Chief Pilot
[Company] LLC
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania (or as assigned)
Reports To: Director of Operations
Department: Flight Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Company Description [Company] is a 24/7 on-demand aircraft charter provider serving the continental United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Operating a fleet of six jet aircraft based in Central Pennsylvania, the company offers efficient access to major Northeast hubs including Washington, DC, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, and New York City. With an impeccable safety record spanning more than 30 years, [Company] is committed to rigorous safety standards and regulatory compliance. The team focuses on delivering highly professional, discreet service that consistently exceeds client expectations. Applicants can expect to join a safety-first organization with a strong reputation in private aviation and client
service.
Position Summary
The Chief Pilot is responsible for the overall management, leadership, and supervision of [Company] LLC’s flight operations personnel and training programs. The Chief Pilot is accountable for ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of all company flight activities conducted under Air Carrier Certificate A9JA036Y and is responsible for ensuring that all flight department safety management goals are achieved.
The Chief Pilot provides leadership and oversight of flight crews, pilot training, standardization, operational procedures, and safety initiatives while supporting the Company’s Safety Management System (SMS). This position serves as a key member of the operational leadership team and works closely with the Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, Safety Manager, and executive leadership to ensure operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Flight Operations Leadership
Organize, staff, supervise, and direct all flight operations conducted by [Company] LLC.
Provide leadership and oversight of all flight department personnel.
Exercise limited operational control authority over Air Carrier Certificate A9JA036Y as authorized by the Director of Operations.
Manage operational functions that directly impact operational control and flight safety.
Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
Ensure flight operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards.
Training Program Management
Organize, administer, and oversee all pilot training programs.
Ensure compliance with FAA-approved training requirements and company training standards.
Coordinate initial, recurrent, upgrade, differences, and special-emphasis training.
Maintain pilot qualification, certification, and training records.
Monitor pilot proficiency and operational performance.
Ensure all flight crew members maintain required qualifications and currency.
Conduct or oversee line checks, standardization evaluations, and operational observations.
Safety Management System (SMS)
Actively support and promote the company’s Safety Management System.
Ensure personnel under his or her authority actively participate in safety reporting and SMS activities.
Validate, investigate, and address identified safety risks and safety-risk management deficiencies in a timely and effective manner.
Ensure all operational processes and procedures incorporate applicable risk mitigation measures identified through the Safety Management System.
Participate in Safety Review Board meetings and safety committees.
Promote a Just Culture environment that encourages hazard identification and voluntary safety reporting.
Support organizational learning through analysis of safety reports, operational data, and trend monitoring.
Flight Standards and Standardization
Develop, implement, and maintain aircraft checklists and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Ensure compliance with the General Operations Manual, Training Manuals, SOPs, and company policies.
Maintain consistency and standardization across all aircraft types and flight crews.
Review operational practices and implement improvements that enhance safety and efficiency.
Ensure flight crews remain informed of changes to regulations, operational procedures, and company standards.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure flight operations and related activities are conducted in compliance with:
— FAA Regulations
— Air Carrier Operations Specifications
— Company General Operations Manual (GOM)
— Safety Management System requirements
— Applicable industry standards and best practices
Maintain readiness for FAA inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews.
Support compliance with industry accreditation standards including:
— Wyvern
— Is-BAO
— Argus
Ensure corrective actions resulting from audits or inspections are completed effectively and on schedule.
Operational Communications
Receive, review, and take appropriate action regarding aeronautical information affecting the safety of flight operations.
Disseminate operational and safety-related information to flight crews and operational personnel.
Ensure timely communication of changes to regulations, procedures, manuals, notices, and company policies.
Serve as a liaison with external agencies, vendors, training providers, regulators, and organizations that may affect flight operations.
Personnel Leadership and Welfare
Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for flight department personnel.
Oversee the welfare, performance, and professional conduct of pilots and flight operations personnel.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, evaluations, disciplinary actions, and retention initiatives.
Foster a positive and collaborative working environment.
Support succession planning and long-term pilot development initiatives.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Meets all FAA qualifications for Chief Pilot under 14 CFR Part 119.
Holds a valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate for the category of aircraft operated by the Company.
Holds a current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.
Qualified in accordance with the Company’s approved training program to serve as Pilot-in-Command on at least one aircraft operated by [Company] LLC.
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of:
Company General Operations Manual
Training Manuals
Standard Operating Procedures
FAA Parts 91, 119, and 135
Safety Management Systems (SMS)
Operational Control principles
Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous FAA-approved Chief Pilot experience.
Pilatus PC-24 type rating and operational experience.
Experience with WYVERN Wingman, IS-BAO, and Safety Management Systems.
Experience conducting pilot evaluations, line checks, and standardization programs.
Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Business, Management, or a related field.
CFI, CFII, and MEI
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform duties as a required flight crewmember.
Ability to maintain FAA medical certification requirements.
Ability to travel as required.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb aircraft stairs, and work in airport and aviation environments.
Ability to respond to operational matters outside normal business hours.