Chief Pilot

Lohman Helicopter, LLC. is accepting applications for the Chief Pilot position for utility and powerline work, Exclusive Use (EU), and Call-When-Needed (CWN) wildland fire fighting in the Western US in Bell Medium Aircraft and Bell 407 Aircraft. We are seeking a highly qualified Chief Pilot with a high level of leadership and effective management skills. Successful candidates will have strong background experience, excellent work ethic, and be willing to join a dynamic and fast-growing team. A commitment to safety and safety culture is of utmost importance.

Job Description

Chief Pilot

Summary of Duties
The Chief Pilot will be responsible for the oversight and supervision of flight crew personnel at several locations throughout the operational region. This position reports to the Director of Operations and will be responsible for conducting and ensuring all flight crew personnel are properly trained, qualified, and proficient to complete assigned duties. This position prepares and maintains proficiency records, pilot files, flight schedules, duty time records, reports, and correspondence pertaining to flight operations. As well, the Chief Pilot will act as a Company liaison with the Federal Aviation Regulations and assist the Director of Operations in formulating operations policies and coordinating the implementation of the policies and training to all flight personnel.

Experience and Proficiency in the following major areas:

• Extensive flight operations experience BHT-407/205/212 or similar aircraft
• Thorough knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations, FARs, and USFS requirements
• Aerial fire suppression and external load operations
• Experience in utility and powerline aerial operations: pole sets, wire pulls
• Precision long line and HEC experience
• FAR compliance
• Experienced with and knowledgeable of flight crew management of SMS requirements
• Strong leadership and effective management skills, ability to lead by example with integrity
• Experience in developing and building pilot operations infrastructure
• Experienced as a company liaison with the FAA
• Excellent communication (oral and written)
• Well-organized, reliable and must be able to multi-task
• Advanced PC skills – Word/Excel
• Strong observational skills and must be detail-oriented
• High level of composure and good stress management

Chief Pilot Duties

• Supervise and ensure that all pilots and crew members are properly trained, qualified, and proficient for Parts 133, 135, and 137
• Maintain proficiency as Pilot-in-Command and Check Airman
• Maintain proficiency to train pilot in BHT-407/205/212
• Advise the Director of Operations of all flight crew requirements including training, operations, and compliance
• Assist the Director of Operations in formulating and implementing flight crew training manuals, standard operations procedures, and policies
• Supervise flight crew personnel in compliance with the FARs
• Approve flight schedules, assign flight crewmembers and Pilot-in-Command duties
• Prepare and maintain flight operations records: proficiency records, pilot files, flight schedules, duty time records, correspondence, incident reports
• Coordinate and disseminate information to crewmembers pertaining to routes, airports, NOTAMS, NAVAIDS, company policies, and regulations

• Enforce pilot conduct and flight crew operating requirements (GOM, SMS, IS-BAO, Company SOP’s, EFB)
• Enforce, develop, and maintain pilot training documents (SMS, IS-BAO, Company SOP’s, EFB)
• Assist line pilots with flight operations in/out of Canada and Mexico
• Design and implement flight crew training: documentation, systems, processes
• Submit flight operations reports
• Act as the Company liaison with FAA in concert with Director of Operations
• Maintain flight crew management of SMS requirements and report all safety incidents in the company safety systems
• Collaborate with Director of Operations and Safety Manager on all incident reports to identify root causes and changes to reduce/prevent reoccurrence
• Ensure aircraft are properly equipped for scheduled flight operations
• Ensure electronic flight bag equipment is present and functioning and content is up to date
• Ensure aircraft contain current versions of the General Operations Manual (GOM), pertinent contracts, and other required documents as necessary
• Maintain GOM and TM and revise as necessary
• Adhere to Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
• Thorough knowledge of and current experience with FARs, FAA process, and USFS requirements
• Conduct yourself as a professional pilot as an ambassador of the company, take excellent care of the customer, the aircraft, and its overall condition, security, and cleanliness
• Comply with Company Employee Manual, GOM, SMS, SOP’s, and Ops Specs
• Participate in out-of-town travel, work, and overtime work, as required
• Positively represent Lohman Helicopter through a professional and favorable appearance to the public and to the companies and entities that we work with
• Actively participate in the Company SMS program

• Make safety a priority at all times

Other Duties as Assigned

• Due to the nature of small business operations, it may occasionally be necessary to fulfill task requirements of varied nature.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires relocation to Lewiston, Idaho, or Ramona, California.

Qualifications/Licenses

• Meet FAR 135 requirements to serve as Chief Pilot and Check Airman
• Meet DOI/USFS Pilot carding requirements
• Direct experience as a company liaison with the FAA
• Valid and current FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Helicopter License
• Medical Class 1 or 2 (current)
• Applicant must meet interagency carding requirements for 2022
• Previously OAS carded in Bell Medium Series and/or Bell 407 Series
• Previous 135 Check Ride in Bell Mediums and/or Bell 407 Series
• Current Driver License with a clean driving record
• Must have a solid reputation with the ability to recruit qualified pilots
• Must pass a background check and DOT drug and alcohol test

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Currently, OAS carded in Bell Medium and BHT-407/205/212 aircraft
• Previous vertical reference experience preferred
• Firefighting and/or utility experience preferred
• Instrument rating preferred
• Additional BHT-407/205/212 experience preferred
• Low Level & Recon
• Mountain Terrain
• Helitack/PAX Terrain
• Ext. Load < 50’ Belly Hook
• Ext. Load >50’ Longline VTR
• Water/Retardant, Bucket

Compensation

Employment Status: W2
Annual Salary: $110,000.00
Flight Pay: DOE
Group Health: Employer paid for employee; option for employee to insure family members.
Retirement Plan: Yes
Out of Town Per Diem: $55.00 per day
Travel and Out of Town Lodging: Company paid and arranged

Schedule: Central office in Lewiston, Idaho, and Satellite Base in Ramona, California, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Chief Pilot will be required to work varied shifts for utility and powerline work, forest fire contracts, and other contracts assigned throughout the United States, Canada, and other selected sites.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• Do you have 2,500 flight hours with the Bell 407/212?
• Do you meet applicable FA Regulations and FAR IAW 119 to serve as a 135 Chief Pilot?

Experience:

• management or Chief Pilot: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Commercial Pilot License (Required)

Work Location: On the road