Helicopter Chief Pilot – Virginia

Helijobs.net; Salem (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision coverage

401(k) plan

Job summary

Aerotek invites applications for a Chief Pilot to oversee flight operations and pilot management for a busy 145 Repair Station in Salem, VA. The role combines office leadership with regular local flight duties as part of a multi-airframe fleet.

The candidate will manage pilot qualifications, regulatory interactions, and training, while coordinating with maintenance and scheduling teams. A strong leadership record in aviation and a valid helicopter rating are essential.

Qualifications

• Must hold FAA commercial pilot certificate with helicopter rating.
• Valid Class 1 or Class 2 FAA medical certificate.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Extensive Bell 206B/206L/407/205/UH1H/412/429 helicopter experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform local test and RTS maintenance flights for the 145 Repair Station.
• Maintain and update GOM and flight operations procedures.
• Manage pilot qualifications, currency, and training requirements.
• Develop and oversee pilot schedules for Part 91, 133, 135, and 137.
• Interface with FAA on flight operations, compliance, and certifications.
• Coordinate with 145 Repair Station management for safe aircraft return to service.
• Handle administrative duties related to customer billing and documentation.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections for airworthiness.
• Lead training for pilots and operational staff; supervise teams.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team coordination

Regulatory liaison

Flight operations oversight

Pre-flight inspections

Post-flight inspections

FAA interaction

External load operations

Long line operations

Decision making

Education

High school diploma or GED

FAA Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The Chief Pilot oversees flight operations and pilot management while performing local test flights and return-to-service maintenance flights for a 145 Repair Station. This role is primarily office-based Monday through Friday, with regular flying duties, and requires extensive experience in Bell 206B, 206L, 407, 205, UH1H, 412, and 429 helicopter airframes. The Chief Pilot maintains critical operational documents, ensures pilot readiness, and serves as a key liaison with regulatory authorities and internal maintenance teams.

Job Description

• Perform local test flights and return-to-service (RTS) maintenance flights for the 145 Repair Station in Bell 206B, 206L, 407, 205, UH1H, 412, and 429 helicopter airframes.
• Maintain and update the General Operations Manual (GOM), flight operations procedures, and other critical regulatory and operational documents.
• Manage pilot qualifications, including tracking currency and training requirements, to ensure operational readiness.
• Develop and oversee pilot schedules to support a variety of operations, including Part 91, 133, 135, and 137 activities.
• Interact directly with the FAA on matters related to flight operations, compliance, and certifications.
• Coordinate closely with 145 Repair Station management to support maintenance flights and ensure safe and efficient aircraft return to service.
• Handle administrative duties associated with customer billing and operational documentation.
• Conduct and oversee pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft safety and airworthiness.
• Exercise sound judgment in aircraft operation and safety, especially in demanding operational environments such as firefighting and utility work.
• Support and participate in training activities, including conducting and scheduling training for pilots and operational staff.
• Engage in direct customer interaction to support mission planning, operational coordination, and service delivery.
• Work effectively in a team environment, providing strong leadership and clear communication to pilots and support personnel.
• Current FAA commercial pilot certificate with helicopter rating.
• Valid Class 1 or Class 2 FAA medical certificate.
• Considerable flight time and operational experience in Bell 206B, 206L, 407, 205, UH1H, 412, and 429 helicopter airframes.
• Experience with long line and external load operations.
• Experience in utility and powerline operations.
• Proven leadership experience in aviation or flight operations.
• Strong ability to exercise good judgment in aircraft operation and safety.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead pilots and support staff.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and strong organizational abilities.
• Ability to perform thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections.
• Active, valid drivers license.
• High school diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience conducting and scheduling training for pilots and operational personnel.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective customer interaction and internal collaboration.
• Ability to manage pilot schedules and qualifications in a dynamic operational environment.
• Comfort working in changing climate conditions and moderate noise levels.
• Ability to regularly move items weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Experience with administrative tasks such as customer billing and documentation.
• Familiarity with Part 91, 133, 135, and 137 operations.
• Ability to interact professionally with FAA representatives and regulatory bodies.

Why Work Here?

Employees contribute specialized skills, knowledge, and experience that directly support competitive and reliable aircraft services, and this contribution is recognized through a competitive benefits package and compensation. Team members have the opportunity to take part in innovative projects in the dynamic aviation and avionics market, benefiting from a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This role is based in an aviation environment that conducts a wide range of operations, including Part 91, 133, 135, and 137 activities, forestry spraying, and DOI firefighting missions. The Chief Pilot works primarily Monday through Friday in an office setting, combined with regular local test flights and RTS maintenance flights for a 145 Repair Station. The work environment involves changing climate conditions, moderate noise levels, and the need to handle equipment and items weighing 50 pounds or more. Operations include long line and external load work, utility and powerline missions, and close collaboration with maintenance personnel and regulatory authorities in an active flight operations setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Salem, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 – $180000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Summits commitment to our employees is recognized through our competitive benefits package and compensation along with taking part in innovative projects in the ever-changing aviation avionics market.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Salem,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Aerotek Aviation, LLC is one of North America‘s largest employment resource of contract, contract-to-hire and direct placement assignments for specialized talent within the aviation industry. Our technical recruiters have the expertise to find you the most sought after opportunities in Aviation Manufacturing, Airlines and Cargo and related industries.