Position Summary

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of the corporate flight department. This position provides leadership and day-to-day oversight of flight operations, flight crew, scheduling, training, standardization, and regulatory compliance for a private FAR Part 91 operation. The Chief Pilot works closely with the Aviation Director, aircraft owner or representative, maintenance personnel, cabin crew, and other internal and external partners to ensure each mission is executed safely, discreetly, efficiently, and to the highest standards of service.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader and active line pilot who demonstrates sound judgment, strong operational discipline, exceptional communication skills and a service oriented approach appropriate for a private corporate aviation environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for all flight activities conducted under FAR Part 91.
• Serve as Pilot in Command as required and maintain currency and proficiency on assigned aircraft.
• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure flight operations are conducted in accordance with applicable FAA regulations, company policies, aircraft limitations, and established operating procedures.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve flight department policies, procedures, manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operating standards.
• Exercise sound operational judgment regarding flight planning, weather, airport suitability, crew readiness, aircraft performance, international requirements, and overall mission risk.
• Coordinate flight crew scheduling and staffing to ensure appropriate trip coverage, crew qualifications, rest, availability, and continuity of service.
• Oversee pilot training, recurrent training, checking, currency, medical certificates, and qualification records.
• Maintain accurate flight department records and ensure required operational documentation is current and properly maintained.
• Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, onboarding, development, and performance management of flight crew members.
• Coach and mentor pilots, establish clear performance expectations, and foster a collaborative and professional crew environment.
• Coordinate closely with maintenance personnel to support aircraft availability, discrepancy management, maintenance planning, and safe return-to-service decisions.
• Partner with cabin crew, scheduling, aviation management, and external service providers to deliver seamless trip execution and an exceptional passenger experience.
• Support domestic and international trip planning, including permits, customs, handling, security, ground transportation, and other mission-specific requirements as appropriate.
• Maintain familiarity with international operating requirements and ensure crews are properly prepared for worldwide operations.
• Participate in Safety Management System (SMS) activities, risk assessments, safety reporting, emergency response planning, and investigation of operational irregularities or incidents.
• Identify operational risks and recommend practical solutions that support safety, reliability, service, and cost-effectiveness.
• Assist with annual operating plans, staffing requirements, training budgets, and other flight department planning as requested.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with the FAA, training providers, FBOs, vendors, OEM representatives, and other aviation partners as appropriate.
• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of the aircraft owner, passengers, family members, guests, business activities, travel schedules, and flight department information.
• Demonstrate flexibility to support changing schedules, short-notice travel, weekends, holidays, extended trips, and international missions as required by the operation.
• Perform other aviation-related duties as assigned by the Aviation Director, aircraft owner, or designated representative.