Chief Pilot

Mercy Flight Central Inc•Canandaigua, NY

5d•$115,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The Chief Pilot is a leadership position responsible for pilot performance, flight training, operational readiness, and compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and company policies. The role provides direct leadership to the aviation team, promotes a strong culture of safety and professionalism, and ensures pilots maintain the qualifications, proficiency, and competencies needed to support MFC's air medical mission. The Chief Pilot supervises, coaches, and evaluates company pilots, check airmen, and instructor pilots; supports aviation personnel recruitment and development; oversees approved training programs; and maintains personal qualifications to serve as a line pilot. The role also exercises operational control of flight operations under 14 CFR Part 135 and coordinates with flight operations, safety, maintenance, clinical operations, and other departments to support safe, effective, and adequately staffed air medical operations.

Requirements

Meet applicable FAA requirements to serve as Chief Pilot under 14 CFR § 119.71.
Hold a valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument-Helicopter ratings, or higher applicable certification.
Have demonstrated helicopter flight instruction experience, including pilot training, proficiency evaluation, and competency development.
Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of total pilot flight time.
Meet applicable CAMTS minimum qualifications or approved risk assessment matrix requirements.
Maintain a current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate, as applicable.
Demonstrate knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety practices, and flight training requirements.
Demonstrate the ability to lead, mentor, and evaluate professional pilots.
Be able to meet applicable DOT/FAA drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Maintain an operational flight weight under 240 pounds.
Demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making under operational pressure.
Have strong communication, instructional, and interpersonal skills.
Be able to provide constructive feedback and hold personnel accountable.
Show commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
Demonstrate collaborative leadership across operational departments.
Show a consistent commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and MFC's mission.

Nice To Haves

FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate.
FAA Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) certificate.
Previous experience as a Part 135 flight instructor or FAA-approved check pilot.
Experience developing, administering, or managing structured aviation training programs.
Previous supervisory or management experience in commercial helicopter operations.
Experience in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).
Familiarity with Safety Management Systems, Just Culture principles, and aviation risk management.
Bachelor's degree in aviation, management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, leadership, coaching, and performance management for company pilots, check airmen, and instructor pilots.
Promote a professional, accountable, and safety-focused aviation culture.
Support recruitment, selection, onboarding, professional development, and retention of aviation personnel.
Collaborate with operational leadership to maintain appropriate pilot staffing and 24-hour operational readiness.
Maintain proficiency and qualifications to serve as a line pilot.
Oversee and administer the company's approved ground and flight training programs.
Provide flight instruction, proficiency training, and pilot development consistent with qualifications and company training requirements.
Supervise and coordinate instructor pilots' and check airmen's activities.
Evaluate pilot performance and identify individual and departmental training needs.
Ensure completion and documentation of required initial, recurrent, and proficiency training.
Maintain consistent training standards and promote continuous improvement in pilot competency.
Ensure compliance with applicable FAA regulations, Operations Specifications, company manuals, and established operating procedures.
Support the company's Safety Management System (SMS) and Just Culture principles.
Collaborate with the Director of Flight Operations and Director of Safety on incident reviews, safety concerns, and corrective actions.
Support FAA inspections, audits, and regulatory communications.
Maintain accurate pilot qualification, training, proficiency, and duty records.
Exercise Operational Control of flight operations in accordance with 14 CFR Part 135, MFC's Operations Specifications, General Operations Manual (GOM), and established operational control procedures.
Ensure flight operations comply with applicable regulatory requirements, company policies, and established safety standards.
Collaborate with the Director of Flight Operations on operational oversight, risk assessment, and flight decision-making.
Coordinate flight operations scheduling to support appropriate staffing and operational coverage.
Collaborate with Maintenance leadership regarding aircraft availability, scheduled inspections, and maintenance activities.
Work collaboratively with Clinical Operations and other departments to support safe and effective air medical operations.
Assist aviation leadership with departmental planning, resource allocation, and budget development.