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Director Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alerion Aviation

Chief Pilot

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

Reporting directly to the Director of Operations (DO), the Chief Pilot exercises delegated authority consistent with 14 CFR Part 119 requirements and provides daily operational leadership to the ...

Air Methods

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Alerion Aviation

Chief Pilot

West Palm Beach, FL

Reporting directly to the Director of Operations (DO), the Chief Pilot exercises delegated authority consistent with 14 CFR Part 119 requirements and provides daily operational leadership to the ...

Air Methods

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Alerion Aviation

Chief Pilot

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

Reporting directly to the Director of Operations (DO), the Chief Pilot exercises delegated authority consistent with 14 CFR Part 119 requirements and provides daily operational leadership to the ...

Air Methods

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO

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 ...

Air Methods

Chief Pilot

Greenwood Village, CO

$130K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Akima, LLC

Chief Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Direct all Maintenance Test Flight operations. * Supervise assigned Maintenance Test Pilots. * Develop annual standardization training. * Conduct pilot evaluations and check rides. * Review all ...

Freeman Holdings Group

Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

$110K/yr

This position reports to the Charter Department's Director of Operations and Chief Pilot. Compensation & Benefits: * Base salary of $110,000, plus a generous benefits package. * All expenses are ...

Vectored Approach

Chief Pilot

Austin, TX · On-site

Exercise operational control in coordination with the Director of Operations. * Assign pilot duties and monitor scheduling to ensure compliance with duty and rest requirements. * Maintain high ...

Freeman Jet Center

Pilot

Abilene, TX · On-site

$110K/yr

This position reports to the Charter Department's Director of Operations and Chief Pilot. Compensation & Benefits: * Base salary of $110,000, plus a generous benefits package. * All expenses are ...

Makers Air

Chief Pilot

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Partner with the Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, and cross-functional teams to ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings (ATP preferred). * Previous Chief Pilot or ...

Freeman Jet Center - Abilene

Pilot

Abilene, TX

$110K/yr

This position reports to the Charter Department's Director of Operations and Chief Pilot. Compensation & Benefits: * Base salary of $110,000, plus a generous benefits package. * All expenses are ...

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... Direct support to any administrative or flight operations scheduling / record keeping as needed

i3

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Pilots will fly sorties for NASA and NASA customers to ensure that quality products and safe ... Direct support to any administrative or flight operations scheduling / record keeping as needed

Makers Air

Chief Pilot

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Partner with the Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, and cross-functional teams to ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings (ATP preferred). * Previous Chief Pilot or ...

Makers Air

Chief Pilot

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Partner with the Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, and cross-functional teams to ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings (ATP preferred). * Previous Chief Pilot or ...

Makers Air

Chief Pilot

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Partner with the Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, and cross-functional teams to ... Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings (ATP preferred). * Previous Chief Pilot or ...

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Director Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do director pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectDirector PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) licenseCommercial Pilot Certificate, specific aircraft ratings
Work EnvironmentAirlines, corporate flight departments, charter servicesCharter flights, aerial work, flight training, cargo
Job RoleOversees flight operations, manages flight crews, ensures safety standardsOperates aircraft for commercial purposes, performs flights for clients or cargo

The main difference between a Director Pilot and a Commercial Pilot is that the Director Pilot typically holds a higher managerial role overseeing flight operations, while the Commercial Pilot is primarily responsible for flying aircraft for commercial purposes. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Director Pilot focuses more on leadership and operational management within airline or corporate settings.

What is a pilot director?

A pilot director is a leadership role responsible for overseeing flight operations, safety protocols, and crew management in an airline or aviation organization. They coordinate flight schedules, ensure compliance with regulations, and may hold certifications such as a commercial pilot license or airline transport pilot certificate. The role requires strong communication, decision-making skills, and experience in aviation safety standards.

What pilots make $200,000 a year?

Experienced airline pilots, especially captains flying for major carriers, can earn $200,000 or more annually, often with additional pay for overtime, seniority, and long-haul routes. Corporate pilots and those with specialized skills or extensive flight hours may also reach or exceed this salary level, particularly with advanced certifications like an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license. Salary depends on factors such as airline size, location, and years of experience.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director Pilot in managing a team of pilots?

