Chief Pilot

FlyMarines09

FlyMarines09

Well-Known Member
I was just wondering how someone becomes a chief pilot or director of operations. Are they elected by their union, pilot association, or board of directors or something like that? Obviously you'd have to be with the company for a number of years. I know they both require an ATP certificate. Thats like being the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps or something like that
 
In order to be either a DO or CP you need to meet certain requirements per the FARs (for 121 and 135... I don't think there are any requirements for 91). Neither of those positions are considered part of the "pilot group" so a Union/Association/Pilot Group has no say or vote in the matter. Mostly people are just hired into the spot by HR, just like any other management position. Sometimes the person is an outsider and has no history with the Company.
 
so given that someone meet or exceed the given requirements, they can just apply for the position as it opens up? Do those positions still allow you to do the same amount of flying?

What about fleet captains and check airmen? Is it the same type of hiring?
 
Fleet captains and LCAs normally come from within the pilot group but are appointed (or promoted) by management.

If one was to meet the requirements for CP or DO and there was a job opening, one could certainly apply off the street.

EDIT: DOs almost never fly. CPs may fly from time to time to keep currency, but not very often.
 
Part 119 lists the requirements for management personnel of air carriers (DO, CP, DOM, etc). Obviously companies may (and usually do) have additional requirements.

At my last job, the DO didn't fly at all and the CP flew on a regular basis, but it was a small charter department with 6 pilots.

At my current job, the DO does a little flying, but only a few days a month typically. The Chief Pilot will do a few days a month as well. Even then, the trips they fly tend to be fairly easy day trips, either out and right back or with a good sit in the middle so they can keep up with their work.

Both jobs are better for home life, as they're home most nights, but their phones never stop ringing.
 
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