Job at a glance
Private Flight Department of a Technology Founder & CEO Our client is the Founder and CEO of a rapidly growing, venture-backed, high-valuation company. He is building a private flight department to support his personal and business travel, anchored by a single Cessna Citation X based at the Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport (PUW) in Washington. The aircraft will fly a daily commute route between Moscow-Pullman and Los Angeles, along with additional trips as the Founder's schedule requires.
The Chief Pilot will lead this flight operation day to day — flying the aircraft, setting the standard for a small team of pilots and serving as the Founder's trusted partner in the air. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced pilot to step off the road warrior pace of commercial or charter flying and build a stable, high-quality flying career anchored in one place, with one aircraft, and one principal.
Fly and Lead the Operation Serve as the primary/standardization pilot in command of the Founder's Cessna Citation X, based full-time at Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport (PUW). Support the daily commute route between Moscow-Pullman and Los Angeles, plus additional trips for the Founder's business and personal travel as needed. Accommodate short-notice trips and last-minute schedule changes with flexibility and a calm, solutions-oriented approach.
Set the tone and standard of safety, professionalism, and discretion for the flight crew. Lead the Flight Crew Serve as the senior pilot for a team expected to include a core of 4-6 pilots, providing leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day direction. Vet additional pilots and backup contractors. Uphold rigorous standards for flight readiness, crew conduct, and passenger experience. Partner on Flight Operations Serve as the primary point of contact for the outsourced maintenance provider, ensuring the aircraft is airworthy and trip-ready — maintenance execution itself is handled by the outside provider, not the Chief Pilot.
Coordinate with the outsourced flight scheduling service on trip requests, routing, and logistics — day-to-day scheduling administration is handled externally, not by the Chief Pilot. Flag any safety, compliance, or service issues promptly and directly to the Founder. Leadership & Team Development, Discretion & Professionalism, FAA ATP Certificate, Pilot in Command (PIC) Experience, Aviation Safety & Compliance and Cessna Citation X Type Rating