Jet Aviation Staffing - Chief Pilot - Challenger 350 , Bedford, MA (BED)

Jet Aviation • New Bedford, MA

2d

About The Position

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional operation of a private FAR Part 91 corporate flight department. The position provides leadership and day-to-day oversight of flight operations, flight crew, scheduling, training, standardization, and regulatory compliance. The Chief Pilot works with the Aviation Director, aircraft owner or representative, maintenance personnel, cabin crew, and other partners to execute missions safely, discreetly, efficiently, and to a high standard of service.

This is a hands-on leadership role and active line-pilot position requiring sound judgment, operational discipline, strong communication, and a service-oriented approach. The role supports domestic and international operations and may require schedule flexibility, short-notice travel, weekends, holidays, extended trips, and international missions.

Requirements

• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with appropriate airplane category and class ratings.
• Current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate.
• Appropriate type rating for the assigned aircraft, or ability to obtain the required type rating before assuming flight duties.
• Minimum 5,000 hours total flight time is preferred, with substantial turbine and multi-engine experience.
• Demonstrated Pilot in Command experience in corporate or business aviation.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR Part 91 operations, FAA regulations, flight planning, aircraft performance, international operations, and aviation safety practices.
• Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring professional flight crews.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and respond effectively to schedule changes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally and work a flexible schedule based on operational requirements.
• Valid passport and ability to meet applicable travel and entry requirements.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, climb aircraft stairs, and work in and around aircraft and airport environments.
• Ability to lift and move baggage, supplies, or equipment consistent with normal flight department operations.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions, noise levels, time zones, and operational environments.
• Must meet all medical, physical, and regulatory requirements necessary to perform the role.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and aviation experience.
• Current or recent experience on the assigned aircraft type.
• Extensive international and oceanic operating experience.
• Experience as a Chief Pilot, Lead Captain, Standards Captain, Director of Aviation, or in a comparable leadership role.
• Large-cabin or comparable aircraft experience where applicable.
• Experience with a corporate aviation Safety Management System (SMS), emergency response planning, and operational risk management.
• Experience helping establish, transition, or improve a self-managed corporate flight department.
• Knowledge of aviation budgeting, vendor management, training programs, and flight department administration.
• NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) or other relevant professional certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee flight activities conducted under FAR Part 91, serving as Pilot in Command as required and maintaining aircraft currency and proficiency.
• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with FAA regulations, company policies, aircraft limitations, and operating procedures.
• Develop, maintain, and improve flight department policies, procedures, manuals, SOPs, and operating standards.
• Make operational decisions concerning flight planning, weather, airport suitability, crew readiness, aircraft performance, international requirements, and mission risk.
• Coordinate flight crew scheduling and staffing, including trip coverage, qualifications, rest, availability, and continuity of service.
• Oversee pilot training, recurrent training, checking, currency, medical certificates, and qualification records.
• Maintain accurate flight department records and current operational documentation.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, onboarding, developing, and managing the performance of flight crew members.
• Coach and mentor pilots, set performance expectations, and foster a collaborative, professional crew environment.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel on aircraft availability, discrepancies, maintenance planning, and safe return-to-service decisions.
• Partner with cabin crew, scheduling, aviation management, and external service providers to deliver seamless trips and an exceptional passenger experience.
• Support domestic and international trip planning, including permits, customs, handling, security, ground transportation, and other mission requirements.
• Maintain familiarity with international operating requirements and prepare crews for worldwide operations.
• Participate in SMS activities, risk assessments, safety reporting, emergency response planning, and investigation of operational irregularities or incidents.
• Identify operational risks and recommend practical solutions supporting safety, reliability, service, and cost effectiveness.
• Assist with annual operating plans, staffing requirements, training budgets, and other flight department planning as requested.
• Develop relationships with the FAA, training providers, FBOs, vendors, OEM representatives, and other aviation partners.
• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of the owner, passengers, family members, guests, business activities, travel schedules, and flight department information.
• Support changing schedules, short-notice travel, weekends, holidays, extended trips, and international missions as required.
• Perform other aviation-related duties as assigned by the Aviation Director, aircraft owner, or designated representative.
• Lead with professionalism, integrity, discretion, accountability, and sound decision-making; build a team culture focused on safety, communication, respect, standardization, and service.
• Communicate effectively with principals, executive staff, family office personnel, crew members, and aviation partners, and represent the flight department professionally.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed