Chief Aviation Officer

Boston MedFlight; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston MedFlight is seeking a Chief Aviation Officer to lead the aviation business unit, including flight operations, maintenance, and safety programs. You will ensure regulatory compliance with FAA and CAMTS, align fleet planning with patient care needs, and partner with executive leadership on strategic initiatives.

The role requires a track record in aviation leadership, strong budgeting and risk management, and the ability to influence across functions while representing the organization to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of aviation leadership experience, preferably in air medical transport
• 5+ years in senior or executive aviation leadership with direct supervision
• Valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant or Commercial Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft/Helicopter – Instrument). This is a non-flying position; current medical certificate and currency are not required
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as an A&P or PIC for an HAA organization
• Strong interpersonal, listening, writing, and public speaking skills, with the ability to work independently and lead cross-functionally
• Willingness to travel as needed for organizational representation and meetings
• Must have reliable weekday scheduling capability

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety, performance, and compliance for the aviation unit under FAA regulations and CAMTS accreditation standards
• Oversee the Director roles and Aviation Safety Manager, ensuring coordinated safe operations
• Develop and manage aircraft fleet replacement strategy and capital expenditures
• Collaborate on budgeting and financial planning for aviation activities
• Provide executive aviation guidance to the CEO and Board of Trustees
• Represent Boston MedFlight with FAA, CAMTS, hospitals, and partner organizations
• Foster Just Culture and open safety-reporting to drive systemic improvements
• Coordinate education and training for pilots, mechanics, and clinicians in aviation safety

Skills

Aviation leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Public speaking

Cross-functional leadership

FAA regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

FAA A&P certificate / rotorcraft PIC

Tools

SMS software

Job description

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Aviation Officer (CAO) provides collaborative strategic leadership and executive oversight of Boston MedFlight’s aviation business unit which includes flight operations, maintenance, and aviation safety. The CAO ensures the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of aviation operations and respects and preserves the regulatory, airworthiness, and operational authority of the Director of Aviation Operations (DO), Director of Maintenance (DOM) and Chief Pilor (CP) while aligning performance with the organization’s mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain the highest standards of safety, performance, and compliance for Boston MedFlight's aviation business unit under applicable FAA regulations and CAMTS accreditation standards.
• Oversee the Director of Aviation Operations, Director of Aviation Maintenance, and Aviation Safety Manager, ensuring coordinated and safe aviation operations. The Director of Aviation Safety maintains a direct line of communication to the CEO as Accountable Executive.
• Ensure aviation departments have the resources and support necessary to maintain required documentation and records in accordance with regulations, accreditation standards, manufacturers, and organizational requirements.
• Support aviation quality functions, including internal compliance audits, corrective action tracking, and oversight of safety data programs (FOQA, ASAP, MSAP).
• Maintain executive oversight of flight operations and maintenance quality programs and ensure significant findings, trends, and resource needs are communicated to the senior leadership team.
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and participate in strategic planning discussions and initiatives.
• Serve as a key aviation advisor to the CEO and Board of Trustees, contributing aviation expertise to strategic decision-making, industry partnerships, fleet planning initiatives, and presentations to the Board on business unit updates, key aviation initiatives, and challenges.
• Represent Boston MedFlight in matters related to aviation with consortium and community hospitals, trade organizations, the FAA, state or municipal aviation bodies, airport management, community organizations, and contract agencies.
• Develop and manage aircraft fleet replacement strategy and capital expenditures, including ongoing assessment of fleet size, type, and equipment against patient care requirements and suitability.
• In coordination with finance, prepare and manage the annual aviation budget, including forecasting expenses and capital needs.
• Authorize expenditures within defined organizational limits.
• Monitor the aviation budget and provide variance analysis with recommendations.
• Submit monthly readiness and performance reports to executive leadership.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to define staffing needs, qualifications, compensation, performance evaluation, employment policies, and workforce and succession planning for aviation team members.
• Ensure aviation departments have appropriate resources and support for education and training of aviation programs for personnel including pilots and mechanics, and aviation specific training for clinicians and communication specialists.
• Conduct performance evaluations of direct reports and support leadership development and accountability.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture that supports cross-functional teamwork, communication, and shared accountability across the aviation business unit.
• Collaborate with Clinical leadership to support patient care needs within applicable aviation safety, airworthiness, and regulatory requirements. .
• Provide executive level support and oversight of vendor and OEM relationships to support fleet performance and reliability.
• Support community outreach, education, and development/marketing initiatives.

Oversight Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior executive aviation resource to organizational leadership while leveraging the technical expertise and regulatory authority of aviation department leaders.
• Champion a Just Culture and open safety-reporting environment across the aviation business unit, ensuring event findings drive systemic improvement rather than individual blame.
• Develop and implement aviation policies and Safety Management System (SMS) processes that prioritize risk mitigation, operational safety, and regulatory excellence, in coordination with the Accountable Executive.
• Define and refine operational standards to promote safety, efficiency, and mission readiness while operational and technical standards remain under the authority of the DO/DOM.
• Support facilitating coordination between flight operations and maintenance to support safe and sustainable readiness recognizing airworthiness, staffing, fatigue, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify safety concerns, recommend corrective actions, and ensure resolution plans are communicated across the organization.
• Maintain high standards of customer service throughout the organization’s transport systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or relevant equivalent experience
• 10+ years of aviation leadership experience preferably in air medical transport.
• 5+ years in senior or executive aviation leadership with direct supervisory experience.
• Valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant or Commercial Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft/Helicopter – Instrument). This is a non-flying position; current medical certificate and currency are not required.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as an A&P or PIC for an HAA organization
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and continuously improve aviation policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, writing, and public speaking skills, with the ability to work independently and lead cross-functionally.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, and team-building ability
• Working knowledge of aviation regulations, policies, best practices.
• Demonstrated financial and budget management expertise.
• Willingness to travel as needed for organizational representation and meetings.
• Must have reliable weekday scheduling capability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in aviation, business administration, or a related field
• Experience in stand-alone / non-vendor, multi-base air medical operations
• Familiarity with CAMTS accreditation standards and the healthcare/EMS regulatory environment
• Prior experience as or working directly with a Part 119 management position such as a DO, DOM, or CP under Part 135
• Experience developing aviation leaders and succession plans