Chief Pilot

Total Aviation Staffing; Fishers (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Generous benefits package

Paid vacation and holidays

Training programs

Discounted flight training

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Total Aviation Staffing in Indianapolis, IN seeks a Chief Pilot to lead and develop our pilot organization, drive safety, and grow the operation. You will shape department direction, oversee standards, staffing, and compliance while maintaining currency through occasional flying.

Ideal candidate has ATP, 5,000+ total hours, 3,000+ PIC, and 3+ years PIC in Part 121/135 environments, plus proven leadership of 25+ pilots.

Qualifications

• ATP certificate is required.
• Minimum 5,000 hours total flight time.
• Minimum 3,000 PIC hours.
• At least 3 years PIC in Part 121 or Part 135 operations.
• Demonstrated leadership in a Part 135 environment.
• Experience leading a pilot group of 25+ pilots.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the pilot organization and ensure safety and compliance.
• Maintain high safety, performance, accountability, and professionalism standards.
• Develop and standardize department policies and procedures.
• Oversee fleet-wide operational standards and performance reviews.
• Identify risks, trends, and areas for improvement from operational data.
• Provide strategic direction and long-term growth for the department.
• Conduct limited flight activities to maintain currency and operational knowledge.
• Oversee hiring, promotions, and disciplinary actions for pilots.
• Relocation to Indianapolis, IN and background checks required.
• Support training programs and discounted flight training access.

Skills

ATP Certificate

5000 hours total flight time

PIC 3000 hours

PIC in Part 121/135

Leadership experience

Managing 25+ pilots

Relocation willingness to Indianapolis

Job description

Are you an experienced aviation leader ready to take the helm of a growing private aviation operation? We are seeking a highly qualified Chief Pilot to lead and develop our pilot organization while driving operational excellence, safety, and long-term growth.

In this leadership role, you will oversee pilot standards, operational compliance, staffing, and organizational development. You'll have the opportunity to shape the department’s direction, make strategic decisions, and contribute directly to the continued success of the operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall development and performance of the pilot organization.
• Maintain high standards of safety, performance, accountability, and professionalism.
• Develop and oversee department-wide standardization policies and procedures.
• Ensure consistent operational standards across the aircraft fleet.
• Review operational reports to identify trends, risks, exposures, and areas for improvement.
• Provide strategic direction and help shape the department’s future operations.
• Conduct limited support flying to maintain type currency and maintain firsthand operational knowledge.
• Exercise final authority over pilot hiring, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
• Promote sound decision-making and the effective application of operational and tactical strategies.
• Ensure aircraft and crew remain compliant with applicable regulations, documentation requirements, and company standards.
• Anticipate staffing and quality-of-life needs while proactively addressing potential operational challenges.
• Oversee the effectiveness of pilot-facing systems, processes, and tools.
• Identify and eliminate operational inefficiencies to improve overall department performance.

Requirements

• Hold a valid ATP Certificate.
• Have at least 5,000 hours of total flight time.
• Have at least 3,000 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) experience.
• Have a minimum of 3 years of PIC experience in Part 121 or Part 135 operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a Part 135 operating environment.
• Experience managing a pilot group of 25 or more pilots.
• Ability to obtain and maintain type ratings applicable to the company’s fleet.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations, operational standards, and company policies.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to Indianapolis, IN.
• Successfully pass required background checks and pre-employment screenings.
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Relocation assistance to Indianapolis, IN.
• Generous benefits package.
• Competitive compensation.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Access to comprehensive training programs.
• Discounted flight training.
• Supportive, close-knit team environment.
• Compassionate and collaborative leadership.