Chief Pilot

STARS Air Ambulance; Calgary; On-site; CAD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Free parking

Salary tailored to education and exp.

Job summary

STARS Air Ambulance is seeking a Chief Pilot to lead aviation operations across bases in Alberta. This full-time role combines management with active flight oversight, requiring extensive PIC experience, IFR/NVG expertise, and the ability to develop training programs.

The successful candidate will oversee SOPs, training, and operational directives while reporting to the VP Aviation. A strong leadership background and TC-approved qualifications are essential.

Qualifications

• Must hold Canadian ATPL(H) with Group 4 Instrument Rating.
• Qualified as PIC on Airbus H145 or able to qualify via STARS program.
• Experience in EMS or similar rotary-wing operations is required.
• CRM training and Transport Canada certification are required.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain pilot training programs.
• Strong multi-engine IFR and NVG operations background.

Responsibilities

• Maintain professional standards among flight crew.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs for flight operations.
• Oversee all required training programs for flight crew.
• Issue operational directives and notices as required.
• Review and act on crew reports; provide mentorship to flight crew.
• Fulfill additional duties as directed by VP Aviation (Operations Manager).

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Team development

Conflict resolution

Decision making

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Resilience

Adaptability

Operational excellence

Education

ATPL(H)

Group 4 Instrument Rating

Pilot-in-Command (PIC) on H145

CRM and CRM course (TC approved)

Crew Resource Management (CRM) course

IFR EMS or rotary-wing ops

Mountain flying certification

NVG operations experience

Meets CASS 723.07 Chief Pilot standards

Mix of multi-engine IFR and EMS experience

Job description

Chief Pilot

Full Time

Why STARS

At STARS, we come to work every day with a purpose…to save lives. Whether you work in the aircraft or at one of our six bases, everyone at STARS plays a vital role in helping to provide critical care, anywhere. Since flying our first mission in 1985, we have never lost sight of what is most important – our VIPS, or Very Important Patients. Each year, we fly over 3,000 missions, providing worldclass critical medical care whenever and wherever we are needed, and every team member contributes to helping that VIP. We are a lifeline to the community when time and clinical expertise can make all the difference.

We are currently looking for a Chief Pilot at any one of our bases in the Aviation department.

This is a full-time management position that includes a minimum 0.3 FTE Line Captain and/or Training Captain schedule.

Being a Pilot with STARS is about so much more than flying an aircraft – it’s about being a beacon of hope when the unimaginable happens. Our Pilots undergo extensive, ongoing training each year to ensure they are at the top of their game, ready to respond no matter the conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain professional standards among flight crew;
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
• Oversee all required training programs for flight crew;
• Issue operational directives and notices as required;
• Review, process, and action crew reports; and provide direct supervision and mentorship to flight crew;
• Additional responsibilities as delegated by the VP Aviation (Operations Manager).

Education & Related Credentials

• Current Canadian ATPL(H) and valid Group 4 Instrument Rating.
• Qualified as Pilot-in-Command on the Airbus H145 or able to achieve qualification through the STARS training program.
• Flight Instructor, Training Captain, and/or Transport Canada Authorized Check Pilot designation.
• Completion of a Transport Canada-approved Crew Resource Management (CRM) course.
• Experience in IFR EMS or similar rotary-wing operations.
• Proven experience developing and maintaining pilot training programs.
• Mountain flying certification and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operational experience.
• Meets or exceeds Chief Pilot qualifications as outlined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations and Commercial Air Service Standards (CASS 723.07).
• Strong background in multi-engine IFR, EMS, and NVG operations.
• Meets or exceeds Chief Pilot qualifications as defined by CASS 723.07, including:
  • 2,500 hours PIC rotary-wing
  • 250 hours PIC within the previous three years
  • 500 hours PIC multi-engine helicopter
  • 300 hours combined IFR/night
  • 100 hours on a STARS-operated aircraft type
• Strong Aviation training background in multi-engine IFR aircraft and in EMS and NVG operations;

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous aviation management experience, preferably in a complex operational environment.
• Eligible for Transport Canada approval as Chief Pilot in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations and Commercial Air Service Standards (CASS 723.07).
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across the organization.
• Proven conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to balance operational priorities with employee and stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and effectiveness in high‑pressure, time‑sensitive environments.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and operational excellence.
• Sound judgment, accountability, and strong situational awareness.

Bona Fide Occupational Statement

• All STARS Pilot roles are physically demanding and require overall strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular capabilities.
• All pilot roles have bona fide occupational requirements, e.g., physical standards, that are integral to fulfilling the role. These are detailed in the pilot Physical Demands Analysis that is shared during the recruitment selection process.
• All pilot roles are required to wear personal protective equipment.

What we offer

At STARS, every day we come to work with a purpose, to save lives. Maybe that’s your purpose too.

We provide a strong total reward offering inclusive of a salary tailored to your education and experience, comprehensive organization-paid health and dental benefits, free parking and more. But the real reward is joining a legacy – a legacy of lives saved, of hope in the fact of the unimaginable, and of pride in making a difference.

When you join STARS, you become part of a community that knows we’re stronger together. It takes a team to deliver the highest standards of care, and we need you to help us be our best.

Elevate your career. Be part of something bigger. Be part of STARS.