Job Description

Chief Pilot - Lead Our Flight Training Excellence!

Location:

Santa Ana, Ca

Type:

Full-Time

Are you a seasoned aviator and leader ready to shape the next generation of professional pilots?

Orange County Flight Center is a dynamic, rapidly growing flight school operating under

FAA Part 141 and Part 61

regulations. We are seeking an experienced, highly qualified, and motivated

Chief Pilot

to oversee all flight training and operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

What You'll Do:

As the Chief Pilot, you'll be the ultimate authority and administrator for our flight training curriculum and operational standards. Your core responsibilities will include:

Operational Oversight:

Directly manage all flight training activities under both

Part 141 (including FAA approval of the training curriculum)

and

Part 61

regulations, ensuring strict adherence to all FAA regulations, advisories, and school policies.

Safety and Standards:

Establish and maintain a robust Safety Management System (SMS). Conduct regular audits, checkrides, and standardization flights to ensure the proficiency and quality of all Flight Instructors and students.

Personnel Management:

Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and supervise our team of Flight Instructors. Conduct performance reviews and implement a continuous professional development program.

Curriculum Management:

Oversee the review, revision, and maintenance of all approved Part 141 Training Course Outlines (TCOs) and other training materials.

Regulatory Liaison:

Act as the primary point of contact for the FAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI) and manage all flight-related regulatory correspondence and inspections.

Fleet Management Support:

Coordinate closely with Maintenance to ensure the airworthiness and operational readiness of the school's fleet.
What You'll Bring:

Required Qualifications:

ATP or Commercial Pilot Certificate

with an Airplane category and appropriate class rating.

Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI)

with an Airplane Single and Multi-Engine Land (SE/ME) rating and Instrument Airplane (CFII) rating.

Minimum of 3 years' experience

as a flight instructor or check airman in a Part 141 school.

Must meet the FAA experience requirements for a Part 141 Chief Pilot

(typically 1,500 hours total time and specific experience in the category/class of aircraft used). Please detail your relevant experience in your application.*
Excellent knowledge of FAA Part 141 and Part 61 regulations. Proven leadership and management skills with experience supervising a team of instructors. Exceptional communication, organizational, and administrative abilities.
Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience as a Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, or Standardization/Check Airman. Current FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) status or experience working closely with DPEs. Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or a related field.
Why Join Us?

Impact:

Play a critical role in a school dedicated to professional pilot career development.

Culture:

Work in a supportive, safety-focused, and collaborative environment.

Compensation:

Competitive salary potential performance bonuses.

Opportunity:

Lead the growth of a successful, respected flight training organization.

Ready to take the controls?

Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter detailing your Part 141 experience, and copies of your pilot certificates here.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule
Language:

English (Required)
Shift availability:

Day Shift (Preferred) Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:

Santa Ana, CA 92707 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:

Santa Ana, CA 92707: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Ana, CA 92707