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Chief Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Methods

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Alerion Aviation

Chief Pilot

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

The Chief Pilot serves as a key member of the Flight Operations leadership team and is responsible for the professional standards, regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and performance of all ...

Air Methods

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO

$130K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Axxeum

Chief Pilot

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Chief Pilot Location: Huntsville, AL and overseas customer locationPosition Status: Full Time Travel Requirement: International travel required/ extended deployments Brief The Chief Pilot is ...

Vectored Approach

Chief Pilot

Austin, TX · On-site

The Chief Pilot will manage all flight operations, oversee pilot training and competency, and serve as the primary liaison with the FAA for operational matters. Key Responsibilities * Regulatory ...

Axxeum

Chief Pilot

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Chief Pilot Location: Huntsville, AL and overseas customer location Position Status: Full Time Travel Requirement: International travel required/ extended deployments Brief The Chief Pilot is ...

Privateflite Aviation LLC

Chief Pilot

Sellersburg, IN

$150K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a Chief Pilot who can lead from the front - operationally, culturally, and strategically. This is a key leadership role inside a scaling charter operation. Our Mission & Culture ...

Air Methods

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO

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 ...

Air Methods

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO

$130K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Axxeum

Chief Pilot

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Chief Pilot Location: Huntsville, AL and overseas customer location Position Status: Full Time Travel Requirement: International travel required/ extended deployments Brief The Chief Pilot is ...

Aircraft Specialists INC

Chief Pilot

Sellersburg, IN · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

We are seeking a Chief Pilot who can lead from the front -- operationally, culturally, and strategically. This is a key leadership role inside a scaling charter operation. Our Mission & Culture ...

Jet OUT

Base Chief Pilot

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

The Base Chief Pilot is one of the most visible leaders in the pilot group and serves as the primary connection between assigned flight crews, base operations, and company flight department ...

Questec Constructors, Inc.

Chief Pilot

Columbia, MO · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Chief Pilot will be responsible for all aspects of flight operations, regulatory compliance, safety management, and aircraft readiness while providing exceptional service to executive leadership ...

Kalitta Air, LLC

Assistant Chief Pilot

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

Assistant Chief Pilot Department: Flight Operations Reports To : Chief Pilot POSITION PURPOSE: Manage the day-to-day functions of all pilots as directed by the Chief Pilot. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Freeman Jet Center - Abilene

Chief Pilot

Abilene, TX

Description The Chief Pilot is responsible for the professional standards of the flight crews and for implementing and maintaining flight operations policies and procedures in coordination with the ...

Rio Staffing

Regional Chief Pilot

White Plains, NY · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Regional Chief Pilot - Northeast Base Location: Westchester County Airport (KHPN) - White Plains, NY (Mandatory On-Site) Quick Facts: Schedule, Compensation & Benefits * Position Type: Full-Time, ...

Freeman Jet Center

Chief Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the professional standards of the flight crews and for implementing and maintaining flight operations policies and procedures in coordination with the Director of ...

Freeman Holdings Group

Chief Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the professional standards of the flight crews and for implementing and maintaining flight operations policies and procedures in coordination with the Director of ...

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Chief Pilot information

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$33K

$163.2K

$234.5K

How much do chief pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief pilot in the United States is $163,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $207,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is another word for chief?

In the context of a Chief Pilot, the term 'chief' can be replaced with words like 'head,' 'leader,' or 'director,' which denote someone in a top management or supervisory role. These titles reflect the individual's responsibility for overseeing flight operations, safety, and crew management within an airline or aviation organization.

Is it racist to call someone chief?

In the context of a Chief Pilot role, the term 'chief' is a professional title indicating leadership and does not have racial connotations. It is commonly used across industries to denote a person in charge or senior position. Using 'chief' as a title is generally considered respectful and standard practice in aviation and other fields.

What is the meaning of chief?

In the context of a Chief Pilot, the term 'chief' refers to the person in charge of overseeing flight operations, pilots, and safety procedures within an airline or aviation organization. The chief pilot typically holds advanced certifications, such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, and has extensive flying experience and leadership responsibilities.

Is it chief or cheif?

