Chief Pilot (Req #: 145) in Columbia, Missouri at Questec
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Job Description
Location: Columbia, MO
Job Category: Office CONS
Pay Range: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00
Salary Interval: Salary
Application Instructions:
Please complete the application with accurate and thorough information. We will evaluate the submissions and we look forward to connecting with our top candidates.
Position Description:
We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced Chief Pilot to lead and manage the safe, efficient operation of our newly acquired corporate aircraft, a 2002 Cessna Citation CJ2 (Tail Number N525DL). This is a unique opportunity to establish and shape the aviation function within our organization from the ground up. The Chief Pilot will be responsible for all aspects of flight operations, regulatory compliance, safety management, and aircraft readiness while providing exceptional service to executive leadership and passengers.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for company flights
- Conducting an average of 3 trips per month (3 days per trip)
- May block off 8 “no fly” days per month
- Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the CJ2 aircraft
- Conduct pre-flight planning, weather analysis, fuel planning, and risk assessment
- Maintain readiness for both scheduled and on-demand flights
- Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) aligned with FAA regulations and best practices
- Build and manage the flight department as the program grows
- Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations and applicable aviation standards
- Coordinate audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions
- Oversee maintenance scheduling and coordination with service providers
- Ensure aircraft airworthiness, cleanliness, and readiness at all times
- Manage relationships with FBOs, maintenance vendors, and aviation partners
- Manage flight scheduling and logistics, flight logs, certifications, and all operational documentation
- Track operating costs, fuel usage, and budgeting inputs
Position Requirements:
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate required
- Current First-Class Medical Certificate
- Type rating and/or significant experience in Cessna Citation CJ2 or similar light jets strongly preferred
- Minimum 3,000 total flight hours; Minimum 1,000 hours turbine time
- Previous experience in a Chief Pilot, Lead Pilot, or equivalent leadership role
- Strong knowledge of FAA Part 91 operations (Part 135 experience is a plus)
Equal Opportunity Employer:
QuesTec Mechanical is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. As such, we do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected characteristics. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.