What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Pilot (US) position at Wing?
About Wing:
Wing is reshaping the future of delivery. We are an on-demand drone delivery service that can deliver food, medicine or other items within minutes. We've also developed an uncrewed traffic management platform to safely route drones through the sky. Our service is faster, safer and produces far less pollution than traditional delivery. Originally created in 2012 within X, the Moonshot Factory, Wing is now an Alphabet company.
About the Role
Wing is looking for a Chief Pilot for the United States to join our Flight Operations team based in Dallas, Texas with an option to work remotely. The Chief Pilot (US) ensures Wing maintains compliance with national and regional regulatory requirements. The Chief Pilot (US) reports to the Director of sUAS Operations and works closely with other regional Chief Pilots, manages the US-based flight operations teams, and pursues new operational approvals with Wing's aviation regulatory team. The ideal candidate has a passion for aviation, demonstrated knowledge of aviation best practices, and the ability to deliver results as part of a dynamic, cross-functional team. This position is subject to Wing's Drug and Alcohol testing policy in accordance with Wing's operating procedures
What You'll Do
- Oversee the safe and legal daily operation of Wing's delivery business in the United States, including ongoing and high volume commercial delivery operations and demonstrations/tests for regulators and other external stakeholders
- Verify and manage compliance with FAA regulations and standards
- Qualify and serve as a UAS Check Pilot
- Act as a representative for Wing flight operations to the FAA
- Provide strategic input to Wing leadership on future operations in US and beyond
- Work closely with policy, regulatory, operations and other teams to help develop our US flight operations
- Set numbers and location of aircraft required and work with fleet support to ensure sufficient quantity of aircraft are available for commercial delivery operations
- Participate in new site evaluation, setup, and approval for commercial operations
- Help to develop reports and systems in line with company and regulatory requirements
- Work closely with the broader Wing Flight Operations team to provide feedback on system performance and improvements for future capabilities
- Communicate with other company personnel to safely and effectively operate the system
- Conduct system, site safety and risk assessments as required
- Ensure staff are trained and qualified in line with company and regulator expectations
- Serve on the Wing Flight Operations Board (FOB)
What You'll Need
- Extensive knowledge and experience working directly with the FAA regulatory framework including UAS Integration Office, FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors, Flight Standards District Offices
- At least three years experience as department manager, chief pilot, assistant chief pilot or base manager in commercial, public, or military crewed or uncrewed aviation operations
- Prior experience in commercial or public UAS operations preferably involving BVLOS or other complex operations
- Able and willing to qualify as a Wing pilot-in-command in the United States
- Experience with monitoring and control interfaces such as UA ground control stations, or experience in the design, certification or approval of such solutions
- Experience with technical or engineering record keeping methods and tools and an understanding of the regulatory record keeping requirements
- Experience with scheduling or coordinating field operations in commercial or public UAS operations or other industries
- Ability to communicate clearly in spoken and written English
- Willingness to work some weekends and public holidays
- Current driver's license and clean driving record
- Hold current 14 CFR Part 107 remote pilot certificate
- Hold Class II (or higher) aviation medical certificate
- A determination to recruit and foster the development of diverse teams
Bonus
- Hold a commercial pilot certificate
- 12 months or more experience within the previous 3 years as a Part 135 or Part 121 PIC or Military Command Pilot for crewed or uncrewed operations.
- Prior experience as a Part 121 or 135 Chief Pilot
- Prior designation as an FAA Check Pilot or Military Standardization Pilot
- Willingness to travel occasionally to complete initial and periodic training
- Willingness to travel as needed to support Wing regulatory and public policy engagement
- Experience with business or operational data analysis or reporting tools (spreadsheets, SAP, etc)
