Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot

The Chief Pilot oversees flight operations and pilot management while performing local test flights and return-to-service maintenance flights for a 145 Repair Station. This role is primarily office-based Monday through Friday, with regular flying duties, and requires extensive experience in Bell 206B, 206L, 407, 205, UH1H, 412, and 429 helicopter airframes. The Chief Pilot maintains critical operational documents, ensures pilot readiness, and serves as a key liaison with regulatory authorities and internal maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform local test flights and return-to-service (RTS) maintenance flights for the 145 Repair Station in Bell 206B, 206L, 407, 205, UH1H, 412, and 429 helicopter airframes.
• Maintain and update the General Operations Manual (GOM), flight operations procedures, and other critical regulatory and operational documents.
• Manage pilot qualifications, including tracking currency and training requirements, to ensure operational readiness.
• Develop and oversee pilot schedules to support a variety of operations, including Part 91, 133, 135, and 137 activities.
• Interact directly with the FAA on matters related to flight operations, compliance, and certifications.
• Coordinate closely with 145 Repair Station management to support maintenance flights and ensure safe and efficient aircraft return to service.
• Handle administrative duties associated with customer billing and operational documentation.
• Conduct and oversee pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft safety and airworthiness.
• Exercise sound judgment in aircraft operation and safety, especially in demanding operational environments such as firefighting and utility work.
• Support and participate in training activities, including conducting and scheduling training for pilots and operational staff.
• Engage in direct customer interaction to support mission planning, operational coordination, and service delivery.
• Work effectively in a team environment, providing strong leadership and clear communication to pilots and support personnel.

Essential Skills

• Current FAA commercial pilot certificate with helicopter rating.
• Valid Class 1 or Class 2 FAA medical certificate.
• Considerable flight time and operational experience in Bell 206B, 206L, 407, 205, UH1H, 412, and 429 helicopter airframes.
• Experience with long line and external load operations.
• Experience in utility and powerline operations.
• Proven leadership experience in aviation or flight operations.
• Strong ability to exercise good judgment in aircraft operation and safety.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead pilots and support staff.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and strong organizational abilities.
• Ability to perform thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections.
• Active, valid drivers license.
• High school diploma or GED.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience conducting and scheduling training for pilots and operational personnel.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective customer interaction and internal collaboration.
• Ability to manage pilot schedules and qualifications in a dynamic operational environment.
• Comfort working in changing climate conditions and moderate noise levels.
• Ability to regularly move items weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Experience with administrative tasks such as customer billing and documentation.
• Familiarity with Part 91, 133, 135, and 137 operations.
• Ability to interact professionally with FAA representatives and regulatory bodies.

Why Work Here?

Employees contribute specialized skills, knowledge, and experience that directly support competitive and reliable aircraft services, and this contribution is recognized through a competitive benefits package and compensation. Team members have the opportunity to take part in innovative projects in the dynamic aviation and avionics market, benefiting from a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This role is based in an aviation environment that conducts a wide range of operations, including Part 91, 133, 135, and 137 activities, forestry spraying, and DOI firefighting missions. The Chief Pilot works primarily Monday through Friday in an office setting, combined with regular local test flights and RTS maintenance flights for a 145 Repair Station. The work environment involves changing climate conditions, moderate noise levels, and the need to handle equipment and items weighing 50 pounds or more. Operations include long line and external load work, utility and powerline missions, and close collaboration with maintenance personnel and regulatory authorities in an active flight operations setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Salem, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Summits commitment to our employees is recognized through our competitive benefits package and compensation along with taking part in innovative projects in the ever-changing aviation avionics market.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Salem, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.