Remote Chief Pilot - Flight Operations & Training

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Pilot to remotely oversee flight operations and training across the organization. The role requires establishing top safety and efficiency standards while leading a distributed team of pilots and trainers from a remote location.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in aviation, at least 5 in senior flight operations or training management, and deep knowledge of international regulations and safety systems. A home office with reliable internet is essential.

Qualifications

• ATPL or equivalent with extensive multi-engine jet experience.
• Minimum of 15 years in aviation with at least 5 years in senior flight operations or training management.
• Experience managing flight operations for a commercial aviation entity.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enforce policies for flight operations and crew training.
• Ensure compliance with national and international regulations (SACAA, EASA, FAA).
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management of flight crew and training staff.
• Manage recurrent and initial training programs for effectiveness and compliance.
• Maintain high flight safety standards and emergency planning.
• Review operational performance and drive improvements.
• Liaise with authorities, clients, and stakeholders on operations and training.
• Lead development and implementation of SOPs.
• Serve as primary contact for flight operations inquiries.
• Foster safety culture and professional development within teams.

Skills

ATPL

Jet experience

Leadership

Remote management

Regulatory knowledge

Training programs

SOP development

Communication

Education

Airline transport pilot license

Tools

Flight ops software

Remote monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative global aviation services provider, is seeking a highly experienced and accomplished Chief Pilot to remotely oversee their flight operations and training divisions. This executive-level position is responsible for establishing and maintaining the highest standards of flight safety, operational efficiency, and crew training across the organization. Leveraging advanced communication and management technologies, you will lead a distributed team of pilots and training staff, ensuring full compliance with international aviation regulations. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of flight operations management, and a passion for developing world-class aviation professionals. This is a unique opportunity to shape flight standards and training programs globally, operating from a remote location.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures for all flight operations and crew training.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable national and international aviation regulations (e.g., SACAA, EASA, FAA).
• Oversee the selection, recruitment, training, and performance management of flight crew and training personnel.
• Manage the recurrent and initial training programs, ensuring their effectiveness and compliance.
• Maintain rigorous standards for flight safety, incident prevention, and emergency response planning.
• Conduct regular reviews of operational performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Liaise with aviation authorities, clients, and other stakeholders on matters related to flight operations and training.
• Lead the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all flight operations and training-related inquiries and issues.
• Foster a strong safety culture and promote professional development within the flight crew and training departments.

Requirements

• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or equivalent, with extensive multi-engine jet experience.
• A minimum of 15 years of aviation experience, with at least 5 years in a senior flight operations or training management role (e.g., Chief Pilot, Director of Operations).
• Demonstrated experience in managing flight operations for a commercial aviation entity.
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, safety management systems, and operational best practices.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide remote teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience in developing and managing pilot training programs.
• Familiarity with modern flight operations software and remote management tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly autonomous, remote environment.
• Must possess a dedicated home office with reliable high-speed internet and the necessary technological infrastructure.

Benefits

This remote executive position offers a highly competitive salary and an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. Our client is dedicated to fostering professional growth and provides opportunities for ongoing development and exposure to cutting-edge aviation management practices. The flexibility of this remote role allows for significant work-life balance. While the operational oversight extends globally, the candidate will be based remotely, potentially in the vicinity of Sandton, Gauteng , allowing for personal lifestyle choices while leading critical aviation functions.