We are currently looking for an experienced and motivated individual to fill the position of Aviation Chief Pilot within our Aviation group based in Houston, Texas.

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of flight operations and oversees the professional development of flight crewmembers.  Additional duties include planning, development, and execution of programs, policies, and procedures pertaining to the personnel, equipment, and facilities of Occidental flight operations.  The Chief Pilot will effectively communicate with Company executives and business units to support travel requirements and assigned projects.   The Chief Pilot will foster positivity amongst the team through leadership while continuously demonstrating courage and emotional intelligence while maintaining an enterprise mindset.  Additionally, the Chief Pilot will serve as Captain on Company aircraft demonstrating the standard of professionalism that is to be expected from the entire organization.

• Leads Occidental Aviation to maintain a culture of safety and trust with efficient and effective procedures that drive inclusion and continuous improvement.

• Provides effective leadership and coaching for the team to maximize employee engagement. Remain personally engaged with operations to ensure all necessary resources are available to the team.

• Execute and manage the HR Performance Management System for each team member by developing and implementing their annual performance and development goals. The process includes providing individual coaching and performance reviews to develop talent.

• Fosters a positive, collaborative, and professional relationship with the regulatory agencies, industry and community in matters relating to flight operations. 

• Drives execution and accountability for flight operations related projects and initiatives, including an effective communication strategy to efficiently disseminate information to crew members. 

• Works collaboratively with all department team members for continuous improvement in the best interest of safety and compliance.

• Responsible for the emergency preparedness and response of flight operations.

• Responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the flight manual system to include Operational Bulletins, Letters of Authorizations and Minimum Equipment Lists.

• Remain fully engaged and promote the Occidental Safety Management System (SMS) to include risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.

• Ensures that all aircraft are airworthy, and all required regulatory documentation is current and on board the aircraft.

• The efficient scheduling of pilots for training, testing, evaluation, crew duty assignments, and assuring required documents are complete and retained in the crewmembers’ records as required by the CFR’s and/or Company policy and procedures.

• Remains actively engaged in the management of the department’s FAA Part 125 operation.

• Assume responsibilities delegated by the FAA Part 125 Director of Operations

• Ensuring compliance with duty and flight time limitations.

• Developing and maintaining in-house and contracted training and testing programs for flight crewmembers.

• Monitoring flight crewmembers’ currency as it pertains to regulatory recency of experience requirements.

• Recommends and maintains departmental procedures and standards for flight operations. Objective is to ensure maximum safety of employees, passengers, and equipment.

• Prepares tactical plans and implements these plans as requested and/or approved by the Director of Aviation.

• Assists in the preparation and administration of annual operating budgets for the respective area of operations. Processes and approves time sheets, expense reports, purchase orders, and invoices as assigned by the Director of Aviation.

• Recommends the incorporation of new equipment and procedures into the department to optimize safe and effective operations.

• Recommends pilot selection, promotion, transfer, appraisal, salary administration, and termination. Plans and manages for most effective utilization of human resources through training, job assignments, talent development, and succession planning.

• Keeps abreast of industry developments to recommend new policies, equipment, and techniques to optimize safe and effective operations.

• Maintains proficiency in and assumes command of selected types of aircraft operated by Occidental Aviation.

• Remains an active member of the Aviation Incident Management Team.

• When absent, effectively delegates duties to ensure uninterrupted operations.

• Completes any additional assignments requested by management.

• Promote, uphold, and remain accountable to the core values of Occidental.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Three years of aviation leadership experience.

• Five years of Business/Corporate Aviation experience.

• ATP with a company specific type rating.

• Flight time requirements:

  • 5000 hours total time

  • 3000 hours as Pilot-in-Command

  • 2500 hours turbojet flight time

  • 1500 hours as Pilot in Command of Multiengine Aircraft  

• FAA First Class Medical Certificate.

• English proficient.

• Restricted FCC Radio Telephone Operators Permit.

• Valid automobile driver’s license.

• Valid passport with no restrictions.

• Ability to travel up to 75%. 

• Extended duty periods associated with international travel.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Desired Qualifications:

• Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).

• Five years of aviation leadership experience.

• Management, finance, and/or administrative experience.

• Minimum of five years of Business/Corporate Aviation experience.

• FAA Part 125 operational experience.

• FOS crew scheduling software experience.

• A company specific aircraft type rating (Gulfstream G650, Gulfstream G280, Embraer 170LR).