The correct spelling for the leadership position in aviation is 'Chief Pilot.' Accurate spelling is important for professional communication and documentation in the aviation industry. The role typically requires a commercial pilot license, extensive flight experience, and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Pilot, you need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, extensive flight experience, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, and strong leadership abilities. Familiarity with flight management systems, safety management systems (SMS), and crew scheduling software is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and organizational skills are essential to lead flight crews and ensure regulatory compliance. These skills and qualifications are critical for maintaining operational safety, regulatory adherence, and effective team leadership within an aviation organization.

What are some common challenges faced by Chief Pilots in managing flight operations teams?

Chief Pilots often navigate the challenge of balancing administrative responsibilities with supporting flight crews and ensuring regulatory compliance. They must address scheduling complexities, manage crew resource needs, and adapt to changing aviation regulations. Additionally, fostering open communication and a strong safety culture among pilots is crucial, as is providing mentorship and training to support professional development within the team.

What Is a Chief Pilot?

A chief pilot manages the daily operations of an aviation department for an airline. As a chief pilot, your job is to oversee all pilots, ground personnel, and flight attendants. Your duties involve scheduling flights, coordinating aircraft maintenance, and ensuring the department meets all local and federal regulations. Some chief pilots monitor all day-to-day logistics for their department. This career requires a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a similar discipline. Additional qualifications include between 2,000 and 5,000 hours of flight time, current FAA certification, and excellent management skills.

What are Chief Pilots?

Chief Pilots are senior aviation professionals responsible for overseeing the pilots within an airline or aviation organization. Their duties include managing pilot schedules, ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting training and evaluations, and serving as the primary liaison between pilots and management. They play a key role in maintaining safety standards and operational efficiency. Chief Pilots typically have extensive flying experience and leadership skills, and they help shape company policies related to flight operations.
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Chief Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,193 per year, or $78.5 per hour.
Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot

Air Methods

Greenwood Village, CO • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Air Methods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

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.
In addition to maintaining qualification as Pilot in Command (PIC) in at least one aircraft within the certificate holder's operation, the Chief Pilot represents the organization in industry groups and FAA safety forums, contributing to broader aviation safety initiatives and staying ahead of regulatory and operational changes.
At Air Methods, this role directly supports a mission-critical operation focused on saving lives through rapid, high-quality air medical transport. The Chief Pilot operates within one of the largest and most complex air medical programs in the country, with the ability to influence safety, standardization, and pilot development at scale. This position offers the opportunity to shape operations, drive meaningful impact, and lead within an organization where aviation performance directly affects patient outcomes.
This position will require relocation to Denver.
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.
  • Supervises scheduling of training and check ride process.
  • Administrative responsibilities for the pilot staff to include recruitment, training, reviews, scheduling, time off requests, and compensation adjustments.
  • Dissemination of all pertinent safety, flight, and company information in a timely manner.
  • Actively participates in the company's Safety Management System (SMS) and is 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.

In the absence of the Director of Operations, the Chief Pilot shall assume the Director of Operations duties and authorities including but are not limited to:
  • Coordinate with the FAA concerning company training and flight operations.Communicate and work effectively with all company departments and managers.
  • Respond to pilot complaints, safety concerns, Pilot Supervisor issues, and work with all departments with regards to flight safety.
  • Conduct investigations and provide adequate oversight of the Part 135 air carrier certificate.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises employees in the Flight Operations department. Carries out Supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, selecting, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems. For Exempt Managers: Managers that carry out these responsibilities for two or more employees will have significant input in hiring and termination decisions.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.
Education & Experience
  • 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.

Skills
  • Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage and administer a broad range of tasks
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in manner consistent with the essential job functions
  • Ability to prepare written reports and correspondences, and presentations to senior leadership as required
  • Ability to build and maintain positive relationships internally and externally
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including hardware and software applications

Computer Skills
  • Proficient with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate required/ Airline Transport Pilot Certificate preferred (Airplane or Rotorcraft)
  • Certified Flight Instructor preferred
  • Certified Instrument Instructor preferred (Airplane or Rotorcraft)
  • FAA Second Class Medical required if performing check airman or flight instructor duties

Minimum pay
USD $130,250.00/Yr.
Maximum Pay
USD $170,000.00/Yr.
Benefits
For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

What Air Methods employees say

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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980

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