Chief Pilot

Air Methods•Greenwood Village, CO

2d•$130,250 - $170,000

About The Position

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the overall leadership, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance of the pilot workforce. This includes oversight of pilot hiring, training, scheduling, performance management, and labor relations, including direct engagement with the pilot union. The role ensures adherence to all FAA regulations and company policies, while proactively identifying and resolving compliance risks. The Chief Pilot establishes and enforces flight standards, maintains operational discipline across all bases, and ensures consistency in pilot performance and safety practices. This position owns the FAA-approved training program, ensuring it remains current, effective, and compliant, along with all required flight manuals and publications. In addition to maintaining qualification as Pilot in Command (PIC) in at least one aircraft within the certificate holder’s operation, the Chief Pilot represents the organization in industry groups and FAA safety forums, contributing to broader aviation safety initiatives and staying ahead of regulatory and operational changes. At Air Methods, this role directly supports a mission-critical operation focused on saving lives through rapid, high-quality air medical transport. The Chief Pilot operates within one of the largest and most complex air medical programs in the country, with the ability to influence safety, standardization, and pilot development at scale. This position offers the opportunity to shape operations, drive meaningful impact, and lead within an organization where aviation performance directly affects patient outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) from four-year college or university and five to eight years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 2,500 flight hours
Minimum of 3 years’ experience, within the past 6 years, as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under part 121 or part 135 of the CFRs; or, In the case of a person with previous experience as a Chief Pilot, have at least 3 years’ experience as pilot in command of an aircraft operated under part 121 or part 135.
All other applicable minimum requirements for the position as outlined in CFR Part 119.
Proven successful leadership and employee development experience.
Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to manage and administer a broad range of tasks
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in manner consistent with the essential job functions
Ability to prepare written reports and correspondences, and presentations to senior leadership as required
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships internally and externally
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including hardware and software applications
Proficient with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Commercial Pilot Certificate required/ Airline Transport Pilot Certificate preferred (Airplane or Rotorcraft)
FAA Second Class Medical required if performing check airman or flight instructor duties

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with maintaining and standardizing pilot training programs preferred
Certified Flight Instructor preferred
Certified Instrument Instructor preferred (Airplane or Rotorcraft)

Responsibilities

Manage all Flight Operations staff and ensure safety of Flight Operations.
Ensure regulatory compliance with all flight operations and pilot training. Effective flight development and standardization of training.
Team development and mentorship.
Monitor work life balance with Pilot flight and duty times.
Meeting company objectives and creating a positive work environment.
Identify, select and train Company Instructors and Check Airman.
Responsible for ascertaining and assuring that pilots conduct all flights, in accordance with the provisions of the GOM and current CFRs.
Supervises scheduling of training and check ride process.
Administrative responsibilities for the pilot staff to include recruitment, training, reviews, scheduling, time off requests, and compensation adjustments.
Dissemination of all pertinent safety, flight, and company information in a timely manner.
Actively participates in the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and is familiar with the SMS policies, processes, and procedures.
Ensure aircraft procedures are standardized throughout the fleet.
Responsible for ensuring the maintenance of proficiency records, pilot files, duty time records, reports, and correspondence pertaining to flight operations activities in accordance with the CFRs.
Responsible for the development of policies for Air Methods flight instructors, ground instructors, and check pilots.
Coordinate with the FAA concerning company training and flight operations.
Communicate and work effectively with all company departments and managers.
Respond to pilot complaints, safety concerns, Pilot Supervisor issues, and work with all departments with regards to flight safety.
Conduct investigations and provide adequate oversight of the Part 135 air carrier certificate.