Helicopter Chief Pilot/General Manager – South Africa

Heli Preflight; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

THG Titan Helicopter Group is seeking a General Manager – Chief Pilot in George, South Africa, in a hybrid arrangement. The role oversees flight operations, pilot management, safety, and SOP compliance, coordinating with maintenance and safety teams to ensure fleet readiness for offshore, onshore, charter, and OGP missions.

The position requires extensive helicopter command time, strong leadership, regulatory proficiency, and the ability to coordinate complex operations with multiple

Qualifications

• Command time on medium and large turbine helicopters (AW139, S76, S92).
• Valid commercial or airline transport license with type ratings and medical.
• Experience supervising pilot teams and rostering.
• Knowledge of aviation regulations, safety systems, and SOPs.
• Experience coordinating with maintenance and engineering for airworthiness.

Responsibilities

• Oversee flight operations and pilot management.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and company standards.
• Lead safety and training initiatives and SOP development.
• Coordinate with maintenance, safety, and compliance teams.
• Plan and manage operational readiness of the fleet.

Skills

Command time on turbine helicopters

Leadership and management

Regulatory knowledge

Operational coordination

Communication skills

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

Aviation management or related field

Job description

Description

Company Description THG Titan Helicopter Group is the leading large helicopter operator in South Africa, serving a broad range of clients including governments, public enterprises, oil and gas companies, and international relief agencies. The group delivers offshore and onshore services, charter operations, OGP support, and comprehensive maintenance solutions. Titan operates a varied fleet that includes AW139, Sikorsky S76C+, S92, S76C++, Mi8, Kamov, and BO105 aircraft, enabling tailored solutions for different mission profiles. The organization is committed to safety, reliability, and operational excellence in demanding environments across the globe.

Role Description The General Manager – Chief Pilot will oversee flight operations and pilot management while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and company standards. This contract role is based in George in a hybrid arrangement, combining on-site leadership of operational teams with some work-from-home responsibilities for planning, reporting, and administration. Day-to-day tasks include supervising pilot scheduling and performance, maintaining operational readiness of the fleet, and coordinating with maintenance, safety, and compliance teams. The role is responsible for developing and enforcing standard operating procedures, leading safety and training initiatives, and supporting client missions across offshore, onshore, charter, and OGP operations. The General Manager – Chief Pilot will also participate in strategic planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement of flight operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive helicopter flight experience, including command time on medium and large turbine types (e.g., AW139, Sikorsky S76 series, S92, or similar).
• Valid commercial or airline transport pilot license with appropriate type ratings and medical certification, meeting regulatory requirements in South Africa or equivalent jurisdiction.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with experience supervising pilot teams, managing rosters, and overseeing operational performance.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulatory frameworks, safety management systems, and standard operating procedures in offshore, onshore, and charter operations.
• Experience in coordinating with maintenance and engineering teams to support airworthiness, reliability, and mission readiness.
• Solid organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities, with capacity to manage complex operations and multiple stakeholders.
• Clear, professional communication skills for interacting with clients, regulators, and internal teams in high-stakes environments.
• Comfort with hybrid work arrangements, including use of digital tools for remote coordination, reporting, and documentation.
• Prior experience in oil and gas, government contract flying, or relief aid aviation operations is highly beneficial.
• Relevant tertiary education in aviation management, business, or a related field is advantageous but not mandatory when balanced by strong operational experience.