Position Summary

The Chief Pilot is responsible for leading the company’s flight operations team while overseeing pilot performance, training, standardization, and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the Director of Flight Operations, this leadership role combines management responsibilities with active line flying, training delivery, and operational support to ensure safe, standardized, and efficient aerial survey operations throughout the United States and Canada.

Schedule
• Full-Time
• Salaried, Exempt
• Remote (United States)
• Approximately 50% travel
• Includes Manager-on-Duty rotation and at least one weekend per month
• Travel to aircraft bases for training, line checks, and operational support

Responsibilities
• Lead and develop the pilot team.
• Manage daily line flying operations and pilot performance.
• Coach and mentor pilots through standardized evaluations and performance reviews.
• Recommend hiring, promotions, and personnel actions.
• Lead weekly pilot meetings.
• Maintain pilot records, including certificates, medicals, training, and currency.
• Manage new-hire, recurrent, and instrument currency training programs.
• Conduct initial training, proficiency checks, and line checks.
• Develop and implement Cessna 208 Caravan training programs.
• Fill open flying assignments as Pilot in Command when operationally required.
• Serve as Flight Operations Manager-on-Duty on the published schedule.
• Support operational decision-making, including weather, duty time, and launch approvals.
• Promote and support the company’s Safety Management System (SMS).
• Analyze operational trends and recommend safety and training improvements.

Requirements
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate – Airplane Single-Engine Land, Multi-Engine Land, and Instrument Rating.
• FAA Second Class Medical Certificate or higher.
• Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time.
• Multi-engine flight experience appropriate for the position.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Cessna 310R or Cessna 208 Caravan.
• Safety Management System (SMS) training or ability to complete within 90 days of hire.
• Valid passport.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada.

Preferred Qualifications
• 2,000+ hours total flight time.
• Cessna 208 Caravan experience.
• Previous training or instructional experience.
• CFI, CFII, and/or MEI certificates.
• 500+ hours dual instruction given.
• Previous aerial survey experience.
• Previous Part 91 management experience.
• 500+ hours in twin Cessna aircraft.
• Safety operations or SMS administration experience.

Benefits
• 401(k) with company match.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Company-paid per diem.
• Company-paid hotel accommodations.
• Company-paid travel expenses.
• Company-paid rental car.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Holiday pay.
• Company-paid instrument currency program.
• Monthly health and wellness credit.
• Professional development assistance.

Compensation
• Not Specified