Chief Pilot

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.

• 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.

In the absence of the Director of Operations, the Chief Pilot shall assume the Director of Operations duties and authorities including but are not limited to:

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

Directly supervises employees in the Flight Operations department.  Carries out Supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, selecting, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.  For Exempt Managers:  Managers that carry out these responsibilities for two or more employees will have significant input in hiring and termination decisions. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position. 

Education & Experience 

• 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. 

• Previous experience with maintaining and standardizing pilot training programs preferred 

• Proven successful leadership and employee development experience. 

 Skills 

• 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 

Computer Skills 

• Proficient with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations 

• Commercial Pilot Certificate required/ Airline Transport Pilot Certificate preferred (Airplane or Rotorcraft) 

• Certified Flight Instructor preferred 

• Certified Instrument Instructor preferred (Airplane or Rotorcraft) 

• FAA Second Class Medical required if performing check airman or flight instructor duties 

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)