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Chief Pilot Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Fixed Wing Pilot

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$119K - $136K/yr

Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Operations or Chief Pilot. Working Conditions: * Required to work in outside weather conditions. * Must be able to work night, day, and overnight ...

Fixed Wing Pilot

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$119K - $136K/yr

Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Operations or Chief Pilot. Working Conditions: * Required to work in outside weather conditions. * Must be able to work night, day, and overnight ...

In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and the USAF, CAE Instructor Pilots will be part of a full standardization and training program for the ...

In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and the USAF, CAE Instructor Pilots will be part of a full standardization and training program for the ...

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Chief Pilot information

See Alabama salary details

$29.9K

$147.9K

$212.5K

How much do chief pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief pilot in Alabama is $147,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,600.00 and $187,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the most commonly searched types of Chief Pilot jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Chief Pilot jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Pilot jobs in Alabama? For Chief Pilot jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Pilot jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Pilot jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Chief Pilot jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Chief Pilot job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Pilot jobs in AL? For Chief Pilot jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Chief Pilot job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,916 per year, or $71.1 per hour.

Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot

AAR

Fort Novosel, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


AAR Corp rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 65 rated aviation services


Job description

Description
This position is pending contract award. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2027.
Description
The Chief Instructor / Flight Standardization Pilot serves as the senior technical authority for pilot standardization, ensuring all flight operations, training programs, and procedures meet the highest levels of safety, regulatory compliance, and operationalproficiency.As the Chief Flight StandardizationPilotyou willplan, organize, direct, and control all phases of flight operations. This positionis responsible forboth Operations and Maintenance standardization, providing unified oversight across flight, simulator, and academic environments.
The Chief Flight Standardization Pilot must be qualified as an Instructor Pilot/Maintenance Test Pilot Course (IP/MTPC) graduate, centrallylocated, and readily available to coordinate with the Government Flight Representative (GFR) to ensure compliance with AR 95-20 and all contract requirements. This role drives uniformity in flight execution,maintainsalignment with FAA and military standards, and supports continuous improvement in pilot performance, documentation, and operational readiness.
What You Will Be Responsible For
  • Lead and manage all pilot standardization programs to ensure consistent application of SOPs, checklists, CRM practices, and operational procedures.
  • Plan, organize, direct, and control all phases of flight operations, ensuring standardized execution across Ops and Maintenance activities.
  • Serve as head of the Standardization and Evaluation Board,maintainingflight SOPs aligned with industry, FAA, and military best practices.
  • Oversee development, publication, and control of operating manuals-includingaircraft-specificmanuals-ensuring accuracy and currency.
  • Collaborate with training teams to design and deliver training programs that elevate pilotproficiencyand standardization across all operational environments.
  • Conduct pilot evaluations, check rides, and standardization assessments in academic, simulator, andaircraftsettings.
  • Ensure all flight operationscomply withFAA regulations, operational specifications, organizational standards, and AR 95-20 requirements.
  • Coordinate directly with the GFR tomaintaincompliance with contract requirements, operational directives, and standardization expectations.
  • Support the Aviation Safety Officer in incident reviews, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
  • Partner with engineering, maintenance, support, and deployed operations teams to integrate training, documentation, and operational feedback.
  • Maintain and update ground and flight operating procedures for internal and external use.
  • Provide technical leadership to flight crews, instructors, and operational teams to ensure safe, standardized, andmission-readyoperations.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
What You Will Need to Be Successful in This Role
  • Minimum 10 years of helicopter aviation experience, including support of U.S. Army or government aviation training programs.
  • Minimum2,000 hourstotal rotorcraft time and1,000 hoursinstructor pilot time.
  • 500+ NVG/NVS experience and100+ hours of instrument time.
  • Extensive aviation experience in military or commercial operations with a strong record of technical and operational leadership.
  • Deep knowledge of FAA regulations, Part 141 operations, and pilot standardization requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience leading standardization programs, evaluation boards, or pilot training organizations.
  • Strong technical proficiency in aircraft systems, flight operations, and safety management systems.
  • Prior experience as a Chief Pilot, Flight Standardization Officer, or equivalent leadership role in a certificated operator.
  • Instructor Pilot/Maintenance Test Pilot Course (IP/MTPC) graduate required.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence high-performance operational culture.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred; Master's preferred
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.
    • In order to hold a secret clearance, US Citizenship is required.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:
  • Competitive compensation.
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Generous paid time off program.
  • Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

Physical Demands / Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the facility.
    The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.
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