Chief Pilot Curacao

PAL Aerospace Europe is looking for an EASA qualified Chief Pilot based in Curacao to support PAL’s Dutch Caribbean Coastguard (DCCG) operations.

For the almost two decades, PAL Aerospace has consistently delivered essential services to DCCG operations with maritime patrol aircraft upgraded with state-of-the-art sensor systems providing industry leading air reconnaissance capacity.

In 2022, PAL Aerospace Europe, was awarded the contract with the Netherlands Ministry of Defense to continue to provide two Maritime Patrol (MPA) Dash 8 aircraft in support of DCCG operations.

We’re seeking a Chief Pilot who isn’t just logging hours but making every hour, minute and second count — in the cockpit and in command of a high-performing specialized missions division. If aviation leadership is in your DNA and safety is your co-pilot, this might just be your final approach to an incredible career!

As our PAL Aerospace Europe Chief Pilot, you would lead and work alongside a team of top-tier professionals on taskings including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, general law enforcement including counter narcotics operations, sovereignty enforcement and customs enforcement and other missions as designated.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Liaison with the DCCG at an operational level along with Program Manager on all operational concerns, challenges, and accomplishments.
• Ensure participation in the surveillance missions.
• Communicate daily with the DCCG for mission requirements.
• Communicates special mission requirements to crew on a timely and accurate basis.
• Evaluation of four-week periodical executed flights, maintenance and the registered remarks and complaints.
• Track on-time performance, dispatch and mission reliability, and mission equipment serviceability.
• Produce a weekly summary of operations.
• Monitors delivery of near real-time and post mission data to the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
• Tracks air hours against the DCCG objectives.
• Manage flight crew participation in the Curaçao program.
• Reports to the PAL Aerospace Europe flight Operations Manager on all regulatory matters.
• Ensure that pilots receive regular training to maintain qualifications to participate in surveillance missions:
• Schedule training and appointments as necessary.
• Participate regularly in surveillance missions:
• Minimum 300 flight hours annually of mission flight time.
• Assist in determining serviceability of aircraft and systems.
• Ensure all surveillance pilots are notified of changes to the Standard Operating Procedures.
• Participate in the quality program and responsible for non-conformances related to flight operations.
• Communicate with maintenance on serviceability issues.
• Coordination of pilot scheduling and vacation planning for flight crew.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications – What you Bring to our DCCG Specialized Missions Division:

• Dash 8 Captain and/or Captain with EASA Commercial Fixed Wing Pilot License or EASA validated foreign license with either an ATPL or frozen ATPL.
• 1500 hours Total Time and 200 hours Turbine Time.
• Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) or Special Missions Experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a crew.
• Expertise as being the primary client contact with the ability to develop strong dedicated and devoted client relationships.
• Understanding of tracking KPIs and submitting regular summaries and reports.
• Effective strategic management and planning skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and decision-making skills.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma would be considered an asset.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Why Choose PAL Aerospace Europe?

• Excellent work/ life balance
• Competitive base salary 
• Personal travel privileges with PAL and interline agreements with multiple airlines
• Industry discounts
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs

PAL Aerospace Europe is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion whereby individuals are recognized, supported, and respected. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you.