Chief Pilot Operations (CPO)

A. ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Reporting: Accountable directly to the Director of Flight Operations (DFO) for the safe, smooth, compliant, and cost-effective administration and overall management of flight operations.
• Crew Governance: Accountable for flight crew resource management, discipline standards, technical competence, and monitoring of crew performance across both turboprop and jet divisions.
• Operational Alignment: Jointly accountable with the OCC Manager and Schedule Planning to ensure safe operations, route profitability, optimized schedules, and balanced manpower utilization.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regulatory & Documentation: Maintain effective communication channels with CAAM, OEMs, and relevant external bodies concerning flight operations; ensure compliance and publish timely updates to the Flight Operations Manual (FOM), Route Manual (OM-C), and technical publications.
• Fleet Operations: Manage specialized STOLport protocols and Public Service Obligation (PSO) requirements for Rural Air Services (RAS) while leading operational execution, performance monitoring, and crew transitions for commercial turboprop & jet operations.
• Crew & Resource Planning: Calculate manpower requirements, oversee roster planning, and enforce fatigue risk management policies, internal crew pairing policies, and licensing/medical recency via the Operations Control Centre (OCC).
• Safety & Incident Management: Develop, implement, and maintain SMS elements and risk assessments; lead investigations into operational matters and delay reports; execute appropriate corrective or disciplinary actions.
• Financial Oversight: Plan, deliver, and manage departmental budgets ensuring cost-effectiveness across all fleet types.
• Coordinate with Schedule Planning on a regular basis to advise on flying programs, balancing commercial viability for turboprop/ jet routes with essential RAS route coverage.
• Liaise with Engineering, OEMs, and stakeholders regarding technical support, aircraft modifications, Airworthiness Directives, and Service Bulletins.
• Monitor compliance, content, and technical accuracy of Flight and Technical Publications with applicable standards and Air Regulations.
• Conduct pilot engagement sessions to maintain discipline, morale, and crew well-being.
• Liaise with Hub Captains on operational matters and assume responsibility for hub operations in the absence of a Hub Captain.
• Report operational irregularities to the DFO and conduct any other duties as directed by the DFO.

C. AUTHORITY

• Operational Decisions: Authorized to determine the scope, internal policies, and operational execution of the Line Operations unit.
• Financial & Personnel: Authorized to approve budget utilization, leave applications, and monetary claims for direct reports and Flight Operations personnel when direct superiors are unavailable.
• Daily Management: Authorized to make real-time decisions regarding daily line operations management, safety enforcement, and crew welfare under the authority of the DFO.

D. DELEGATION OF DUTIES

• Administrative & Operational Alternate: Designated Fleet Managers act as administrative and operational alternates for the CPO within their respective sectors.
• Regulatory Delegation: Nominated Post Holder (NPH) responsibilities delegate directly to the Director of Flight Operations (DFO) in the CPO's absence.

E. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Holds a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) issued or recognized by CAAM with appropriate type ratings on company fleet.
• Active Pilot in Command (PIC) status within the last six months; extensive operational command background across both RAS STOLport environments and multi-engine aircraft commercial networks.
• Deep working knowledge of CAAM regulations, Safety Management Systems (SMS), route profitability, fatigue risk management, crew resource management, and cross-departmental operations coordination.
• Approved by CAAM as a Nominated Post Holder (NPH).