Chief Pilot

Position Summary

This leadership position oversees pilot performance, flight training, operational readiness, and compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and company policies.

The Chief Pilot provides direct leadership to the aviation team, promotes a strong culture of safety and professionalism, and ensures pilots maintain the qualifications, proficiency, and competencies necessary to support MFC's air medical mission.

Key Responsibilities

Aviation Leadership and Oversight

• 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.

Flight Training and Pilot Development

• 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.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• 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.

Operational Control

• 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 to ensure appropriate operational oversight, risk assessment, and flight decision-making. 

Operational Coordination

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Meet applicable FAA requirements to serve as Chief Pilot under 14 CFR § 119.71.
• Hold a valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating and Instrument-Helicopter rating, or higher applicable certification.
• Demonstrated helicopter flight instruction experience, including pilot training, proficiency evaluation, and competency development.
• Minimum 2,000 hours 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety practices, and flight training requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and evaluate professional pilots.
• Ability to meet applicable DOT/FAA drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• Maintain operational flight weight of under 240 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Leadership Competencies

• The successful candidate should demonstrate:
• Sound judgment and decision-making under operational pressure.
• Strong communication, instructional, and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to provide constructive feedback and hold personnel accountable.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative leadership across operational departments.
• A consistent commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and MFC's mission.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.