Chief Pilot

Meritus; London Borough of Bromley; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Meritus Talent is assisting a well-established UK helicopter operator to recruit an experienced Chief Pilot who will also contribute to Flight Operations leadership and regulatory compliance across the AOC.

The role focuses on flying standards, operational delivery, crew management, and regulatory compliance, ensuring safe, compliant, and commercially effective operations while maintaining high service standards.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in rotary-wing flight operations.
• Strong understanding of UK CAA, AOC and Air Operations requirements.
• Experience in managing flight crews and training programs.
• Experience interacting with regulators and during audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day flight operations and supervise flight crews.
• Ensure operations comply with UK CAA and AOC requirements.
• Drive a strong safety culture and professional standards.
• Recruit, induct, and develop pilots and operational readiness.
• Collaborate with Safety, Compliance and Training teams and liaise with the UK CAA.

Skills

Leadership

Flight operations

Regulatory compliance

Crew management

UK CAA liaison

AOC management

Education

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 Operations to 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