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

• 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).

Operational Oversight

• 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.

People Leadership

• 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.

Strategic Responsibility

• 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.

Candidate Profile Required Experience

• 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.

Leadership Style

• 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.

Personal Attributes

• Integrity‑driven, safety‑first mindset.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with operations leadership.
• Willing to relocate to Indiana (supported by relocation package).

Compensation & Benefits

• 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

Interview Process

1. Initial screening with Goose Recruitment
2. First interview via Microsoft Teams with the operator's leadership team
3. Policy manuals and operational materials shared after the Teams interview
4. On‑site visit to meet executives and departmental leadership
5. Offer stage with full relocation support