Caris Air Services

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Position Type: Full-Time

Aircraft: Gulfstream G500/G280

Operation: 14 CFR Part 135 / Part 91

About the Opportunity

Caris Air Services is seeking an experienced, safety-driven Chief Pilot to lead our flight operations based in Fort Worth, Texas. This is a leadership role for a seasoned aviator who sets the standard for professionalism, precision, and regulatory compliance, and who takes pride in building a flight department that delivers a seamless, safe, and exceptional travel experience every time the wheels leave the ground.

The Chief Pilot serves as a required management official under 14 CFR Part 119 and is responsible for the standards, training, and professional conduct of all company flight crewmembers, while continuing to fly the line as Pilot in Command.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Regulatory Oversight

·       Serve as Chief Pilot as defined in 14 CFR Part 119, with responsibility for the operational control and professional standards of all company pilots.

·       Maintain thorough knowledge of the company's General Operations Manual (GOM), Training Program, Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), and all applicable sections of 14 CFR, and ensure the operation complies with them at all times.

·       Act as a primary liaison with the FAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI) and Flight Standards District Office on crewmember, training, and operational matters.

·       Develop, revise, and maintain the company manual, SOPs, and training program; submit revisions for FAA acceptance or approval as required.

·       Oversee pilot qualification and training, including initial, recurrent, upgrade, and differences training; Part 135 competency, instrument proficiency, and line checks (§§135.293, 135.297, 135.299).

·       Ensure all crewmember qualification, training, flight time, and duty/rest records are complete, accurate, and audit-ready.

·       Manage crew scheduling to comply with Part 135 Subpart F flight, duty, and rest limitations.

·       Lead the hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and professional development of flight crewmembers.

·       Champion the company Safety Management System (SMS) and a just, reporting-friendly safety culture; participate in hazard identification, risk assessments, and incident investigations.

·       Coordinate closely with the Director of Operations and Director of Maintenance on aircraft availability, discrepancies, and required maintenance actions.

Flight Operations

·       Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) on assigned trips, maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency.

·       Conduct and oversee all aspects of flight preparation, including route planning, international procedures, weather and NOTAM review, fueling, loading, and weight & balance.

·       Perform thorough preflight and postflight inspections to ensure aircraft readiness and airworthiness.

·       Maintain expert knowledge of systems, emergency procedures, and company SOPs.

·       Exercise sound decision-making in all phases of flight, including delaying or canceling missions when safety dictates.

·       Mentor and support pilots, promoting strong CRM and professional development.

·       Manage passenger comfort and discretion, providing a professional, service-oriented experience throughout every mission.

·       Represent Caris Air Services with professionalism, integrity, and discretion at all times.

Qualifications

Required (14 CFR §119.71)

·       FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. (appropriate ratings for at least one aircraft used in the company's operation).

·       Minimum of 3 years of experience as Pilot in Command under 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135.

·       Demonstrated knowledge of aviation safety standards, safe operating practices, 14 CFR, the company's OpSpecs, and its operations manual.

·       Must remain current as PIC under Part 135 in the aircraft operated by the company.

·       Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.

·       Clean FAA enforcement history, PRIA-compliant records, and a clean driving record.

·       Must pass company background check and DOT/FAA pre-employment drug testing.

Preferred

·       Minimum 3,000 total flight hours, including 2,000 PIC and 500 in large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft.

·       Prior Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, Check Airman, or Training Captain experience.

·       Experience with FAA manual development, training program management, and POI coordination.

·       International operations experience, including oceanic, RVSM, and NAT HLA procedures.

·       Working knowledge of SMS principles (IS-BAO or Part 5 environment a plus).

·       Must live in or be willing to relocate to the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

·       Ability to work a flexible schedule, including select weekends and holidays.

Compensation & Benefits

·       Competitive salary commensurate with experience and leadership responsibility.

·       Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

·       401(k) with company match.

·       Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.

·       Recurrent training at a recognized Gulfstream training provider.

·       A professional, team-oriented environment that values safety, respect, and operational excellence.

Join Our Team

This is an outstanding opportunity for a career-minded aviation leader who values professionalism, precision, and a collaborative culture. If you are ready to set the standard for a respected and growing flight department, we invite you to apply and take command of your next chapter with Caris Air Services.