Various types of aviation companies require chief pilots. Flight schools, charter firms, and big airlines all need someone to monitor their flight operations, and they hire experienced pilots to guide fellow aviators, ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, and implement modifications to maintain flight safety on a regular basis.
What Is a Chief Pilot?
Chief pilots are senior crew members who have extensive experience in safe flight operations. Airlines employ their own captains in management positions to control flight operations on a specific aircraft type in which they specialize; some even appoint a head pilot for each base in their network.
These chief pilots supervise all pilots, flight attendants, and even ground crew at their base and on a specific type of equipment. They guarantee that quality standards are met, arbitrate disagreements, and take disciplinary action if needed. At large airlines, chief pilots manage a full crew of flying and non-flying assistants, and they may even operate lounges for company employees between shifts.
Similarly, some flight schools recruit experienced instructors to serve as chief pilots, overseeing flying training, developing curriculums, and scheduling students on a daily basis. Chief instructors additionally monitor student progress and collaborate closely with local pilot examiners to ensure that pilot examinations are successfully completed. Many work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep the flying school’s certification.
Do Chief Pilots Still Fly?
It is critical to distinguish between a Chief Pilot and a Captain. While Chief Pilots are Captains, they mostly hold managerial jobs and fly in limited circumstances. They are still fully licensed pilots, but their major responsibility is to oversee and manage airline operations. Meanwhile, captains’ primary responsibility is to fly on a regular basis and function as Pilot in Command.
Whether a chief pilot actually flies the line is determined by the logistics of each scenario. Some chief pilots may be medically unfit, either temporarily or permanently, to fly. Others may be so busy with administrative duties that they are unable to fly frequently during the year.
How to Become a Chief Pilot
Airlines seek out the most senior, qualified pilots to serve as chief pilots. Most chief pilots have already served as captains or check instructors at their respective companies. This level of seniority selects chief pilots who already have experience managing, analyzing, and examining fellow crewmembers. This also ensures that the chief pilot is capable of managing the diverse pool of pilots under their watch.
Some companies even require their chief pilots to hold bachelor’s degrees, often in aviation disciplines. Long-term commitment to the company can earn additional acknowledgment and higher chances of earning the promotion.
Chief pilots frequently search inside their own support crew to locate replacements. Flight school chief instructors may begin their search with the check instructors with whom they frequently collaborate, whereas airline chiefs may look among the Captains and First Officers who work in the Chief Pilot’s Office.
Chief Pilot Salary
The average chief pilot compensation in the United States is $163,000 per year, but this can vary from $33,000 at the smallest business to $234,000 for experienced head pilots at larger operations. Pilot in Command experience, prior education, and cost of living are all factors that influence how much a chief pilot earns.
Working as a Chief Pilot may be both lucrative and fulfilling. Chief pilots are responsible for not just overseeing flight operations, but also mentoring junior pilots and staff as they pursue aviation careers.