US Remote - Assistant Chief Pilot

The primary function is to lead and to provide daily managerial oversight of the PFA Fleet and to assist the Chief Pilot in the development and growth of PFA. In addition, this position will refine and deliver all team activities including initial training, re-current training, and continuing education seminars that promote safety and operational excellence. This position will work directly with the Pilot Operations staff to optimize flying and operational efficiencies.This is a full-time remote role with a base salary range of $65,000 to $80,000 and 10% bonus potential. Works within PFA and with the Safety Manager to promote and maintain a safety culture and Just Culture and uses the safety reporting system as a reporting, knowledge and learning tool.Conducts and/or supervises ground and flight training of the Line Pilots and Instructor Pilots.Serves as the trainer and performance evaluator for all Line Instructor Pilots and Line Pilots.Trains pilots on image capture systems and troubleshooting.Coordinates with the Pilot Operations team to develop and implement a new-hire training program, manuals and documentation that reflect the requirements for safe and efficient image capturing missions and related activities.Coordinates with the operational staff to determine daily flight missions for line pilots.Coordinates camera system maintenance.In coordination with the Chief Pilot, develops, implements, and maintains company policies, SOPs, and safety procedures.Reviews appliable records of licenses, ratings, training, and qualifications.Supervises and coordinates proficiency checks Line Pilots and Instructor Pilots.Monitors SOP compliance.Works to improve KPI objectives.Coaches and helps develop airmanship, professional standards, and aeronautical decision-making skills.Issues directives and notices Line Pilots, as required.Ensures that airports and routes served by PFA are operationally suitable and meet company requirements.Travel as required up to 40% annually.Provide operational oversight of daily flight activities, including go/no-go decision support based on weather, aircraft status, and mission requirementsMonitor and guide mission execution to maximize capture efficiency, sun angle utilization, and minimize downtime.Support pilots in real-time with operational decision-making, risk assessment, and problem resolutionDevelop and manage a structured IOE program, including progress tracking, standardization, and completion criteriaEnsure consistency among IOE Instructor Pilots in training delivery, evaluation standards, and SOP adherenceMaintain training records, qualification tracking, and upgrade readiness (e.g., NA to Turbo transition)Coordinate closely with Maintenance to ensure aircraft availability, status visibility, and timely return-to-serviceOversee pilot discrepancy reporting quality and ensure accurate documentation of aircraft issuesSupport and/or coordinate Functional Check Flights (FCF), validation flights, and post-maintenance checksConduct routine audits of SOP and FOM compliance and address deviations through training and standardizationProvide feedback into manual revisions based on operational experience and identified gapsLead initiatives to improve standardization, safety practices, and operational consistencyMonitor and analyze key operational metrics such as capture success rate, rejection rate, aircraft downtime, and mission completion efficiencyIdentify trends and implement corrective actions to improve performance and reduce inefficienciesActively participate in the Safety Management System (SMS), including hazard identification, reporting, and root cause analysisPromote proactive risk management and ensure lessons learned are communicated and implemented across the pilot groupServe as a primary point of contact for pilots, providing clear operational guidance, expectations, and updatesIssue operational notices, reminders, and best practices to reinforce safety and efficiencySupport pilot development through coaching, feedback, and performance managementOther duties assigned by Chief Pilot.Excellent interpersonal communication and willingness to serve internal/external customers.Must be able to collaborate with multiple layers of a growing organization.All-organized, dependable, and self-sufficient.Ability to act with discretion and handle confidential matters.Flexibility and a willingness to pivot quickly when needed.Accessibility during off-business hours and weekends as needed.Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite.Understanding and responsibilities of working in a Remote work environmentEducation RequirementsCollege degree or equivalent experience.Must hold current CFI, MEI.English proficient.Restricted Radio Telephone Operator Permit.Valid automobile driver’s license.Valid USA passport.Medical - able to Maintain a 1st or 2nd class FAA medical.Flight Time750 hours total time.300 hours dual given.Preferred ExperienceExperience with Slack, Concur, SmartSheet, Teams, and SharePoint CFII.Aerial survey experience.Previous aviation management or equivalent.Remote work environment experience.Physical RequirementsNormal, corrective vision range; ability to see color and to distinguish letters, numbers, and symbolsFrequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, bend, and reachAbility to reach with hands and armsOccasionally lift and/or move up to 30 lbs.Will need to comfortably travel long and short distancesCore CompetenciesThe successful candidate will demonstrate strength in the following competencies as well as foundational competencies which can be found here:Upward Partnership - Partners effectively with leaders and seeks feedback.Decisiveness Under Pressure - Makes timely decisions in high-pressure situations.Direction & Alignment - Sets clear goals and aligns team priorities.Equitable People Leadership - Leads fairly, consistently, and with integrity.Listening to Understand - Listens actively and fosters open dialogue.Work ConditionsThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. You acknowledge that you can perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately reserved. The work environment is primarily indoors. The position requires little to no travel.