Chief Pilot

Overview

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the overall leadership, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance of the pilot workforce. This includes oversight of pilot hiring, training, scheduling, performance management, and labor relations, including direct engagement with the pilot union. The role ensures adherence to all FAA regulations and company policies, while proactively identifying and resolving compliance risks. The Chief Pilot establishes and enforces flight standards, maintains operational discipline across all bases, and ensures consistency in pilot performance and safety practices. This position owns the FAA-approved training program, ensuring it remains current, effective, and compliant, along with all required flight manuals and publications.

Responsibilities

• Manage all Flight Operations staff and ensure safety of Flight Operations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with all flight operations and pilot training.
• Effective flight development and standardization of training.
• Team development and mentorship.
• Monitor work life balance with Pilot flight and duty times.
• Meeting company objectives and creating a positive work environment.
• Identify, select and train Company Instructors and Check Airman.
• Responsible for ascertaining and assuring that pilots conduct all flights, in accordance with the provisions of the GOM and current CFRs.
• Schedule training and check ride process.
• Administer administrative responsibilities for the pilot staff to include recruitment, training, reviews, scheduling, time off requests, and compensation adjustments.
• Disseminate all pertinent safety, flight, and company information in a timely manner.
• Actively participate in the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and be familiar with the SMS policies, processes, and procedures.
• Ensure aircraft procedures are standardized throughout the fleet.
• Responsible for ensuring the maintenance of proficiency records, pilot files, duty time records, reports, and correspondence pertaining to flight operations activities in accordance with the CFRs.
• Responsible for the development of policies for Air Methods flight instructors, ground instructors, and check pilots.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) from four-year college or university and five to eight years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2,500 flight hours.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience, within the past 6 years, as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under part 121 or part 135 of the CFRs; or, in the case of a person with previous experience as a Chief Pilot, have at least 3 years’ experience as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under part 121 or part 135.
• All other applicable minimum requirements for the position as outlined in CFR Part 119.
• Previous experience with maintaining and standardizing pilot training programs preferred.
• Proven successful leadership and employee development experience.