Chief Pilot

Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionAlerion is looking for a Chief Pilot to join our Flight Operations Leadership Team.The Chief Pilot serves as a key member of the Flight Operations leadership team and is responsible for the professional standards, regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and performance of all assigned flight crew within Alerion Aviation's Part 135 operation. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations while supporting the company's commitment to exceptional service delivery and operational excellence.Reporting directly to the Director of Operations (DO), the Chief Pilot exercises delegated authority consistent with 14 CFR Part 119 requirements and provides daily operational leadership to the pilot group. The Chief Pilot champions a strong safety culture, supports strategic operational objectives, and ensures alignment with company values, FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, and Safety Management System (SMS) principles.The Chief Pilot leads by example through visible engagement with crews, proactive communication, and consistent reinforcement of safety, professionalism, accountability, and customer service standards.RequirementsRegulatory AuthorityThe Chief Pilot exercises authority as defined under 14 CFR Part 119 and company delegation from the Director of Operations. The position is responsible for ensuring assigned flight crew operate in accordance with applicable regulations, company procedures, training requirements, and safety standards.Leadership & Personnel ManagementProvide leadership, supervision, and direction to all assigned flight crew while fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, accountability, engagement, and service excellenceEnsure pilot staffing levels support operational reliability, aircraft coverage, and business growth objectivesProvide operational leadership coverage in the absence of the Director of OperationsMaintain effective two-way communication with pilots through briefings, bulletins, meetings, and direct engagementPromote strong pilot morale and professional development across the flight operations departmentSupport recruiting, interviewing, selection, onboarding, and retention of qualified flight crewConduct performance evaluations and provide coaching, mentoring, and corrective guidance when requiredParticipate in disciplinary actions in coordination with executive leadership and Human ResourcesRepresent Flight Operations internally and externally with customers, regulators, airport authorities, and industry partnersSupport departmental initiatives that improve operational efficiency, standardization, and service qualityPartner cross-functionally with Maintenance, Scheduling, OCC, Safety, Training, and Client Services to ensure coordinated operational execution.Operational Oversight & Flight Crew ManagementExercise delegated operational control responsibilities consistent with company policy and regulatory requirementsEnsure flights are conducted in compliance with 14 CFR regulations, Operations Specifications, company manuals, and approved proceduresCoordinate with Scheduling, Crew Planning, Maintenance Control, to ensure adequate crew coverage and operational continuityMonitor pilot utilization to ensure balanced workloads and regulatory compliance with flight and duty limitationsReview and approve pilot schedules, training assignments, and time-off requestsEnsure all assigned pilots are current, qualified, and properly trained prior to flight assignmentMaintain oversight of pilot qualifications, currency tracking, and aircraft-specific authorizationsServe as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), check Airman, and/or Instructor Pilot when designated and as required to support operational needsAssist the Director of Operations in execution of the company Emergency Response Plan (ERP)Training & StandardizationOversee development, implementation, and continuous improvement of pilot training programsEnsure compliance with Part 135 training requirements and company-approved training curriculaMaintain standardization across fleets, crews, and operating practicesCoordinate with Training Providers and internal Check Airmen to maintain training availability and effectivenessMonitor training performance trends and implement corrective or enhancement initiativesSupport qualification program approvals, curriculum revisions, and regulatory submissions when requiredSafety, Compliance & Regulatory OversightEnsure full compliance with FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, company manuals (GOM, SOPs, Training Manuals), and internal policiesPromote active participation in the company Safety Management System (SMS)Reinforce proactive reporting culture consistent with Just Culture principlesMonitor flight operations to identify hazards, trends, and risk mitigation opportunitiesSupport internal safety investigations and corrective action implementationMaintain a strong working relationship with the FAA Certificate Management Office (CMO)Represent Flight Operations during regulatory audits, inspections, and third-party evaluations (ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO, internal audits)Ensure compliance with Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements and Pilot Records Database (PRD) obligationsMaintain accurate pilot qualification records, training documentation, flight/duty records, and regulatory tracking systemsEnsure operational manuals, checklists, and publications remain current, standardized, and compliantSupport data-driven safety initiatives using FAA Data Collection Tools (DCTs) and internal performance monitoring programs.Customer Experience & Operational ExcellenceReinforce service expectations consistent with Alerion Aviation's client experience standardsSupport pilots in balancing safety, compliance, and premium service deliveryAssist in resolving operational service issues impacting customers or aircraft ownersRepresent Flight Operations during owner meetings and operational briefings when requiredStrategic & Organizational SupportAssist the Director of Operations in executing departmental strategy and operational initiativesSupport fleet integration, aircraft transitions, and operational readiness planningParticipate in audit preparation and continuous improvement initiativesProvide input into policy development, SOP revisions, and operational enhancementsSupport implementation of new technologies, procedures, and regulatory requirementsRequired Qualifications & ExperienceMust meet Chief Pilot qualification requirements under 14 CFR §119.71Must meet all Alerion Aviation Pilot requirements.Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate requiredType rating in at least one aircraft operated by the company preferred (or ability to obtain).Minimum 3,000 hours Total Flight TimePrevious leadership experience within a Part 135 environment requiredStrong working knowledge of Part 119 and Part 135 regulatory frameworkExperience participating in FAA inspections, certificate management interactions, and regulatory compliance activitiesExperience supporting ARGUS, Wyvern, IS-BAO, or similar audit programs preferredExperience with FAA Data Collection Tools (DCTs) preferredDemonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage professional pilot teamsStrong organizational, decision-making, and communication skillsHigh attention to detail and strong commitment to procedural complianceStrong collaboration skills across Maintenance, Safety, Scheduling, and executive leadership teamsAbility to support a 24/7 operational environment, including weekends and holidays when requiredPass a DOT pre-employment drug testPass a TSA required fingerprint-based criminal history records check in compliance with TSA Security Program Standards and 49 CFR 1544.229 and 49 CFR 1544.230Authority to work in the United States.Preferred Qualifications:Check Airman experienceInstructor Pilot experience2,000 hours Multi PIC Time preferredSafety Management System (SMS) leadership involvementPrior experience supporting multi-fleet or geographically distributed operationsPrevious experience serving as Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot in a Part 135 operationAlerion AviationAlerion Aviation is a boutique aircraft management company with one of the largest private fleets in South Florida. We specialize in hands-on service, personalized aircraft care, and a transparent, safety-first approach that has earned us Platinum Elite status - one of the rarest designations in private aviation.Our team is what makes us different. With decades of collective experience, each member brings deep expertise, human-first, and total accountability to every client interaction. We offer:Medical: Company sponsors 100% premium for Employee and 50% premium for dependent on select plansDental and Vision Plan optionsGroup Life and AD&DVoluntary Life and AD&D401(K) Retirement Plan and Match programHealth Savings Account (HSA)Monthly Phone AllowanceEmployer Paid Known Crewmember BadgingPaid Time Off