Chief Pilot

Purpose of the Role

The Chief Pilot is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the company’s flight department. This includes managing all flight crew and cabin crew personnel, overseeing daily and strategic flight operations, and serving as the primary liaison with FBOs, regulatory bodies, maintenance providers, insurers, and airport authorities. The Chief Pilot ensures that all operations meet applicable aviation regulations, safety standards, and corporate objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Ensure all flights are conducted in accordance with applicable aviation regulations (e.g., CASA regulations in Australia), company SOPs, and manufacturer limitations.
• Oversee day-to-day and long-term scheduling of aircraft, crew, and maintenance.
• Liaise with FBOs, airport authorities, and ground handling providers to ensure seamless logistics and support.
• Coordinate with insurance brokers and underwriters for aircraft policies, claims, and coverage requirements.
• Interface with maintenance providers to ensure timely inspections, repairs, and airworthiness compliance.

Crew Management

• Recruit, train, and manage all flight crew and cabin crew personnel.
• Maintain crew rosters, currency, licensing, and recurrent training requirements.
• Monitor crew performance, conduct proficiency checks, and enforce adherence to SOPs and company values.
• Foster a positive and safety-first team culture among crew members.

Safety & Compliance

• Act as the key safety officer for the flight department, maintaining safety management systems (SMS).
• Ensure all operations are compliant with local and international aviation regulations.
• Conduct or oversee audits, incident reporting, and risk assessments.

Administrative Duties

• Manage the department’s operational budget, including fuel, crew expenses, maintenance, and training.
• Prepare and submit operational reports to senior management.
• Maintain all regulatory documentation and manuals up to date (e.g., Operations Manual, MEL, FOM).
• Ensure timely renewal of aircraft registration, airworthiness certificates, and operational approvals.

Key Relationships

• Internal: CEO / Board of Directors, Flight Crew, Cabin Crew.
• External: Civil Aviation Authorities (e.g., CASA), FBOs, Airports, Insurance Brokers, Maintenance Organisations, Charter Clients (if applicable) to name a few.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Valid and current ATPL with multi-engine command instrument rating.
• Minimum 5000 hours total flying time, 2500 in command on multi-engine turbine and 1500 jet in command hours. Preferred minimum 500 hours of Falcon 900 A/B/C/EX/LX.
• Previous experience in a flight operations management or supervisory role.
• Thorough understanding of CASA or other applicable aviation regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage teams and liaise effectively with external stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Type Rating on any of the Dassault Falcon 900A/B/C/EX/LX aircraft.

Desirable

• Experience with VIP or corporate aviation operations.
• Familiarity with SMS, ERP, and safety auditing protocols.
• Previous experience working with international operations and cross-border regulations.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional discretion, integrity, and trustworthiness.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and proactive in problem solving.
• Culturally aware, professional, and confident in high-level settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities under pressure.

Other Requirements

• Valid passport and unrestricted ability to travel internationally.
• Police check and comprehensive background screening may be required.
• Full Australian working rights.

Workplace Entitlements

This position is governed by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and associated National Employment Standards (NES), including entitlements to:

• Minimum wage and superannuation contributions
• Annual and personal leave
• Public holidays
• Notice of termination and redundancy provisions
• Safe working conditions and protections from adverse action

Any additional benefits (e.g. travel allowance, bonuses, time-in-lieu arrangements) will be detailed in the individual employment contract.