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Chief Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Corporate pilot will communicate regularly with the Assistant chief pilots, to ensure that all operational issues related to our aircraft are addressed in a timely manner. We are looking ...

Position Overview The CH47 Pilot in Command (PIC) reports to the Chief Pilot and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional execution of all assigned flight operations. This role ...

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$55K - $178K/yr

This position reports directly to the Chief Pilot and works closely with the Director of Training and Director of Operations as required. What You Will Do: Check Pilot/ Training Responsibilities

King Air 350 - Check Pilot

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$55K - $178K/yr

This position reports directly to the Chief Pilot and works closely with the Director of Training and Director of Operations as required. What You Will Do: Check Pilot/ Training Responsibilities

Position Summary Metrea is actively recruiting current and qualified Contract KC-135 Pilots-in-Command (PIC's) and Second in Command (SIC's) to execute high tempo, precision driven air to air ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Pilot information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$161.1K

$231.4K

How much do chief pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief pilot in California is $161,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,400.00 and $204,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much does a chief pilot get paid?

A chief pilot's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on the airline, experience, and location. They are responsible for overseeing flight operations, ensuring safety standards, and managing pilot staff, often requiring advanced certifications and extensive flight hours.

What does a chief pilot do?

A chief pilot oversees flight operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency within an airline or aviation organization. They manage flight crews, develop policies, and coordinate training, often holding certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license. The role requires strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of aviation regulations.

What cities in California are hiring for Chief Pilot jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chief Pilot job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Pilot jobs in CA?

For Chief Pilot jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Pilot job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,056 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Challenger 300 - Pilot in Command

Advanced Air LLC

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:
Advanced Air, LLC is an innovative, service-oriented aviation company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. We were founded in 2005 by our President, Levi Stockton, as an FAA approved, Part 135, On-Demand Air Carrier focused on superlative aircraft management and on demand charter.
Today, Advanced Air has more than 30 aircraft, operated in both scheduled and on-demand service, and a diversified portfolio of flying services in turboprop aircraft, business jets and regional passenger jets. Serving communities throughout the United States, Advanced Air has a deep commitment to operational excellence and metered, sustainable growth.
Our successful growth is driven by our adherence to our core values, safety, security, teamwork, and reliability. We are in this business for the long run and take a disciplined, thoughtful approach to growth opportunities.
About the Role and About You:
The Challenger 300 Pilot in Command position is based out of Hawthorne, CA (HHR). This is a 2-pilot account supported by a dedicated Maintenance Technician, flying under Part 135 (P135). This position requires a strong ability to multi-task, make high-level complex decisions, all while completing a variety of aviation-related tasks. This position will lead a team of 2 crew members and support Advanced Air's management of the aircraft. The Pilot in Command (PIC) will operate the aircraft and report to Advanced Air's Chief Pilot and, in his absence, the Director of Operations.?
This is not a commutable position - applicants must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Hawthorne/Greater Los Angeles area. If you are excited about aviation, looking to grow, and have all the required flight minimums and certifications, this may be the position for you!
What You Will Do:
Serve as the Pilot in Command (PIC) and work with Advanced Air's VIP and Flight teams to facilitate and schedule owner flights, aircraft maintenance and flight crew training including:
  • Employee is required to attend to the aircraft at the management's direction for non-flight matters, including but not limited to vendor meetings, accepting deliveries, supervising service providers, or preparing the aircraft for upcoming trips.

Work with Advanced Air and the Assigned Crew including:
  • Manage the assigned crew's schedule and vacation requests and ensure they are available to handle owner-related tasks, from operating the aircraft to errands and aircraft servicing requests, including but not limited to picking up or delivering items (such as new dishes, amenities, catering, or personal effects) to or from the aircraft.

Maintain the aircraft in a readiness state including:
  • Responsible for ensuring the aircraft is owner-ready at all times, including but not limited to stocking, cleanliness, and organization of the interior and galley, verifying that all amenities, supplies, and consumables (food, candy, medicine, beverages, etc.) are present and unexpired.
  • Responsible for ensuring all passenger-facing electronics (e.g., iPads (updating movies each trip), iPod for music, AirShow, Wi-Fi, entertainment systems) are maintained and fully operational prior to each flight.
  • Assist with non-flight and ground duties as needed to support aircraft readiness and owner service, including helping with stocking, loading, unloading, and other aircraft-related logistics.

