Chief Pilot

RedBalloon; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Anonymous, based near Moscow-Pullman (PUW), is assembling a private flight department for a technology founder. The Chief Pilot will fly the aircraft day-to-day, set safety standards, and partner with a small, experienced crew to support personal and business travel.

This role offers stability with one aircraft and a principal, while maintaining high professional standards and discretion. The ideal candidate is an accomplished PIC with leadership experience and the ability to manage external

Qualifications

• Experience as pilot in command for large jets or corporate flight operations.
• Ability to lead a small flight crew of 4–6 pilots and contractors.
• Proven track record of maintaining high safety and service standards.
• Comfort coordinating with maintenance providers and external schedulers.

Responsibilities

• Fly and lead the operation as PIC for the Founder’s Cessna Citation X from PUW.
• Lead and mentor a core team of pilots, vet and manage backup contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Pilot in command

Crew management

Safety & discretion

Job description

Company: Anonymous

Job Summary

Private Flight Department of a Technology Founder & CEO

Our client is the Founder and CEO of a rapidly growing, venture-backed, high-valuation company. He is building a private flight department to support his personal and business travel, anchored by a single Cessna Citation X based at the Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport (PUW) in Washington. The aircraft will fly a daily commute route between Moscow-Pullman and Los Angeles, along with additional trips as the Founder's schedule requires.

The Chief Pilot will lead this flight operation day to day — flying the aircraft, setting the standard for a small team of pilots and serving as the Founder's trusted partner in the air. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced pilot to step off the road warrior pace of commercial or charter flying and build a stable, high-quality flying career anchored in one place, with one aircraft, and one principal.

Responsibilities

Fly and Lead the Operation

• Serve as the primary/standardization pilot in command of the Founder's Cessna Citation X, based full-time at Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport (PUW).
• Support the daily commute route between Moscow-Pullman and Los Angeles, plus additional trips for the Founder's business and personal travel as needed.
• Accommodate short-notice trips and last-minute schedule changes with flexibility and a calm, solutions-oriented approach.
• Set the tone and standard of safety, professionalism, and discretion for the flight crew.

Lead the Flight Crew

• Serve as the senior pilot for a team expected to include a core of 4-6 pilots, providing leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day direction.
• Vet additional pilots and backup contractors. Uphold rigorous standards for flight readiness, crew conduct, and passenger experience.

Partner on Flight Operations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the outsourced maintenance provider, ensuring the aircraft is airworthy and trip-ready — maintenance execution itself is handled by the outside provider, not the Chief Pilot.
• Coordinate with the outsourced flight scheduling service on trip requests, routing, and logistics — day-to-day scheduling administration is handled externally, not by the Chief Pilot.
• Flag any safety, compliance, or service issues promptly and directly to the Founder.

Qualifications

This role is built for a pilot who is ready for a career destination opportunity flying for a stable, high-caliber operation anchored in one home base. With maintenance and scheduling administration handled by outside providers, the Chief Pilot can focus on what matters most: flying safely, leading a small and capable team of pilots, and being a dependable partner to a principal interested in attracting and retaining a top-tier Chief Pilot. Compensation is commensurate with experience and current market conditions.