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Chief Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Your Impact The Chief Pilot (CP) will bring and maintain a strong track record in aviation that includes a focus on safety and successful management of the pilot workforce. The CP will provide day-to ...

All About Us The Regional Chief Pilot manages the day-to-day operations for Flight Operations at their assigned bases and leads their base management teams, including Flight Operations Base Managers ...

Chief Pilot Part 135 (Remote)

Lima, NY · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

We are seeking an experienced and safety-driven Chief Pilot to lead and support a growing flight operations team. This hybrid leadership role combines operational oversight with active line flying ...

Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary: We offer a full benefits package including health, dental, 401(k) plan with employer match, tuition ...

Our Chief Pilot at the Seattle base is retiring at the end of May 2026. We would like to identify a replacement candidate soon, to provide a smooth transition for our people and seamless operation at ...

Fire Boss Chief Pilot Reports To: General Manager FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Benefits Summary: We offer a full benefits package including health, dental, 401(k) plan with employer match, tuition ...

Our Chief Pilot at the Seattle base is retiring at the end of May 2026. We would like to identify a replacement candidate soon, to provide a smooth transition for our people and seamless operation at ...

Our Chief Pilot at the Seattle base is retiring at the end of May 2026. We would like to identify a replacement candidate soon, to provide a smooth transition for our people and seamless operation at ...

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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 5, 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 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.
What cities are hiring for Chief Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Chief Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Chief Pilot jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Chief Pilot jobs? The top employers for Chief Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Pilot jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Pilot jobs? For Chief Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Chief Pilot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,193 per year, or $78.5 per hour.

Chief Pilot/Challenger 604 Pilot in Command (PIC)

Waltzing Matilda Aviation, LLC

Bedford, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Salary: $240,000+

Waltzing Matilda Aviation LLC

wmaviation.com | Hanscom AFB (Bedford, MA)

Chief Pilot / Challenger 604 PIC

Full-Time FAR Part 135 / Part 119 Compensation: Up to $280,000


Position Summary

Waltzing Matilda Aviation (WMA) is seeking an experienced aviation professional to serve as Chief Pilot and Challenger 604 PIC. This combined role carries the regulatory responsibilities of a Part 119 Director of Operations / Chief Pilot alongside the line flying duties of a full-time Captain on the Challenger 604. The ideal candidate brings strong operational leadership, sound regulatory judgment, and an uncompromising commitment to safety. Compensation is up to $260,000 depending on experience.


Organizational Structure

Reports To: Director of Operations / CEO

Direct Reports: WMA Flight Crew

Base: Hanscom AFB (Bedford, MA)


Key Responsibilities

Part 119 Chief Pilot Duties

  • Serve as the FAA-designated Chief Pilot under WMAs Part 135 Operating Certificate, ensuring full regulatory compliance across all flight operations.
  • Develop, maintain, and enforce WMAs General Operations Manual (GOM), training programs, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Oversee pilot qualification, recurrent training, proficiency checks, and currency requirements in coordination with the Director of Operations.
  • Act as liaison with the FAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI) and manage certificate-related correspondence and audits in coordination with the Director of Operations.
  • Assist the Director of Safety in safety management system (SMS) initiatives; investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
  • Review and approve flight schedules, crew pairings, duty/rest compliance, and waiver requests.
  • Assist the Director of Operations with pilot hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes.
  • Monitor regulatory changes (FARs, ACs, NOTAMs) and ensure timely policy updates.
  • Coordinate with Maintenance, Dispatch, and Charter Sales to ensure airworthy, legal, and customer-ready operations.
  • Perform Check Airman duties for company 135.293 and 135.299 checks as required for the Challenger 604 pilots.

Challenger 604 PIC Duties

  • Serve as Pilot-in-Command on the Challenger 604 for Part 91 Owner flights and charter flights operating under FAR Part 135.
  • Conduct thorough preflight planning including weather, NOTAMs, fuel, alternates, customs/international requirements, and passenger briefings.
  • Ensure all flights comply with WMA SOPs, the Approved Airplane Flight Manual, and applicable FARs.
  • Maintain and complete all required flight logs, trip sheets, and regulatory documentation accurately and on time.
  • Provide exceptional, professional service to WMAs charter guests while upholding safety as the highest priority.
  • Mentor and develop First Officers and junior crew members.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of safe and efficient aircraft operations.


General Requirements

  • FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate Multi-Engine Land
  • Bombardier CL-604 Type Rating
  • Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • FCC Radiotelephone Operators Permit
  • All Part 119.71(c) requirements to be eligible for Chief Pilot assignment
  • At least 23 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED (college degree preferred)
  • Must pass a 10-year background check and FAA Drug and Alcohol Program testing
  • Legal authorization to work in and travel in/out of the United States without restriction
  • Ability to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds


Flight Time Requirements

  • Minimum 3000 hours total documented flight time
  • Minimum 500 hours turbine time
  • Minimum 250 hours PIC time in type

When evaluating applicants, consideration will be given to quality, quantity, recency, and verifiability of training; aircraft complexity; types of flight operations; and turbine PIC hours.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience as a Part 119 Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot
  • International flight experience
  • College degree in Aviation, Aeronautical Science, or a related field
  • Strong working knowledge of FAR Parts 91, 119, and 135
  • Experience with SMS development and implementation


Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Up to $280,000 depending on experience

  • 401(k) with company match
  • Full benefits eligible role (medical, dental, vision, disability)
  • Loss of License coverage fully covered by employer
  • Minimum monthly guaranteed days off
  • Company AMEX for all business expenses
  • Exceptional quality of life with a professional, safety-focused team


About Waltzing Matilda Aviation

Waltzing Matilda Aviation LLC (WMA) is an FAA-licensed Part 135 private jet charter operator based in the Boston area. WMA began Part 91 operations in June 2008 and has accumulated thousands of hours of safe, reliable flying. We own and operate our own aircraft as well as managed aircraft, and we believe in utilizing the latest technology to support the safest operations possible.

Our pilots practice Safety Always in every aspect of their work. We inspire air travel by keeping our promises to guests and team members, and we build loyalty through our core values of Safety, Convenient Service, and Reliability. Come take off with us.


Equal Opportunity Employer

WMA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by applicable laws. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and job-related factors. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities please contact our Human Resources department.