A Director Pilot often navigates challenges such as balancing administrative duties with maintaining flight proficiency, managing diverse pilot personalities, and ensuring consistent adherence to safety protocols. Coordinating training schedules, regulatory compliance, and maintaining open communication between flight crews and management are also critical aspects. Addressing these challenges requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to cultivate a positive team culture focused on safety and performance.

What does a Director Pilot do?

A Director Pilot is a senior aviation professional responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operations of an organization's flight department. This role typically involves managing teams of pilots, developing operational policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating with other departments to achieve organizational objectives. The Director Pilot may also be involved in training, scheduling, and occasionally flying aircraft. Their leadership ensures that safety standards are met and that flight operations run smoothly.

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

To thrive as a Director Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, and strong knowledge of aviation regulations and safety protocols. Familiarity with advanced flight management systems, scheduling software, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Outstanding leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are essential for managing flight crews and ensuring operational excellence. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety standards, regulatory compliance, and the efficient operation of a flight department.

What pilots make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced airline captains, especially those flying long-haul international routes for major carriers, can earn $500,000 or more annually. These pilots typically have extensive flight hours, seniority, and often hold advanced certifications, with compensation including base salary, bonuses, and per diem allowances.

How much do aviation directors make?

Aviation directors typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the size of the organization, location, and experience. They oversee airport operations, manage staff, and ensure safety compliance, often requiring certifications such as an FAA pilot license or management credentials.
What cities are hiring for Director Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Director Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Director Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Pilot jobs include:
Director Pilot jobs near you
Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot

Alerion Aviation

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Alerion is looking for a Chief Pilot to join our Flight Operations Leadership Team.
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 assigned flight crew within Alerion Aviation's Part 135 operation. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations while supporting the company's commitment to exceptional service delivery and operational excellence.
Reporting directly to the Director of Operations (DO), the Chief Pilot exercises delegated authority consistent with 14 CFR Part 119 requirements and provides daily operational leadership to the pilot group. The Chief Pilot champions a strong safety culture, supports strategic operational objectives, and ensures alignment with company values, FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, and Safety Management System (SMS) principles.
The Chief Pilot leads by example through visible engagement with crews, proactive communication, and consistent reinforcement of safety, professionalism, accountability, and customer service standards.
Requirements
Regulatory Authority
The Chief Pilot exercises authority as defined under 14 CFR Part 119 and company delegation from the Director of Operations. The position is responsible for ensuring assigned flight crew operate in accordance with applicable regulations, company procedures, training requirements, and safety standards.
Leadership & Personnel Management
  • Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to all assigned flight crew while fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, accountability, engagement, and service excellence
  • Ensure pilot staffing levels support operational reliability, aircraft coverage, and business growth objectives
  • Provide operational leadership coverage in the absence of the Director of Operations
  • Maintain effective two-way communication with pilots through briefings, bulletins, meetings, and direct engagement
  • Promote strong pilot morale and professional development across the flight operations department
  • Support recruiting, interviewing, selection, onboarding, and retention of qualified flight crew
  • Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching, mentoring, and corrective guidance when required
  • Participate in disciplinary actions in coordination with executive leadership and Human Resources
  • Represent Flight Operations internally and externally with customers, regulators, airport authorities, and industry partners
  • Support departmental initiatives that improve operational efficiency, standardization, and service quality
  • Partner cross-functionally with Maintenance, Scheduling, OCC, Safety, Training, and Client Services to ensure coordinated operational execution.

Operational Oversight & Flight Crew Management
  • Exercise delegated operational control responsibilities consistent with company policy and regulatory requirements
  • Ensure flights are conducted in compliance with 14 CFR regulations, Operations Specifications, company manuals, and approved procedures
  • Coordinate with Scheduling, Crew Planning, Maintenance Control, to ensure adequate crew coverage and operational continuity
  • Monitor pilot utilization to ensure balanced workloads and regulatory compliance with flight and duty limitations
  • Review and approve pilot schedules, training assignments, and time-off requests
  • Ensure all assigned pilots are current, qualified, and properly trained prior to flight assignment
  • Maintain oversight of pilot qualifications, currency tracking, and aircraft-specific authorizations
  • Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), check Airman, and/or Instructor Pilot when designated and as required to support operational needs
  • Assist the Director of Operations in execution of the company Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

