Airman, or Director of Operations experience strongly preferred
Clean FAA record; must pass FAA/company background and drug testing program
Strong working knowledge of Part 135 regulations, OpSpecs, and FAA oversight processes
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Willingness to be based in West Texas

What We Offer

Competitive salary: $170,000–$190,000, commensurate with experience
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Relocation assistance considered for the right candidate
A lean, close-knit team where your leadership directly shapes the operation

About the Opportunity

Company name withheld at this stage; details will be shared with qualified candidates.

The Role

Core Responsibilities:

Serve as the certificate's Chief Pilot per 14 CFR Part 135 requirements

Oversee pilot hiring, training, and standardization (initial, recurrent, and check rides)

Develop and maintain training programs, GOM/FOM/training manuals, and SOPs

Monitor pilot currency, qualifications, and duty/rest compliance

Serve as a check airman or coordinate with contracted check airmen as needed

Fly line trips as PIC to maintain proficiency and operational visibility

Investigate irregularities, incidents, and safety reports; drive corrective actions

Liaise with the FSDO on operational and certification matters

Support fleet, route, and crew scheduling decisions

Champion a strong safety culture (SMS experience a plus)

Qualifications

ATP certificate with appropriate type rating(s), or ability to obtain

Meets 14 CFR 135.153 Chief Pilot experience requirements

Prior Part 135 experience required; prior Chief Pilot, Check Airman, or Director of Operations experience strongly preferred

Clean FAA record; must pass FAA/company background and drug testing program

Strong working knowledge of Part 135 regulations, OpSpecs, and FAA oversight processes

Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Willingness to be based in West Texas