Chief Pilot

RedBalloon; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Anonymous, acting on behalf of a private founder and CEO, seeks a Chief Pilot to build and lead a private flight department anchored by a single Cessna Citation X based at Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport (PUW). The role supports daily commutes between Moscow-Pullman and Los Angeles.

As Chief Pilot you will fly the aircraft, set safety and performance standards, mentor a core pilot team, and coordinate with an outsourced maintenance provider and scheduling service.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on PIC experience with high-performance aircraft.
• Proven ability to lead a small flight crew.
• Strong commitment to safety, discretion, and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Fly as PIC of the Founder’s Cessna Citation X based at PUW.
• Lead and mentor a crew of pilots; set standards for flight readiness and conduct.
• Coordinate with maintenance and scheduling providers; address safety issues promptly.

Skills

Leadership

Pilot experience

Safety standards

Discretion

Job description

Company: Anonymous

RedBalloon posts jobs on behalf of client companies

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.