Chief Pilot

Vertical Aviation International; Fort Lauderdale (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) with match

Paid Time Off

Travel Privileges

Job summary

Makers Air in Florida is seeking an experienced Chief Pilot to lead FAA Part 135 flight operations, mentor pilots, and drive a strong safety culture across Florida and the Bahamas. This hands-on leadership role oversees regulatory compliance, training, and operational excellence while supporting safe and reliable service.

The ideal candidate has PIC experience, a Commercial Pilot certificate (ATP preferred), and a track record of leading a high-performing flight department.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years PIC experience under 14 CFR Part 121 or 135 with recent C208 PIC within past 3–5 years.
• Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings; ATP preferred.
• Previous Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot experience is preferred; must meet 14 CFR §119.71 if first-time Chief Pilot.

Responsibilities

• Lead pilot recruitment, onboarding, training, standardization, mentoring, and performance management.
• Ensure flight operations comply with FAA regs, SOPs, and Operations Specifications.
• Oversee pilot qualifications, training records and compliance to keep crews current and ready.
• Manage flight scheduling, crew assignments, duty time, and operational control.
• Maintain flight manuals, publications, checklists, and operational documents.
• Collaborate with Directors to support aircraft availability and regulatory compliance.
• Support audits, inspections, and SMS to uphold safety culture.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring pilots

FAA regulations

Operations management

Education

Commercial Pilot Certificate

ATP preferred

Job description

Full-time Makers Air is seeking an experienced, safety-driven Chief Pilot to lead our FAA Part 135 flight operations. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for overseeing pilot performance, regulatory compliance, training, and operational excellence while supporting safe and reliable service throughout Florida and the Bahamas. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who is passionate about mentoring pilots, building a strong safety culture, and driving continuous operational Improvement.

Essential Functions

• Lead all aspects of pilot recruitment, onboarding, training, standardization, mentoring, and performance management.
• Ensure all flight operations comply with FAA regulations, company policies, Operations Specifications, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee pilot qualifications, certifications, training records, and FAA compliance to ensure all flight crew members remain current and operationally ready.
• Manage flight scheduling, crew assignments, duty time compliance, and operational control to support safe and efficient flight operations.
• Maintain aircraft manuals, flight publications, checklists, and operational documents to ensure crews have accurate and up-to-date information.
• Partner with the Director of Operations, Director of Maintenance, and cross-functional teams to support aircraft availability, regulatory compliance, and daily operations.
• Lead FAA compliance efforts by supporting audits, inspections, reporting, and continuous adherence to company manuals and Operations Specifications.
• Champion the company's Safety Management System (SMS) by promoting hazard reporting, mentoring pilots, communicating operational updates, and fostering accountability across the flight department.

• Minimum three (3) years of recent Pilot in Command (PIC) experience under 14 CFR Part 121 or Part 135, including recent Cessna Caravan (C208) PIC experience within the past three (3) to five (5) years.
• Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings (ATP preferred).
• Previous Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot experience is preferred. Candidates serving as Chief Pilot for the first time must meet the qualification requirements of 14 CFR §119.71.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to mentor pilots, promote safety, and lead a high-performing flight department.
• Must be willing and able to travel to various parts of the United States, Caribbean, and Canada for periods of days to weeks as required for training, repairs or other business needs.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to meet all FAA, company, General Operations Manual (GOM), Operations Specifications, training, checking, and qualification requirements.

Work Schedule

• This is a full-time, salaried leadership position supporting a 7 day week Part 135 operation.
• Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and outside normal business hours as operational needs require.
• Maintain an active leadership presence and provide operational support outside normal business hours as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salaried leadership position with additional flight pay for hours flown.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary benefits including pet insurance, legal services, identity theft protection, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• SIMPLE IRA with company match (if that's what Makers Air offers)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and recurrent training
• Employee travel privileges and company discounts