Chief Pilot

Chief Pilot / Flight Ops Manager – Rotary

• Location – Greater London
• Salary – Very competitive
• Fleet – Various AW and Airbus types

We are representing an established UK AOC helicopter operator in the appointment of an experienced Chief Pilot / Flight Ops Manager to lead flight operations from the South East of England.

This senior leadership role will suit a commercially aware aviation professional with the operational judgement, regulatory understanding and leadership capability to maintain the highest standards of safety, compliance, service delivery and crew performance across a multi-type rotary-wing fleet.

Role Overview

Reporting into senior leadership, the Chief Pilot / Flight Operations Manager will provide operational direction, ensure robust regulatory oversight and act as a key interface between crews, management, customers and the UK CAA.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and support flight crew, flying standards and day-to-day operational performance.
• Ensure all flying activity is conducted safely and in full compliance with UK CAA requirements, company procedures and the Operations Manual.
• Maintain and promote a proactive safety culture, setting consistently high standards across the operation.
• Develop trusted working relationships with customers, regulators, senior management and internal stakeholders.
• Convert customer requirements into safe, effective and commercially responsive operational delivery.
• Oversee pilot recruitment, induction, development, standardisation and operational readiness.
• Collaborate with training, safety and compliance teams to support continuous improvement.
• Act as a key point of contact with the UK CAA on operational matters, audits, inspections and regulatory oversight.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory visits and the timely closure of findings and corrective actions.
• Contribute to manual development, operational procedures, approvals and regulatory submissions.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive rotary-wing operational experience within a commercial helicopter environment.
• Previous exposure to postholder responsibilities or close support to AOC management functions.
• Strong working knowledge of UK CAA, AOC and Air Operations requirements.
• Experience engaging with regulators, audits and compliance processes.
• Confident and credible leadership style, with strong communication, judgement and stakeholder-management skills.
• Commercially aware, professional and customer-focused approach.
• Experience on AW139, AW169, H145 or AW109 aircraft types.
• HEMS and/or charter experience would be advantageous.

Essential Requirements

• UK CAA CPL(H) or ATPL(H).
• Valid Class 1 Medical.
• Eligibility to live and work in the UK.
• Ability to hold the position of Nominated Person Flight Operations Manager within a UK AOC structure.

How to Apply

Submit your up-to-date CV

Compliance & Equal Opportunities

JMC Aviation is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace. All applicants will be considered based on merit, qualification, and business need, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or background. We operate in full compliance with global aviation recruitment regulations.

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