Chief Pilot

Career Guide

Leads a flight department’s pilot group and daily flight operations. Sets and enforces standards, ensures regulatory compliance, oversees training and safety programs, manages pilot staffing and performance, and serves as the primary liaison with the FAA and company leadership.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Ensure FAA regulatory compliance and operational control for flight ops
Develop and maintain flight operations manuals and SOPs
Oversee pilot hiring, staffing, scheduling, and performance management
Lead pilot training, line checks, and standards enforcement
Manage Safety Management System (SMS) and incident response
Serve as liaison with FAA, auditors, and company leadership
Analyze operational data to improve safety and reliability
Plan budgets and resources for flight operations

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Director of Operations (Part 119)

Director of Aviation

Vice President of Flight Operations

Director of Flight Standards

Transition Opportunities

Director of Safety (Aviation)

Training Center Manager

Regulatory Compliance Manager (Aviation)

Airline Operations Control Center (AOCC) Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Employee relations and performance management documentationSMS leadership and safety investigation methodsCrew scheduling systems and FAR duty/rest rulesRegulatory liaison and audit readinessBudgeting and cost control for flight operations

Development SuggestionsLead a safety or standards project (FOQA/ASAP/SMS) and complete an aviation safety management course (e.g., USC/ERAU). Seek mentorship from an Assistant/Chief Pilot and shadow FAA interactions and internal audits.

Market Intelligence Report

Chief Pilot is part of the Aviation & Maritime category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$140,000-$170,000

Mid Level$170,000-$210,000

Senior Level$210,000-$260,000

Growth Trend

stable

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

United AirlinesDelta Air LinesNetJets

Industry Sectors

Airlines & Passenger Air TransportationPrivate & Business Aviation (Part 91/135)Cargo & Air Freight

Recommended Next Steps

Obtain Check Airman (121/135) authorization and lead line checks or OE to build standards leadership experience.

Complete an Aviation Safety Management or SMS certificate (USC/ERAU) and participate in FOQA/ASAP review committees.

Pursue an Assistant Chief Pilot or Flight Standards Supervisor role; gain hands-on experience with crew scheduling systems and manual/SOP revisions.