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.

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.

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

1
Obtain Check Airman (121/135) authorization and lead line checks or OE to build standards leadership experience.
2
Complete an Aviation Safety Management or SMS certificate (USC/ERAU) and participate in FOQA/ASAP review committees.
3
Pursue an Assistant Chief Pilot or Flight Standards Supervisor role; gain hands-on experience with crew scheduling systems and manual/SOP revisions.