Sol Aerial Surveys

This description is a summary of our understanding of the job description. Click on 'Apply' button to find out more. Role Description In this role as Chief Pilot, you will occasionally staff an aircraft to support operations and must maintain currency in all airframes, including the twin Cessnas and Caravan, to ensure hands-on leadership and compliance with safety standards. The Chief Pilot serves as a pivotal leadership position at Sol Aerial Surveys, reporting directly to the Director of Flight Operations and overseeing a team of approximately 15 pilots including one Assistant Chief Pilot, and one Company Trainer. This role focuses on the effective day-to-day management of pilots, including: - Hiring, performance management, and termination decisions as needed - Leading and motivating the team in alignment with the company's Core Values - Developing and managing comprehensive pilot training programs for new hires and recurrent sessions - Ensuring full compliance with safety protocols and company policies - Reviewing flight risk assessments - Supporting pilots with cross country route planning - Promoting our Safety Management System - Monitoring pilot-client interactions - Maintaining accurate training records - Tracking critical data points such as direct reports' Show Time and Go Time, Pilot Hours Lost, Total Staffed Aircraft Days, Training Scores, Total On-Time Sun Angle Percentage, and Total Pilot Overdue Receipts This position requires extensive collaboration with pilots, maintenance teams, clients, and other stakeholders to support operational excellence and a strong safety culture. Qualifications - Prior management experience - FAA Commercial and Instrument Ratings - Minimum of 2000 hours total time - FAA First or Second Class Medical - Legal right to work in the United States - Valid Driver’s License - Current passport with at least six months of validity remaining at time of employment Requirements - Prior aerial survey experience (three years highly preferred) - FAA CFI, CFII, and/or MEI - Minimum of 1,000 hours dual given - Minimum of 500 hours in the Cessna 208 (highly preferred) - Twin Cessna experience (310 preferred) - Background in safety operations Benefits - Remote work for office days - Competitive salary commensurate with experience - Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance options - 401(k) matching - Company-paid per diem and hotel allowance - Paid time off - Professional development assistance - Flexible schedule with on-call requirements (Monday to Friday; weekend availability)

The Aerial Survey Pilot plays a vital role in safely capturing high-resolution imagery and data while operating our Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft over assigned survey areas. This home-based position follows a desirable 16 days on / 12 days off rotational schedule, providing extended time at home between deployments. Work directly with a sensor operator and company project manager to determine daily capture conditions. Make all Pilot-in-Command decisions and manage the aircraft while on the road. Maintain detailed records and serve as a professional representative of Sol Aerial Surveys to build strong client relationships. Safely conduct aerial survey missions under Part 91, including low-level operations in varied weather and controlled airspace. Continuously monitor weather systems and make real-time PIC decisions based on weather, maintenance status, and safety of flight. Monitor and coordinate all aircraft maintenance, fueling, hangar storage, and repositioning based on client needs. Maintain accurate company and client flight records and logs. Manage travel logistics including hotels, rental cars, airline tickets, and hangar arrangements. Attend required company meetings, complete all training on schedule, and represent Sol Aerial Surveys professionally with clients. Escalate appropriate operational or client issues to management while fostering positive relationships.