Chief Pilot & Flight Operations Leader (Part 135) – Pacific Northwest

✈️ The opportunity

As Chief Pilot, you’ll set the tone for operational excellence—driving pilot leadership, ensuring regulatory compliance, stewarding safety culture, and stepping in as PIC when needed. If you thrive on mentoring crews, navigating complex ops, and collaborating with the FAA and internal stakeholders, this role puts you at the helm.

🧭 What you’ll do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Part 135 pilots; champion professionalism, standardization, and crew coordination.
• Fulfill Chief Pilot responsibilities under 14 CFR 119.71(c) and management qualifications per 14 CFR 119.69.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable FARs, company manuals, operations specifications, and internal SOPs.
• Oversee pilot training, checking, and currency in coordination with training leadership; drive standard operating practices.
• Manage day-to-day flight operations, including pilot scheduling, communications, and administrative workflows.
• Serve as PIC as needed, including operations in Cessna T303/402C aircraft.
• Represent the company during FAA interactions, audits, and external meetings; prepare for and support internal/external evaluations.
• Contribute to Safety Management System activities, risk assessments, and incident response and corrective actions.
• Travel to offsite locations to support operations, pilot base visits, partner meetings, and audits.

🧰 What you’ll bring

• Certificate: FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) — ATPL-equivalent.
• Type ratings: Cessna T303 and/or Cessna 402C.
• Flight time: Minimum 1,500 hours total time and 500 hours multi-engine (AMEL) PIC.
• Medical: Valid FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
• Experience: Part 135 Chief Pilot experience meeting 14 CFR 119.71(c); management qualifications per 14 CFR 119.69; previous leadership in a Part 135 airline preferred.
• Regulatory knowledge: Thorough understanding of FARs, company manuals, and operations specifications.
• Compliance: Ability to pass DOT drug and alcohol testing.
• Operational readiness: Ability to serve as PIC as needed; strong multitasking and administrative capability.
• Soft skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; effective team leadership and stakeholder engagement.
• Travel: Willingness to travel to offsite locations and represent the company at meetings and audits.
• Work authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States.

🌟 What you’ll enjoy

• Competitive base salary starting at $100,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• High-impact leadership role shaping safety, standardization, and growth.
• Opportunities to fly diverse routes across the Pacific Northwest when operationally required.
• A safety-first culture with collaborative, mission-driven teammates.

📨 How to apply

Ready to lead? Submit your resume and flight qualifications, including ATP certificate, relevant type ratings, and a current logbook summary. Qualified candidates will be contacted promptly.

Backcountry Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.