ResponsibilitiesThe System Chief Pilot is a senior Flight Operations leader who provides strategic leadership, advocacy, and oversight for the airline’s pilot group and Chief Pilot organization. Reporting to the Vice President of Flight Operations, this role is responsible for setting expectations, supporting leaders, and ensuring safe, consistent, and reliable operations across all bases and operational control environments.
As the senior leader of the Chief Pilot team, the System Chief Pilot serves as a mentor and coach to Base Chief Pilots and OCC Chief Pilots, ensuring they are supported, aligned, and equipped to lead effectively at the local and system level. The role fosters a professional, respectful, and solutions‑oriented culture while maintaining accountability to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
The System Chief Pilot is the FAA‑accepted Chief Pilot for the Part 121 certificate and is a required Part 119.65 management position. While certain responsibilities may be delegated, the System Chief Pilot retains ultimate accountability for all delegated Chief Pilot functions.
The System Chief Pilot is expected to:
- Lead with integrity, transparency, and consistency
- Model the Company’s values in daily actions
- Build trust through communication, accessibility, and follow‑through
- Balance advocacy for pilots with responsibility to the operation
- Promote a culture where safety, professionalism, and teamwork are non‑negotiable
Key Responsibilities
System-wide Pilot Leadership & Engagement
- Serve as the senior Flight Operations leader for the pilot group, providing guidance, mentorship, and direction to Base Chief Pilots, OCC Chief Pilots, line pilots, and base administrative teams.
- Maintain visible presence and proactive communication with the pilot group to foster engagement, trust, and alignment to expectations and standards.
- Ensure satisfactory performance, professionalism, and consistency across the Chief Pilot organization and line pilot group.
- Support and develop Chief Pilot leaders through regular engagement, feedback, coaching, and succession planning.
Operational Partnership & Pilot Advocacy
- Work closely with Crew Scheduling, Dispatch, OCC, Maintenance/Engineering, Training, Airport Operations, and other operational partners to ensure Flight Operations and pilot priorities are well represented in:
- daily operations and IROPs decision‑making
- implementation of new systems and tools
- development of policies and procedures
- changes that affect pilots’ ability to perform safely and efficiently
- Advocate for solutions that improve reliability, reduce operational friction, and support a strong pilot experience while upholding safety and compliance.
Pilot Performance, Discipline & Workforce Management
- Maintain overall responsibility for pilot performance management, including coaching, corrective action, discipline, and consistency of outcomes across the system.
- Ensure fair and consistent application of Company policy, FAA regulations, and the Pilot Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Oversee grievance management and pilot disciplinary processes in coordination with Labor Relations.
- Provide guidance to Base Chiefs on NOIs, investigations, performance concerns, and complex employee relations matters.
Labor Relations & Union Engagement
- Lead Flight Operations’ labor strategy and serve as a senior Company representative in the relationship with ALPA.
- Develop and maintain productive, respectful relationships with union leadership and pilot committees.
- Support collaborative labor‑management engagement focused on safety, professionalism, productivity, and pilot workforce commitment.
Operational Safety, Compliance & Standards
- Monitor system-wide line operations for safety, compliance, and adherence to 14 CFR Part 121, Ops Specs, and Company SOPs.
- Partner closely with the Senior Director of Flight Training and Standards to develop, maintain, and standardize SOPs, training philosophy, and operational discipline.
- Work in close coordination with the Director of Operations to establish and maintain Flight Operations policies, including responsibility for the Flight Operations Manual (FOM).
- Promote a strong safety culture grounded in just‑culture principles, accountability, and continuous learning.
Hiring, Pipelines & Talent Strategy
- Oversee pilot hiring standards, interview processes, and selection criteria.
- Provide strategic oversight of the Cadet Program and other pilot pipeline initiatives to ensure a qualified, sustainable flow of candidates aligned with fleet growth and attrition.
- Partner with Recruiting, Training, and Finance to align pipeline capacity with staffing forecasts and operational demand.
- Oversee pilot upgrades, advancements, and special assignments in accordance with Company policy, FAA requirements, and the CBA.
Training, Leadership Development & Guest Focus
- Partner with Training, Standards, Safety, and cross‑functional teams to develop and maintain programs centered on:
- pilot leadership development and succession
- CRM improvements and command‑level behaviors
- reinforcement of a guest‑centric operating mindset and professional standards
- Ensure initiatives are operationally relevant, measurable, and consistently applied system-wide.
Fuel Policy & Operational Efficiency
- Own and oversee system-wide fuel policy to ensure it supports safety, reliability, and efficient operations.
- Partner with OCC, Dispatch, Safety, and Finance to monitor compliance and continuously improve fuel policy execution.
- Support initiatives that improve processes, reduce defects, and manage controllable costs while maintaining operational integrity.
Pilot Support Programs & Daily Needs
- Own the pilot uniform program, ensuring standards, vendor performance, distribution, and policies support daily pilot needs.
- Oversee base support functions (through Base Chiefs and Base Administration leaders) to ensure pilots have appropriate tools, resources, and working conditions to perform effectively.
FAA Interface & Part 119 Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary Flight Operations point of contact with the FAA for Chief Pilot‑related matters.
- Participate regularly in FAA meetings consistent with Part 119 responsibilities.
- Ensure Chief Pilot duties, authority, and accountability are properly documented in Company manuals.
Operational Planning & Strategy
- Assist in planning and ensuring Flight Operations readiness for future routes, contracts, fleet changes, crew bases, and new stations.
- Participate in system planning, operational reviews, and irregular operations strategy discussions.
- When delegated by the Director of Operations, exercise operational control of the Airline.
Availability, Qualification & Delegation
- Maintain availability to serve in a full‑time capacity consistent with Part 119 required management expectations.
- Remain qualified on at least one Company aircraft type and fly when directed by the Company.
- May delegate functions to Base Chief Pilots as required, while retaining ultimate accountability for all delegated responsibilities.
Other Duties
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President of Flight Operations or Director of Operations.
- Responsibilities may evolve based on operational needs, emergencies, or organizational changes.
QualificationsEducation
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Experience
- 6-10 years extensive Part 121 airline experience with demonstrated leadership in Flight Operations.
- Prior experience as a System Chief Pilot, Base Chief Pilot, Chief Pilot, or senior Flight Operations leader strongly preferred.
- Experience leading in a unionized environment preferred.
FAA / Part 119 Qualification Requirement
- Must meet, or be able to obtain and maintain, the FAA qualification requirements to serve as Chief Pilot under 14 CFR §119.67, subject to FAA acceptance and Ops Specs listing.
Certifications
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with an A‑320 type rating (or ability to obtain).
- Ability to maintain aircraft qualification and proficiency.
Skills & Competencies
- Approachable, confident leader with the ability to lead leaders and influence at all levels.
- Strong communicator who builds alignment through clarity, trust, and consistency.
- Sound operational judgment, particularly in high‑pressure or time‑sensitive situations.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety, professionalism, teamwork, and doing the right thing for pilots and the operation.
OverviewAt Spirit, we live “More Fly.” It’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about feeling fly while you’re at it. For our Team Members, it means thinking BIG, taking action, making connections, and having a blast while doing it. From the station to the cockpit, the cabin to the computer, every day is an adventure as we redefine travel.
Soar with us and enjoy travel perks that bring you closer to what matters. Join a team that empowers you to bring your full self to work, grow personally and professionally, and fuel the communities we serve. At Spirit Airlines, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning!
EEOC StatementSpirit Airlines is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
