Job Description
Chief Pilot - US Midwest (Confidential Operator) Indiana / Louisville catchment area Representation: Reports To: Director of Operations (Confidential Client) Compensation: $150,000-$180,000 base + per diems + bonuses (~$225,000 all‑in) Benefits: Relocation support, sign‑on bonus, 401k, full corporate package Future Path: Succession opportunity to Director of Operations About the Operator Our client is a well‑established US aviation organisation operating across multiple business units, including charter services and ground operations. With around 80 employees
Flight Hours Requirements
- Maintain a stable Monday-Friday schedule when not flying, with adjusted hours during flight weeks.
- Not motivated by flight hours; motivated by leadership, culture, and organisational impact.
Requirements
- Act as the operator's Part 119 Chief Pilot with full regulatory accountability.
- Maintain strict adherence to Part 135 regulations, internal SOPs, and FAA standards.
- Protect and uphold the organisation's zero‑tolerance approach to cutting safety corners .
- Oversee operational manuals, procedures, revisions, and compliance documents (shared after the first interview stage).
- Lead flight operations across a fleet including King Air , Citation , Sovereign , and Global aircraft.
- Manage a growing pilot team (25+), ensuring high-quality performance and operational consistency.
- Provide 24/7 availability for operational escalations, safety calls, and pilot support.
- Mentor and develop the pilot group with a steady, senior leadership style.
- Work closely with the Junior Chief Pilot to delegate tasks and manage workloads.
- Serve as a stabilising force within a department that has experienced recent turnover.
- Support the Director of Operations in long‑term planning and organisational development.
- Play an integral role in scaling the fleet toward 25+ aircraft.
- Position yourself for future promotion into the Director of Operations role.
- Must currently be, or have previously served as, a Part 119 Chief Pilot .
- Extensive Part 135 experience is essential.
- Mixed‑fleet experience preferred, particularly with Citation series aircraft.
- Capable of leading a growing pilot team; does not require experience managing large airline‑scale departments, but must already have been a Chief Pilot.
- Senior, calm, stable, experienced
- Highly competent decision‑maker with strong judgement.
- Integrity‑driven, safety‑first mindset.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with operations leadership.
- Willing to relocate to Indiana (supported by relocation package).
- Total earnings: approx. $225,000 for the ideal candidate
- Relocation assistance provided
- 401k & full benefits package
Benefits
- Base salary: $150,000-$180,000
- - Base salary: