Chief Pilot

Cardinal Health · Columbus · $170,000–$290,000 (stated in the posting)

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) is a leading healthcare services and products company, delivering pharmaceuticals, medical products, and innovative solutions to healthcare providers worldwide. Our Part 91 aviation operation, based in Columbus, Ohio, operates a Falcon 2000LXS and Embraer Praetor 500 and is built on a culture of safety, professionalism, teamwork, and exceptional service. We are seeking a Chief Pilot who is passionate about aviation leadership and committed to operational excellence.

The Chief Pilot reports to the Vice President of Aviation and is responsible for the safe, secure, and efficient execution of all company flight operations. This role provides direct leadership to the pilot group, ensures operational compliance with FAA and international regulations, oversees crew qualifications and scheduling, supports the Safety Management System (SMS), and contributes to strategic planning for the department. When not flying, the Chief Pilot contributes to operational oversight, administrative functions, training, and initiatives that support the department’s long-term success. This role requires strong leadership, extensive aviation experience, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to align aviation operations with corporate goals and objectives.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & People Management

Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-focused culture that reflects company values.
Serve as the designated authority for pilot standardization, ensuring consistent application of company SOPs, best practices, and flight crew operating procedures.
Lead crew engagement initiatives and provide continuous leadership, mentorship, and professional development for all flight crew members.
Set and maintain high standards for professionalism, communication, and operational reliability.
Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective action when required.
Develop and maintain individualized development plans for flight crew members, including progression, upgrade readiness, and leadership development.

Flight Operations Oversight

Ensure all flight activities comply with FAA, ICAO, and company Flight Operations Manual (FOM) requirements.
Make operational decisions regarding flight crews, schedules, aircraft suitability, weather, and airports.
Ensure compliance with international regulatory requirements, customs and immigration procedures, overflight permits, security requirements, and international operating standards.
Evaluate pilot qualifications, proficiency, standardization, and readiness for operational assignments.

Crew Scheduling & Resource Management

Collaborate with the Aircraft Dispatcher to supervise pilot scheduling, rest compliance, and PTO to ensure availability of well‑rested, qualified crews.
Exercise operational control and decision-making authority regarding operational suitability, and adherence to company standards.
Promote fatigue awareness and support fatigue risk management principles to ensure safe flight operations.
Coordinate with Dispatch regarding trip planning and operational support.
Ensure all airports, routes, alternates, and international procedures are operationally suitable and meet company requirements.

Safety, Compliance & SMS

Actively support the Safety Management System through safety reporting, risk assessments, safety investigations, and implementation of corrective actions.
Partner closely with the Safety Manager to identify, analyze, and mitigate operational risks.
Promote a proactive safety culture and support continuous improvement initiatives under the Safety Management System and IS‑BAO requirements.
Support IS-BAO accreditation activities, audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Investigate flight‑related incidents, implement corrective actions, and ensure proper reporting.
Ensure crew currency with regulatory changes, operational notices, and required documentation.
Participate in Emergency Response Plan (ERP) activations and support departmental emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Training & Standards

Oversee all flight crew training programs, qualifications, and recurrent requirements in coordination with the Training Manager.
Ensure crew familiarity with aircraft systems, performance, limitations, FOM, and SOP standards.

Administrative & Strategic Support

Assist in preparing and managing operating budgets, training expenditures, and pilot-related departmental expenses.
Provide input on aircraft and equipment needs.
Evaluate and approve outside service providers (FBOs, maintenance facilities, training vendors).
Ensure proper documentation, chart updates, aircraft manuals, and EFB currency.
Utilize operational metrics, reporting tools, and business intelligence platforms to support decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in aviation, business, or a related field (or equivalent operational experience). Master’s degree or Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) preferred.
FAA Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Multiengine and Instrument ratings.
Captain qualification on at least one aircraft type operated by Cardinal Health (Falcon 2000LXS or Embraer Praetor 500) preferred.
FCC Radio Operator License.
RVSM and High-Altitude Endorsements.
Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA First-Class Medical certification.
5,000+ total flight hours preferred.
3,000+ hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) preferred.
1,000+ hours of multi-engine turbine flight time.
10+ years of aviation experience, including 3+ years in a flight department leadership or standardization role preferred.
Experience managing flight crews, standardization programs, simulator training oversight, and human factors.
Demonstrated experience operating in international environments preferred.
Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations, aircraft performance, IS-BAO frameworks, and corporate flight department operations.
Familiarity with EFB systems, flight planning software, scheduling systems, and operational analytics tools.
Proficiency with scheduling software, flight operations tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong service-oriented mindset to deliver a safe, professional, and exceptional experience.
Exceptional decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Strong customer-facing leadership capabilities, including building credibility, managing expectations, navigating complex conversations, and effectively mitigating escalations.
Demonstrated change leadership, with a track record of identifying opportunities and implementing scalable solutions that improve processes, execution, and the customer experience.
Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills. Ability to adapt and lead effectively in an evolving environment.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Must be eligible for coverage under Cardinal Health’s aviation insurance policy.
Must live within one hour of Columbus, Ohio (or be willing to relocate).
Successful completion of pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing.

Anticipated base salary range: $170,000 - $290,000

*The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience, skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.

Bonus eligible: Yes

Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

Medical, dental and vision coverage
Paid time off plan
Health savings account (HSA)
401k savings plan
Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Work-Life resources
Paid parental leave
Healthy lifestyle programs

Application window anticipated to close: 11/5/2026

*if interested in this opportunity, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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