Chief Pilot

Yolk Recruitment Ltd; London Borough of Bromley; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Meritus Talent is recruiting on behalf of a well-established UK helicopter operator for an experienced Chief Pilot to lead their flight operations.

This senior leadership role covers flying standards, operational delivery, crew management and regulatory compliance across a varied multi-type helicopter operation. You will work with senior management, flight crews, customers and the UK CAA to keep operations safe, compliant and commercially effective.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in commercial helicopter operations.
• Experience as Chief Pilot or Flight Operations leader.
• Knowledge of UK CAA, AOC and Air Operations requirements.
• Experience dealing with regulators and audits.
• Leads safety culture and crew management.
• Experience with AW139/169/145/109 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day flight operations and supervise flight crew and flying standards.
• Ensure compliance with UK CAA requirements, the AOC and Operations Manual.
• Drive a strong safety culture and high professional standards.
• Manage and develop pilots including recruitment, induction and readiness.
• Collaborate with Safety, Compliance and Training teams.
• Act as operational contact for the UK CAA.
• Support CAA audits, inspections and regulatory visits.
• Develop operational manuals, procedures and regulatory submissions.
• Build strong customer relationships to translate requirements into safe, effective operations.

Skills

Leadership

Flight operations

Regulatory compliance

Crew management

AOC management

AW models awareness

Education

UK CAA CPL(H) or ATPL(H)

Job description

Meritus Talent are working with a well-established UK helicopter operator to recruit an experienced Chief Pilot that will also help with Flight Operationsto lead their flight operations.

This is a key senior leadership position within the AOC, taking responsibility for flying standards, operational delivery, crew management and regulatory compliance across a varied multi-type helicopter operation.

You'll work closely with senior management, flight crews, customers and the UK CAA, making sure operations remain safe, compliant and commercially effective while continuing to maintain a high standard of service.

What you'll be doing

• Leading day-to-day flight operations and supervising flight crew and flying standards
• Ensuring operations remain compliant with UK CAA requirements, the AOC and Operations Manual
• Driving a strong safety culture and high professional standards across the operation
• Managing and developing pilots, including recruitment, induction, standardisation and operational readiness
• Working closely with Safety, Compliance and Training teams
• Acting as a key operational contact for the UK CAA
• Supporting CAA audits, inspections, regulatory visits and the closure of any findings
• Supporting the development of operational manuals, procedures, approvals and regulatory submissions
• Building strong relationships with customers and ensuring their requirements are translated into safe and effective operations

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone with strong rotary-wing experience who understands both the flying and operational leadership side of running a UK AOC.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Extensive commercial helicopter operational experience
• Previous Chief Pilot, Flight Operations or wider AOC management/postholder experience
• Strong knowledge of UK CAA, AOC and Air Operations requirements
• Experience dealing directly with regulators, audits and compliance processes
• Strong leadership and crew management skills
• A professional, commercially aware and customer-focused approach
• Experience on AW139, AW169, H145 and/or AW109
• Previous HEMS and/or charter experience

Essential requirements

• UK CAA CPL(H) or ATPL(H)
• Valid Class 1 Medical
• Right to live and work in the UK
• Able to hold the position of Nominated Person Flight Operations Manager within a UK AOC