Chief Pilot - US Midwest (Confidential Operator) Location: Indiana / Louisville catchment area
Representation: Goose Recruitment
Reports To: Director of Operations (Confidential Client)
Compensation: $150,000-$180,000 base + per diems + bonuses (~$225,000 all‑in)
Benefits: Relocation support, sign‑on bonus, 401k, full corporate package
Future Path: Succession opportunity to Director of Operations
About the Operator Our client is a well‑established US aviation organisation operating across multiple business units, including charter services and ground operations. With around 80 employees and a fleet growing toward 25+ aircraft, the operator prides itself on strict safety compliance, a strong operational culture, and a stable, locally‑managed structure.
There are no floating bases — operations are centred in the Indiana region, which offers an excellent cost of living and a supportive community environment.
Role Summary Goose Recruitment is seeking a senior, calm, experienced, and highly competent Chief Pilot for a confidential US operator headquartered in the Midwest.
The ideal candidate brings true Part 119 Chief Pilot experience, a wide operational background, and a leadership style suited to long‑term stability — not someone seeking flying hours or short‑term progression.
The role oversees a mixed fleet of King Airs, Citations, Sovereigns, and Global aircraft, with a pilot group scaling beyond 25 pilots as the fleet expands. This position is both operational and strategic, reporting directly to the Director of Operations and playing a pivotal role in organisational growth.
A Junior Chief Pilot is already in place to support the workload; however, the incoming Chief Pilot will serve as the department's senior leader and is viewed as the future successor to the Director of Operations.
Key Responsibilities Regulatory & Compliance
Representation: Goose Recruitment
Reports To: Director of Operations (Confidential Client)
Compensation: $150,000-$180,000 base + per diems + bonuses (~$225,000 all‑in)
Benefits: Relocation support, sign‑on bonus, 401k, full corporate package
Future Path: Succession opportunity to Director of Operations
About the Operator Our client is a well‑established US aviation organisation operating across multiple business units, including charter services and ground operations. With around 80 employees and a fleet growing toward 25+ aircraft, the operator prides itself on strict safety compliance, a strong operational culture, and a stable, locally‑managed structure.
There are no floating bases — operations are centred in the Indiana region, which offers an excellent cost of living and a supportive community environment.
Role Summary Goose Recruitment is seeking a senior, calm, experienced, and highly competent Chief Pilot for a confidential US operator headquartered in the Midwest.
The ideal candidate brings true Part 119 Chief Pilot experience, a wide operational background, and a leadership style suited to long‑term stability — not someone seeking flying hours or short‑term progression.
The role oversees a mixed fleet of King Airs, Citations, Sovereigns, and Global aircraft, with a pilot group scaling beyond 25 pilots as the fleet expands. This position is both operational and strategic, reporting directly to the Director of Operations and playing a pivotal role in organisational growth.
A Junior Chief Pilot is already in place to support the workload; however, the incoming Chief Pilot will serve as the department's senior leader and is viewed as the future successor to the Director of Operations.
Key Responsibilities Regulatory & Compliance
- Act as the operator's Part 119 Chief Pilot with full regulatory accountability.
- Maintain strict adherence to Part 135 regulations, internal SOPs, and FAA standards.
- Protect and uphold the organisation's zero‑tolerance approach to cutting safety corners.
- Oversee operational manuals, procedures, revisions, and compliance documents (shared after the first interview stage).
- Lead flight operations across a fleet including King Air, Citation, Sovereign, and Global aircraft.
- Manage a growing pilot team (25+), ensuring high-quality performance and operational consistency.
- Provide 24/7 availability for operational escalations, safety calls, and pilot support.
- Maintain a stable Monday-Friday schedule when not flying, with adjusted hours during flight weeks.
- Mentor and develop the pilot group with a steady, senior leadership style.
- Work closely with the Junior Chief Pilot to delegate tasks and manage workloads.
- Serve as a stabilising force within a department that has experienced recent turnover.
- Support the Director of Operations in long‑term planning and organisational development.
- Play an integral role in scaling the fleet toward 25+ aircraft.
- Position yourself for future promotion into the Director of Operations role.
- Must currently be, or have previously served as, a Part 119 Chief Pilot.
- Extensive Part 135 experience is essential.
- Mixed‑fleet experience preferred, particularly with Citation series aircraft.
- Capable of leading a growing pilot team; does not require experience managing large airline‑scale departments, but must already have been a Chief Pilot.
- Senior, calm, stable, experienced — ideally in your mid‑50s.
- Highly competent decision‑maker with strong judgement.
- Not motivated by flight hours; motivated by leadership, culture, and organisational impact.
- Integrity‑driven, safety‑first mindset.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with operations leadership.
- Willing to relocate to Indiana (supported by relocation package).
- Base salary: $150,000-$180,000
- Total earnings: approx. $225,000 for the ideal candidate
- Relocation assistance provided
- Signing / sign‑on bonus available
- Per diems added to base compensation
- 401k & full benefits package
- Initial screening with Goose Recruitment
- First interview via Microsoft Teams with the operator's leadership team
- Policy manuals and operational materials shared after the Teams interview
- On‑site visit to meet executives and departmental leadership
- Offer stage with full relocation support