Dennis,

Good evening, I agree 110% with everything HSLD stated above! I also agree that we could all answer your question a little bit better, as to what to look for in a Chief Pilot, if we had more specifics on your company's mission only if OPSEC permits. My current suggestion for the fleet you are starting with (and being a military guy myself) would be to look for someone with both a quality military and civilian background in order to get the best of both aviation worlds and experiences. It sounds like the disaster relief mission you mention will probally be working closely with both the US and foreign governments and militaries. A person with a US military background should already have a Department of Defense (DOD) Security Clearance (Secret to Top Secret level) that clearance might be required for certain information in regards to these types of missions and they may have done similar missions with the US military already. I would definately look for a very experienced dual rated pilot that knows the "Pro's" and "Con's" of both the fixed wing and rotary wing worlds, since they both vary greatly. The U.S. Army has a high percentage of dual rated guys like myself because we all go through rotary wing school first in the Army and later apply for slots to fly fixed wing later on in out careers. The Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard have dual rated guys as well. I would also look for a guy with lots of international time on all continents and multiple countries to include the far and away not frequently visited areas of the world. From what your posts sounds like, you will be flying all around the world into often austere areas. You will definately have to look for the right personalities to deal with those harsh and dangerous conditions and very high pressure environments too. It is definately alot more then just flying a plane from Point A to Point B and land at the big major international airport then take the crew van to check in at a 5-star hotel. Living in a tent and going to the bathroom in a dirt hole is also a quality of humbleness you will need to have in certain environments around the world. Well enough rambling...

So in my opinion to sum it all up, a well rounded, dual rated, military & civilian trained and experienced pilot with excellent leadership/management skills, hours upon hours of flight time, combat/hostile/international area operations, great connections in the aviation/military/governement arenas, superior knowledge, a great personality, honest, loyal, motivated, dedicated, disciplined, duty minded, respectful, selfless, integrity, personal courage, and teamwork all come to mind as good traits to possess in a Chief Pilot for your company. Good luck with finding him or her...I know he/she is out there! Please let us know how you make out & any other information on your company too!

Respectfully,

Matt

P.S. I sent you an e-mail with my cover letter & resume for a future pilot position with your company, thanks!!!