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Chief Instructor Pilot Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Director, Base Chief Pilot

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$242K - $335K/yr

As a people leader, the Base Chief Pilot leads and establishes priorities for the team by ... Pilot, Instructor or other. * Bachelor's degree, or an additional two years of experience in lieu ...

Chief Instructor Pilot information

What is a chief instructor pilot?

Chief Instructor Pilots are highly experienced pilots responsible for overseeing the training programs and standards for other pilots within an organization, such as a flight school, airline, or military unit. They develop and implement training curricula, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and evaluate the performance of instructors and students. Chief Instructor Pilots also serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory authorities and are responsible for maintaining the highest levels of safety and proficiency among flight crews. Their leadership is critical in fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief instructor pilot?

To thrive as a Chief Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, extensive flight hours, instructor certifications, and in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight simulators, training management systems, and current aircraft technologies is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to mentor and evaluate other pilots are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure rigorous safety standards, high-quality training, and operational excellence within a flight training organization.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief instructor pilot, and how can they be addressed?

As a Chief Instructor Pilot, one of the main challenges is balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on instruction and flight oversight. Managing a team of instructors, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining high training quality can be demanding. Effective delegation, clear communication, and staying updated with industry regulations are key strategies to address these challenges. Additionally, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement helps ensure both instructor and student success.

What is the difference between Chief Instructor Pilot vs Flight Instructor?

AspectChief Instructor PilotFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and often additional instructor ratingsCommercial Pilot License and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentLeads flight training programs, oversees other instructors, and ensures training standards at flight schools or airlinesProvides individual flight training to students, conducts lessons, and evaluates student progress
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, flight schools, and aviation academiesFlight schools, aviation training centers, and private flight training

The main difference between a Chief Instructor Pilot and a Flight Instructor lies in their responsibilities and leadership roles. The Chief Instructor Pilot oversees training programs and manages other instructors, while the Flight Instructor focuses on delivering flight training to students. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Chief Instructor Pilot holds additional leadership duties within the training organization.

How do you become a chief instructor pilot?

To become a chief instructor pilot, individuals typically need extensive flight experience, often exceeding 3,000 flight hours, and must hold an airline transport pilot certificate. They also need advanced instructor ratings, such as Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), along with leadership skills and experience in flight training management. Gaining experience as a senior instructor pilot and demonstrating strong communication and safety record are essential steps toward this leadership role.

What cities in Nevada are hiring for Chief Instructor Pilot jobs?

Cities in Nevada with the most Chief Instructor Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Instructor Pilot job openings in Nevada as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Director, Base Chief Pilot

Horizon Air

Las Vegas, NV • On-site

$242K - $335K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

CompanyHorizon AirThe Team

Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our managerial teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day. If you share our passion for creating an airline people love, we want to hear from you.

Role Summary

This role is responsible for balancing strategic priorities while ensuring tactical execution for Flight Operations Pilot Bases at Horizon Air (QX). As a people leader, the Base Chief Pilot leads and establishes priorities for the team by implementing the Flight Operations strategic goals and objectives in relationship to the day-to-day operation at the base, safely and in compliance and accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and company policies.

Key Duties
  • Lead and establish priorities for a team of pilots by setting professional standards and coaching when appropriate.
  • Shape the long-term strategy and planning for operations at assigned base.
  • Develop people through effective performance management and ongoing feedback, focusing on fostering strategic and systems thinking across team and function, development of talent in function/discipline, and succession planning.
  • Shape culture of the team and beyond through action, presence, and reinforcement of positive and professional behaviors.
  • Influence across the team to build and maintain trust between the pilot group and Horizon management by using well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, interacting in a fair and diplomatic manner, and demonstrating consistency and reliability in interactions.
  • Influence and partner with leaders both in and outside the company, including Horizon and Alaska Airlines' station and inflight leadership, to ensure the highest level of safety standards are administered.
  • Represent the company and be the point of contact for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Port, and the United States Postal Service.
  • Review, provide recommendations, and assist with the implementation of policies and procedures related to flight safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
  • Manage all delay and operation metrics for assigned domicile.
  • Attend operational meetings as required.
Job-Specific Experience, Education & Skills

Required

  • 5 years professional pilot experience (with at least 3 years operating under FAA Part 121 or 135, equivalent military/other experience.)
  • 4 years of leadership experience (Pilot in Command, Captain, Check Pilot, Instructor or other.
  • Bachelor's degree, or an additional two years of experience in lieu of this degree.
  • Ability to become a line qualified pilot at Horizon.
  • Must have and be able to maintain a valid passport allowing unrestricted travel, without a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), to and from the U.S.
  • Familiarity with FAA regulations and Pilot Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with a strong technical background and expert knowledge of pilot procedures.
  • Operate well under pressure or in changing conditions, demonstrating good professional judgment, time-management and problem-solving ability.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence change and initiate actions that have strategic impact and drive a high-performance culture.
  • Outstanding communication (e.g., verbal, written, and listening) and presentation skills, with a demonstrated commitment to clear and transparent communication.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum age of 21.
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

  • Prior experience as a Line Captain. 
Job-Specific Leadership Expectations

Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.

Starting RateSalary Range$186,754-$258,031 / yearTotal Target Compensation Range (incl. bonus & equity)$242,780 - $335,441BonusSalary Details

The pay range and total target compensation package listed above is the expected pay offered for this position at the start of employment. Your pay will be based on multiple factors, including and not limited to location, your relevant experience/level, experience level, and skillset while balancing internal equity relative to other Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon employees. Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon is committed to fair, unbiased compensation along with competitive benefits in all locations in which we operate.

Note: We don't typically hire at the top of the range. 

Total Rewards

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.

  • Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air with high priority status 
  • Select number of confirmed travel credits provided annually 
  • Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Generous 401k match program
  • Annual bonus plans
  • Generous holiday and paid time off 

For more information about Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.

Airport SIDA Badge Requirements

Important notification for employees working at an airport or maintenance hangar: Employees will be required to obtain a SIDA badge provided by the airport authority and maintain good standing in order to keep their SIDA badge. Review the SIDA Badge Requirements document for a comprehensive overview. If an employee does not qualify for a SIDA badge or has their SIDA badge pulled from them, the employee will be terminated. 

Regulatory Information

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement  

It is the policy of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment or potential employment.   

We also prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.  

We have established an EEO Compliance Program under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ("Section 503") and the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 ("VEVRAA").  All applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. In addition, we have established an audit and reporting system to allow for effective measurement of its equal employment opportunity activities.   

To implement this policy, we will: 

(1) Recruit, hire, train and promote qualified persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and any other legally protected categories; (2) Ensure that employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements; and (3) Ensure that all personnel actions and employment activities such as compensation, benefits, promotions, layoffs, return from layoff, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air sponsored programs, and tuition assistance will be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories. 

Employees and applicants for employment will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination because they have engaged or may engage in (1) filing a complaint, (2) opposing any act or practice made unlawful by, or exercising any other right protected by, any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA, or (3) assisting or participating in any investigation, compliance evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the administration of any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions  of VEVRAA. 

Government Contractor & Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT - regulations, 49 CFR part 40) and all applicants are advised that post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing will be conducted to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines or a metabolite of these drugs prior to any offer or employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive position. Failure to submit to testing or positive indications of drug use will render the applicant ineligible for employment with Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines/Horizon Air and any employment offer will be withdrawn. 

Apply by 7:00 PM Pacific Time on8/30/2026FLSA StatusExemptEmployment TypeFull-TimeRegular/TemporaryRegularRequisition TypeManagementLocationPortland, OR - Airport L:#LI-BEmployment Type: FULL_TIME