Chief Pilot, Part 135

Job Description

About the Company Jet Aviation Staffing has supported leading aviation companies since 1983, attracting and placing top talent across crew, maintenance, support, management and executive roles. Working on behalf of external customers, the team applies extensive standards to recommend the best talent and match each candidate to the right career opportunity. Role Overview On behalf of a client, Jet Aviation Staffing is seeking a Chief Pilot to lead and oversee flight operations personnel and training programmes. The role holds accountability for the overall management, supervision and leadership of flight operations, ensuring all company flight activity conducted under the Air Carrier Certificate is carried out safely, efficiently and in full regulatory compliance, and that the flight department meets its safety management objectives. The Chief Pilot provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for flight crews operating under both Part 135 and Part 91, covering pilot training, standardisation, operating procedures and safety initiatives, while actively supporting the company's Safety Management System (SMS). As a key member of the operational leadership team, the Chief Pilot works closely with the Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, Safety Manager and executive leadership. Key Responsibilities Flight operations leadership Organise, staff, supervise and direct all flight operations conducted by the company, providing leadership and oversight of all flight department personnel. Serve actively as a line pilot alongside Chief Pilot administrative duties; the proportion of time spent flying varies with operational needs. Serve as PIC on scheduled and/or charter flights as assigned. Exercise limited operational control authority over the Air Carrier Certificate as authorised by the Director of Operations. Manage operational functions that directly affect operational control and flight safety. Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety and operational excellence. Training programme management Organise, administer and oversee all pilot training programmes, ensuring compliance with FAA-approved training requirements and company standards. Coordinate initial, recurrent, upgrade, differences and special-emphasis training. Maintain pilot qualification, certification and training records, and monitor pilot proficiency and operational performance. Ensure all flight crew members maintain required qualifications and currency. Conduct or oversee line checks, standardisation evaluations and operational observations. Safety Management System Actively support and promote the company's SMS and ensure personnel participate in safety reporting and SMS activities. Validate, investigate and address identified safety risks and safety-risk management deficiencies in a timely, effective manner. Ensure operational processes and procedures incorporate applicable risk mitigation measures identified through the SMS. Participate in Safety Review Board meetings and safety committees. Promote a Just Culture that encourages hazard identification and voluntary safety reporting. Support organisational learning through analysis of safety reports, operational data and trend monitoring. Flight standards and standardisation Develop, implement and maintain aircraft checklists and Standard Operating Procedures. Ensure compliance with the General Operations Manual, training manuals, SOPs and company policies. Maintain consistency and standardisation across all aircraft types and flight crews. Review operational practices and implement improvements that enhance safety and efficiency. Keep flight crews informed of changes to regulations, operational procedures and company standards. Regulatory compliance Ensure flight operations comply with FAA regulations, Air Carrier Operations Specifications, the company General Operations Manual, SMS requirements, and applicable industry standards and best practices. Maintain readiness for FAA inspections, audits and regulatory reviews. Support compliance with industry accreditation standards including WYVERN Wingman, IS-BAO and ARGUS where applicable. Ensure corrective actions from audits or inspections are completed effectively and on schedule. Operational communications and personnel leadership Receive, review and act on aeronautical information affecting the safety of flight operations, and disseminate operational and safety information to flight crews and operational personnel. Ensure timely communication of changes to regulations, procedures, manuals, notices and company policies. Act as liaison with external vendors, training providers, regulators and organisations affecting flight operations. Provide leadership, mentorship and professional development for flight department personnel, and oversee their welfare, performance and professional conduct. Participate in hiring, onboarding, evaluations, disciplinary actions and retention initiatives, and support succession planning and long-term pilot development. Foster a positive and collaborative working environment. Licences & Qualifications Meets all FAA qualifications for Chief Pilot under 14 CFR Part 119. Valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate for the category of aircraft operated by the company. Citation XLS or CE-525 type rating and operational experience required. Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate. Qualified under the company's approved training programme to serve as Pilot-in-Command on at least one company aircraft. Experience Over 7,500 hours total time. Aspen flying experience required. Comprehensive knowledge of the company General Operations Manual, training manuals and Standard Operating Procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of FAA Parts 91, 119 and 135, Safety Management Systems, operational control principles and Crew Resource Management. Demonstrated leadership, communication and organisational skills, with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Jet Insight experience preferred. Preferred Qualifications Previous FAA-approved Chief Pilot experience. Experience with WYVERN Wingman, IS-BAO and Safety Management Systems. Experience conducting pilot evaluations, line checks and standardisation programmes. Bachelor's degree in aviation, business, management or a related field. CFI, CFII and MEI. Working Conditions Ability to perform duties as a required flight crew member and maintain FAA medical certification. Ability to travel as required, and to sit, stand, walk, climb aircraft stairs and work in airport and aviation environments. Ability to respond to operational matters outside normal business hours. A dynamic aviation environment with regular interaction with flight crews, maintenance personnel, schedulers, regulators, auditors, customers and executive leadership; flexibility and availability beyond traditional business hours are required. What We Offer Anticipated salary range of $175,000 to $200,000. This range is not a guaranteed offer; the final salary is determined by factors such as experience, geographic location and other relevant considerations. Additional Information Jet Aviation provides equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

Requirements

• Organise, staff, supervise and direct all flight operations conducted by the company, providing leadership and oversight of all flight department personnel.
• Serve actively as a line pilot alongside Chief Pilot administrative duties; the proportion of time spent flying varies with operational needs.
• Serve as PIC on scheduled and/or charter flights as assigned.
• Exercise limited operational control authority over the Air Carrier Certificate as authorised by the Director of Operations.
• Manage operational functions that directly affect operational control and flight safety.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety and operational excellence.
• Organise, administer and oversee all pilot training programmes, ensuring compliance with FAA-approved training requirements and company standards.
• Coordinate initial, recurrent, upgrade, differences and special-emphasis training.
• Maintain pilot qualification, certification and training records, and monitor pilot proficiency and operational performance.
• Ensure all flight crew members maintain required qualifications and currency.
• Conduct or oversee line checks, standardisation evaluations and operational observations.
• Actively support and promote the company's SMS and ensure personnel participate in safety reporting and SMS activities.
• Validate, investigate and address identified safety risks and safety-risk management deficiencies in a timely, effective manner.
• Ensure operational processes and procedures incorporate applicable risk mitigation measures identified through the SMS.
• Participate in Safety Review Board meetings and safety committees.
• Promote a Just Culture that encourages hazard identification and voluntary safety reporting.
• Support organisational learning through analysis of safety reports, operational data and trend monitoring.
• Develop, implement and maintain aircraft checklists and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure compliance with the General Operations Manual, training manuals, SOPs and company policies.
• Maintain consistency and standardisation across all aircraft types and flight crews.
• Review operational practices and implement improvements that enhance safety and efficiency.
• Keep flight crews informed of changes to regulations, operational procedures and company standards.
• Ensure flight operations comply with FAA regulations, Air Carrier Operations Specifications, the company General Operations Manual, SMS requirements, and applicable industry standards and best practices.
• Maintain readiness for FAA inspections, audits and regulatory reviews.
• Support compliance with industry accreditation standards including WYVERN Wingman, IS-BAO and ARGUS where applicable.

Benefits

• Anticipated salary range of $175,000 to $200,000. This range is not a guaranteed offer; the final salary is determined by factors such as experience, geographic location and other relevant considerations.