Chief Pilot
Ravensdown
Date: 2 days ago
City: Christchurch, Canterbury
Contract type: Full time
If you're keen to grow your career, there's no better place to nourish it than here. We're committed to providing our people with all they need to positively thrive. So, isn't it time you put your trust in the company that's been trusted throughout New Zealand for over 40 years?
Smarter farming for a better New Zealand TM
Ka pūkekotia a Rongomātāne, ka poho kererū a Aotearoa
About The Company
Aerowork is a 100% owned subsidiary of Ravensdown Ltd and is engaged in aerial application of fertilisers as an essential service for hill country farming. Our aircraft are fitted with GPS technology for accurate placement of fertiliser enabling our customers to maximise farm productivity whilst reducing the environmental impact.
The company currently has 11 operational aircraft supported by more than 35 Loader trucks capable of loading and spreading different fertilizer types across different regions in NZ. A complete Engineering department maintains aircraft and manufactures specialised aircraft parts.
About The Role
The Chief Pilot is responsible for overseeing all flight operations, ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, maintaining operational safety standards, managing pilot training and performance, and supporting the strategic growth of Aerowork.
You will lead and manage the pilot group, who are based in different parts of the country and operate from Aerowork-owned or leased airstrips and aerodromes.
Due to the nature of Agricultural Aviation and weather windows suitable for flying, the Chief Pilot's work and oversight of flight operations may extend into weekends, with higher workloads particularly during the main spreading seasons (e.g., Autumn and Spring).
Key Responsibilities
As Chief Pilot, you will be an experienced aviation professional with the credibility and expertise to lead by example. You will work closely with customers and pilots to address challenges, ensure compliance, and uphold the highest safety standards. Your ability to manage risks effectively and foster collaboration within the team will be central to your success in this role.
You will thrive in overseeing pilot operations, mentoring staff, and driving accident prevention initiatives. As a key liaison with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), you will actively participate in regulatory and industry programs and maintain "Senior Person" status. Your leadership will be instrumental in aligning health, safety, and wellbeing strategies across the company, ensuring both operational excellence and a culture of safety.
Ideal Skills & Experience
In return for your skills, we offer a very competitive package that includes an array of insurances, flexible working and a passionate, supportive cooperative environment.
We are ideally looking for someone to be based in locally in Whanganui but are open to flexible working arrangements (e.g working from home for a few days per week, if you are not based locally) for the right candidate
How To Apply
Click on the 'Apply' button to create a profile and submit your CV and cover letter, or for more information please reach out to [email protected] for a copy of the PD.
Ravensdown is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
Smarter farming for a better New Zealand TM
Ka pūkekotia a Rongomātāne, ka poho kererū a Aotearoa
About The Company
Aerowork is a 100% owned subsidiary of Ravensdown Ltd and is engaged in aerial application of fertilisers as an essential service for hill country farming. Our aircraft are fitted with GPS technology for accurate placement of fertiliser enabling our customers to maximise farm productivity whilst reducing the environmental impact.
The company currently has 11 operational aircraft supported by more than 35 Loader trucks capable of loading and spreading different fertilizer types across different regions in NZ. A complete Engineering department maintains aircraft and manufactures specialised aircraft parts.
About The Role
The Chief Pilot is responsible for overseeing all flight operations, ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, maintaining operational safety standards, managing pilot training and performance, and supporting the strategic growth of Aerowork.
You will lead and manage the pilot group, who are based in different parts of the country and operate from Aerowork-owned or leased airstrips and aerodromes.
Due to the nature of Agricultural Aviation and weather windows suitable for flying, the Chief Pilot's work and oversight of flight operations may extend into weekends, with higher workloads particularly during the main spreading seasons (e.g., Autumn and Spring).
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct training, flight competency checks, and address audit findings to ensure safety.
- Manage pilots' fatigue and duty time limits.
- Oversee pilot recruitment, performance management, development, succession planning, change management, culture, engagement, and disciplinary actions.
- Update Aerowork's operational procedures and manuals.
- Promote and train pilots on safety topics, SOP updates, and lessons learnt.
- Provide operational input in weekly aircraft engineering planning meetings to maintain aircraft readiness.
- Perform flying duties during peak agricultural seasons.
- Maintain flight tracking and monitor operations.
- Assess and test aircraft modifications and technology upgrades.
- Ensure compliance with all aviation regulations and company protocols.
- Support pilots and coordinators in farmer communications, pricing, complaints handling.
- Assist with marketing efforts (trade fairs, campaigns).
- Lead accident prevention and flight safety initiatives, ensuring pilot adherence.
- Promote health, safety, and wellbeing across the company.
As Chief Pilot, you will be an experienced aviation professional with the credibility and expertise to lead by example. You will work closely with customers and pilots to address challenges, ensure compliance, and uphold the highest safety standards. Your ability to manage risks effectively and foster collaboration within the team will be central to your success in this role.
You will thrive in overseeing pilot operations, mentoring staff, and driving accident prevention initiatives. As a key liaison with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), you will actively participate in regulatory and industry programs and maintain "Senior Person" status. Your leadership will be instrumental in aligning health, safety, and wellbeing strategies across the company, ensuring both operational excellence and a culture of safety.
Ideal Skills & Experience
- Have previously or currently hold a New Zealand or equivalent Grade 1 Agricultural Pilot Rating.
- Proven leadership and team management experience.
- Minimum 2,000 hours total flying time, with experience in agricultural aviation.
- Pilot training / instructor qualifications
- Strong understanding of CAA regulations, particularly regarding agricultural operations.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder manager skills.
- Appropriate practical experience for CAA senior person approval
- Ability to travel regionally and work flexible hours during high demand periods including out of regular weekly working hours.
- Familiarity with GPS-guided application systems and NZ ag-aircraft (e.g. PAC Cresco, Fletcher FU-24) is desirable.
- A safety management qualifications or experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS) would be beneficial.
In return for your skills, we offer a very competitive package that includes an array of insurances, flexible working and a passionate, supportive cooperative environment.
We are ideally looking for someone to be based in locally in Whanganui but are open to flexible working arrangements (e.g working from home for a few days per week, if you are not based locally) for the right candidate
How To Apply
Click on the 'Apply' button to create a profile and submit your CV and cover letter, or for more information please reach out to [email protected] for a copy of the PD.
Ravensdown is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
See more jobs in Christchurch, Canterbury