Chief Pilot

Job Title: Chief Pilot  
Department: FAA Support  
Reports To: DO
Location: PrivateFlite Aviation 

Company: 

Aircraft Specialists and PrivateFlite Aviation offer a comprehensive range of general aviation services, including FBO operations, FAA Part 145 Maintenance, and Part 135 Charter services. Based just outside Louisville, Kentucky, our mission is to “Provide the Ultimate Client Experience.”  Our culture is built on six core values that guide every interaction and decision: Integrity, We Before Me, Commitment to Excellence, Service-Centered, Level 10 Attitude, Always Be Winning. Every team member is expected to embody these values as we serve our clients and support one another. Whether in the hangar, on the ramp, or in the air, we are united in delivering unmatched service and excellence in aviation. 

Basic Function:
The Chief Pilot (CP) reports directly to the Director of Operations (DO) and is responsible for the supervision, performance, and regulatory compliance of all flight crewmembers. The CP must meet the qualifications outlined in 14 CFR §119.71(b) at the time of appointment and maintain eligibility throughout tenure. Authorized to exercise Operational Control under 14 CFR §135.77, the CP ensures that flight operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulations and company procedures. 

While certain duties may be delegated, the CP retains full responsibility and authority for all functions assigned to the position. The CP must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the General Operations Manual, FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, aircraft flight manuals, and all operational guidance relevant to the role. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Flight Crew Oversight and Training  
• Directs all initial, recurrent, and upgrade training activities for flight crew members in accordance with company policies and FAA requirements.  
• Coordinates operational policies and training matters with relevant departments including safety, maintenance, sales, flight control, and training to ensure alignment and compliance.  
• Ensures crew standardization through regular evaluation, feedback, and corrective action as needed.  
• Documentation and Compliance 
• Audits aircraft documentation to verify that current required documentation (e.g., registration, airworthiness certificate, AFM) is onboard and accessible.  
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date proficiency records, flight schedules, operational reports, and correspondence related to flight operations.  
• Submits all required reports pertaining to flight crew activities to the Director of Operations (DO) in a timely manner.  
• Operational Control and Scheduling 
• Exercises Operational Control under 14 CFR §135.77, except when assigned as a required flight crewmember on a given flight, in which case release authority must be delegated. 
• Schedules flight crew members and establish duty hours in accordance with FAA flight duty limitations and company policy.  
• Along with the Director of Training, designates and oversees sufficient check airmen to meet the ongoing checking requirements of 14 CFR §§135.293, 135.297, and 135.299. 
• Aircraft Manuals and Technical Updates  
• Maintains a subscription to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) revision service and/or manufacturer bulletins for each aircraft typed owned and/or operated by the company. 
• Reviews all updates to the AFM and evaluates their applicability to organizational operations.  
• Disseminates relevant revisions and procedural changes to affected flight crew members.  
• In collaboration with the Director of Training, incorporates applicable updates into the aircraft training program and ensures training materials reflect current operational guidance.  
• Pilot-in-Command Currency 
• Maintains proficiency and qualifications as a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) in accordance with 14 CFR §119.71, including currency in at least one aircraft type operated by the certificate holder.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Leadership Experience: Prior supervisory or managerial experience in flight operations or crew training. 
• Check Airman Authorization: Previous designation as a Check Airman under 14 CFR §§135.293, 135.297, or 135.299. 
• Training Program Development: Experience designing or managing pilot training programs, including standardization and recurrent training. 
• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with AFM revision services and manufacturer bulletins; ability to evaluate and integrate updates into operations. 
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting, crew advisories, and coordination with the DO and FAA. 
• Operational Systems: Proficiency with scheduling software, flight tracking systems, and document management platforms. 
• Safety Culture: Demonstrated commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement in flight operations. 

Required Qualifications 

• Pilot Certificate: Must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with appropriate ratings for aircraft operated. 
• PIC Qualification: Must be qualified to serve as Pilot-in-Command in at least one aircraft used by the certificate holder. 
• Experience: 
• If serving as Chief Pilot for the first time: Minimum of 3 years PIC experience within the past 6 years under Part 121 or Part 135 operations. 
• If previously served as Chief Pilot: Minimum of 3 years PIC experience under Part 121 or Part 135. 
• Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, and company manuals. 
• Operational Control: Must be eligible to exercise Operational Control under 14 CFR §135.77. 

Job Type: Full-time 

Benefits: 

• 401(k) 
• Dental insurance 
• Disability insurance 
• Health insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Paid time off 
• Vision insurance