Chief Pilot Aviation

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.
This position will require relocation to Denver.
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.
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.
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.Respond to pilot complaints, safety concerns, Pilot Supervisor issues, and work with all departments with regards to flight safety.
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. 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 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.
• Previous experience with maintaining and standardizing pilot training programs preferred
• 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
• FAA Second Class Medical required if performing check airman or flight instructor duties

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.