Chief Pilot

The Chief Pilot reports to the Director of Operations, manages the company flight training program, supervises all company pilots, and ensures all flight operations are conducted safely and to the highest degree of professionalism in accordance with all appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations, company manuals, directives, and policies and procedures. The Chief Pilot shall meet all requirements under 14 CFR 119.71.

• Supervise and ensure all pilots and crew members are properly certificated, rated, trained, qualified, and proficient as required by 14 CFR Part 61, 91, and 135
• Maintains currency and proficiency as Pilot in Command, Company Instructor, and Check Airman in company aircraft
• Supports the Director of Operations by performing basic HR functions for the aviation department, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new pilots and counseling or discharging pilots
• Establishes and manages approved ground and flight training programs for company check airmen and instructors, line pilots, clinical/medical personnel, and other operations personnel
• Exercises Operational Control for flight operations in accordance with the regulation
• Direct supervisor of check airmen, instructor pilots, base lead pilots, and PICs involved in daily flight operations
• Prepares and maintains proficiency records, pilot files, duty time records, reports, and correspondence pertaining to flight operations
• Collaborates with operations scheduler to ensure pilot schedule is adequately and appropriately staffed for 24-hour flight operations
• Coordinates with the Director of Operations and Director of Maintenance for planned inspections or unscheduled maintenance actions on company aircraft
• Ensures all training and flight checks are conducted to the highest standards and in compliance with applicable Federal Regulations and the company training program
• Collaborates with the Electronic Flight Bag Program administrator to ensure the EFB Program Manual and Catalog is up to date and in compliance with federal regulations
• Collaborates with Program Director to ensure all clinical staff meet regulatory and aviation safety requirements
• Enforces pilot conduct and flight crew operating requirements in accordance with the GOM, Training Manual, SMS, Company SOPs, and FARs
• Performs thorough investigations practicing the “Just Culture” methodology
• Act as a company liaison with FAA and NTSB in concert with the Director of Operations
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations and Safety Manager on all incident reports to identify root causes and changes to reduce/prevent reoccurrences
• Lead by example through conducting oneself as a professional pilot and ambassador of the company, taking excellent care of the customer and aircraft
• Collaborates with the Director of Operations for the annual aviation department budget
• Comply with Company policies and Procedures, GOM, Training Manual, SMS, SOPs, Ops Specs, FARs, FAA process, and applicable requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Meet 14 CFR Part 119 and 135 requirements to serve as Chief Pilot and Check Airman
• Meet qualifications for Mercy Flight Central Pilot in Command
• Valid FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Helicopter Certificate with Instrument Rating
• Current FAA CFI and CFII strongly encouraged
• Current FAA Medical First or Second Class
• Current Driver’s License
• Must pass DOT drug and alcohol test
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), Bachelor’s Degree, and four to six years related experience and/or training as set forth in the following:
  • 2500 hours total pilot time
  • Must meet CAMTS PIC minimums
  • Prior experience in managing people, aviation training programs, and in-office/community environments or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Language Ability:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have experience with Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Acrobat, electronic tablets, applicable flight planning software, and electronic flight and duty tracking software.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent 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 essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to see color.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here represent employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold (non-weather); extreme heat (non-weather); and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather), and is at risk of electrical shock. Additionally, the noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.