Chief Pilot – Aerial Survey & Mapping (Fixed‑Wing)

Pilot Assessments; Plainview (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Assessments in Texas is seeking a Chief Pilot to lead certified survey flights, planning and executing low-altitude missions to capture inspection data with RGB/LiDAR payloads.

You will operate fixed-wing platforms such as Citabria, Maule, and Cessna 172 series, produce clear post-mission reports, and maintain safety and mission readiness across the operation.

Qualifications

• Ability to safely execute low-altitude flight plans to exact project specs.
• Experience operating fixed-wing survey payload aircraft.
• Willingness to fly on weekends to meet maintenance/weather needs.
• Strong written communication for reports and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Plan and fly low-altitude flight profiles to capture inspection data and imagery per project specifications.
• Operate and monitor payloads including RGB cameras, LiDAR, thermal, methane, and other project-specific sensors.
• Produce clear post-mission reports and maintain accurate records of flight activities and data capture.
• Interact professionally with customers, management, and maintenance personnel to ensure mission success.
• Serve as the managing Chief Pilot, promoting standardized procedures, safety, and mission readiness across survey operations.

Skills

Flight planning

Payload operation

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Safety procedures

Tools

Citabria

Maule

Cessna 172

Cessna 172RG

Job description

What you'll do

• Plan and fly low‑altitude flight profiles to capture inspection data and imagery per project specifications.
• Operate and monitor payloads including RGB cameras, LiDAR, thermal, methane, and other project‑specific sensors.
• Produce clear post‑mission reports and maintain accurate records of flight activities and data capture.
• Interact professionally with customers, management, and maintenance personnel to ensure mission success.
• Serve as the managing Chief Pilot, promoting standardized procedures, safety, and mission readiness across survey operations.

What you bring

• Proven ability to safely execute low‑altitude flight plans to exacting project requirements.
• Experience operating fixed‑wing aircraft outfitted with survey and inspection payloads.
• Resolute work ethic with flexibility on flying days and routes—including weekends—to accommodate weather and maintenance.
• Strong written communication for report writing and confident, professional stakeholder engagement.

Mission equipment

• Sensors: RGB cameras, LiDAR, thermal, methane, and other project‑specific payloads.
• Platforms: Citabria, Maule, Cessna 172, Cessna 172RG.

Roster & scheduling

Scheduling is driven by mission needs, weather windows, and aircraft maintenance. Expect flexible days and routing, including weekend flying, to meet operational timelines.