Oversee, in conjunction with Advanced Air, aircraft cleaning and stocking including:
  • Responsible for managing and arranging all onboard laundry and dry cleaning, including removal and drop-off/pick-up of linens, towels, crew and owner uniforms, and other washable items, as required.
  • Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all galley items, linens, bedding, and other supplies, restocking as needed and communicating with the owner or owner's representative for special requests.
  • Maintain Part 135 pilot qualification on the assigned aircraft.
  • Be able to pass a Preemployment DOT Drug test and be subject to random Drug Screening.
  • Oversee aircraft expenses and ensure they are maintained within budget.
  • Lead production of SOPs, Checklists, LOA approvals, and other Challenger 300 items as instructed by the Chief Pilot and DO.
  • Retain the final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft (FAR 91.3)?
  • Maintain responsibility for the security of the aircraft during its operation.
  • Ensure that the assigned aircraft is airworthy by completing a preflight inspection per the AFM and verifying that all required documents are on board the aircraft.
  • Review all flight briefs regarding the purpose of the flight, weather, operating procedures, notes and any special instructions, plans and flight assignments.
  • Comply with all Federal Aviation regulations, company operations manual, operations specifications, standard operating procedures, and company policies and procedures.
  • Update flight and duty records, determine eligibility for the next flight assignment, and ensure any aircraft maintenance discrepancies are reported and in accordance with Company Policies and Procedures?
  • Proactively participate in and promote safety management systems by identifying, reporting, and mitigating hazards and quality issues; providing timely input to management and applying systems processes to address quality and safety issues.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The employee understands that, in addition to the duties listed, they may be assigned any other task reasonably related to the operation, presentation, service, and readiness of the aircraft, both in flight and on the ground, as directed by the owner or their representative.
Requirements
What We Are Looking For:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • CFI, CFII, and MEI Certificates preferred, but not required.
  • Digital dexterity for aircraft preflight and post-flight.
  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
  • Challenger 300 PIC Type Rating
  • 3,000 hours Total Time.
  • 1,000 PIC Turbine
  • High-level working knowledge of FAR Part 91, 61 and AIM Part Sections 4 & 5
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and to manipulate, push, pull, and lift heavy objects in excess of 150 lbs.
  • Ability to climb onto and off of an airplane wing as part of the preflight, post-flight, or during an over wing emergency exit.
  • Ability to execute flights of up to 4.5 hours up to a total flight time of 10 hours per day during a 14-hour duty period.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
What you Can Expect:
Industry standard compensation. Support from Advanced Air's management team to succeed in the role. Employees shall devote their full working time and attention exclusively to the account and may not operate, fly, or provide services for any other aircraft or employer without the express written permission of the Chief Pilot or Director of Operations.
Why You Should Work with Us:
We can tell you all about how great we are, but you probably want to know what is in it for you, so we have compiled a list of our standout benefits:
  • 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4%
  • 100% Company Paid Health Insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision and $15,000 in life insurance for yourself.
  • KCM for your personal travel
  • $3.12 Domestic, $4.16 International Per diem pay for all hours associated with Flight Duty
  • Easy to use Flight/Travel Benefits; current contracts include Delta, Alaska, and Southwest

FYI:
We believe a diversity of perspectives and experiences is what makes a strong team. The stronger our team, the closer we are to our mission. So come join us! We are looking for people of all genders, races, ethnicities, orientations, abilities, and disabilities to come sit at our tables and fly our planes.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently stooping, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting (minimum 50 lbs.) and operating machinery with repetitive motions.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment includes working outdoors and in all weather conditions. May incur exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch or level significant enough to cause marked distraction or possible hearing loss while performing operations on the airfield ramp. Exposure to fumes, dust, loud noise, and/or outdoor weather conditions.
Selection Guidelines:
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interviews and reference checks; job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Salary Description
200 - 300k