Training & Standardization
  • Oversee development, implementation, and continuous improvement of pilot training programs
  • Ensure compliance with Part 135 training requirements and company-approved training curricula
  • Maintain standardization across fleets, crews, and operating practices
  • Coordinate with Training Providers and internal Check Airmen to maintain training availability and effectiveness
  • Monitor training performance trends and implement corrective or enhancement initiatives
  • Support qualification program approvals, curriculum revisions, and regulatory submissions when required

Safety, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
  • Ensure full compliance with FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, company manuals (GOM, SOPs, Training Manuals), and internal policies
  • Promote active participation in the company Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Reinforce proactive reporting culture consistent with Just Culture principles
  • Monitor flight operations to identify hazards, trends, and risk mitigation opportunities
  • Support internal safety investigations and corrective action implementation
  • Maintain a strong working relationship with the FAA Certificate Management Office (CMO)
  • Represent Flight Operations during regulatory audits, inspections, and third-party evaluations (ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO, internal audits)
  • Ensure compliance with Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements and Pilot Records Database (PRD) obligations
  • Maintain accurate pilot qualification records, training documentation, flight/duty records, and regulatory tracking systems
  • Ensure operational manuals, checklists, and publications remain current, standardized, and compliant
  • Support data-driven safety initiatives using FAA Data Collection Tools (DCTs) and internal performance monitoring programs.

Customer Experience & Operational Excellence
  • Reinforce service expectations consistent with Alerion Aviation's client experience standards
  • Support pilots in balancing safety, compliance, and premium service delivery
  • Assist in resolving operational service issues impacting customers or aircraft owners
  • Represent Flight Operations during owner meetings and operational briefings when required

Strategic & Organizational Support
  • Assist the Director of Operations in executing departmental strategy and operational initiatives
  • Support fleet integration, aircraft transitions, and operational readiness planning
  • Participate in audit preparation and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Provide input into policy development, SOP revisions, and operational enhancements
  • Support implementation of new technologies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Required Qualifications & Experience
  • Must meet Chief Pilot qualification requirements under 14 CFR §119.71
  • Must meet all Alerion Aviation Pilot requirements.
  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate required
  • Type rating in at least one aircraft operated by the company preferred (or ability to obtain).
  • Minimum 3,000 hours Total Flight Time
  • Previous leadership experience within a Part 135 environment required
  • Strong working knowledge of Part 119 and Part 135 regulatory framework
  • Experience participating in FAA inspections, certificate management interactions, and regulatory compliance activities
  • Experience supporting ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO, or similar audit programs preferred
  • Experience with FAA Data Collection Tools (DCTs) preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage professional pilot teams
  • Strong organizational, decision-making, and communication skills
  • High attention to detail and strong commitment to procedural compliance
  • Strong collaboration skills across Maintenance, Safety, Scheduling, and executive leadership teams
  • Ability to support a 24/7 operational environment, including weekends and holidays when required
  • Pass a DOT pre-employment drug test
  • Pass a TSA required fingerprint-based criminal history records check in compliance with TSA Security Program Standards and 49 CFR 1544.229 and 49 CFR 1544.230
  • Authority to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Check Airman experience
  • Instructor Pilot experience
  • 2,000 hours Multi PIC Time preferred
  • Safety Management System (SMS) leadership involvement
  • Prior experience supporting multi-fleet or geographically distributed operations
  • Previous experience serving as Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot in a Part 135 operation

Alerion Aviation
Alerion Aviation is a boutique aircraft management company with one of the largest private fleets in South Florida. We specialize in hands-on service, personalized aircraft care, and a transparent, safety-first approach that has earned us Platinum Elite status - one of the rarest designations in private aviation.
Our team is what makes us different. With decades of collective experience, each member brings deep expertise, human-first, and total accountability to every client interaction. We offer:
  • Medical: Company sponsors 100% premium for Employee and 50% premium for dependent on select plans
  • Dental and Vision Plan options
  • Group Life and AD&D
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D
  • 401(K) Retirement Plan and Match program
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Monthly Phone Allowance
  • Employer Paid Known Crewmember Badging
  • Paid Time Off

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