[Hiring] Chief Pilot @Sol Aerial Surveys LLC

Role Description

In this role as Chief Pilot, you will occasionally staff an aircraft to support operations and must maintain currency in all airframes, including the twin Cessnas and Caravan, to ensure hands-on leadership and compliance with safety standards.

The Chief Pilot serves as a pivotal leadership position at Sol Aerial Surveys, reporting directly to the Director of Flight Operations and overseeing a team of approximately 15 pilots including one Assistant Chief Pilot, and one Company Trainer. This role focuses on the effective day-to-day management of pilots, including:

• Hiring, performance management, and termination decisions as needed
• Leading and motivating the team in alignment with the company's Core Values
• Developing and managing comprehensive pilot training programs for new hires and recurrent sessions
• Ensuring full compliance with safety protocols and company policies
• Reviewing flight risk assessments
• Supporting pilots with cross country route planning
• Promoting our Safety Management System
• Monitoring pilot-client interactions
• Maintaining accurate training records
• Tracking critical data points such as Show Time, Go Time, Pilot Hours Lost, and more

This position requires extensive collaboration with pilots, maintenance teams, clients, and other stakeholders to support operational excellence and a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Prior management experience
• FAA Commercial and Instrument Ratings
• Minimum of 2000 hours total time
• FAA First or Second Class Medical
• Legal right to work in the United States
• Valid Driver’s License
• Current passport with at least six months of validity remaining at time of employment

Requirements

• Prior aerial survey experience (three years highly preferred)
• FAA CFI, CFII, and/or MEI
• Minimum of 1,000 hours dual given
• Minimum of 500 hours in the Cessna 208 (highly preferred)
• Twin Cessna experience (310 preferred)
• Background in safety operations

Benefits

• Remote work for office days
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) matching
• Company-paid per diem and hotel allowance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Flexible schedule with on-call requirements (Monday to Friday; weekend availability)