The Base Chief Pilot is a Director‑level leader who serves as the primary advocate, mentor, and point of contact for the pilots assigned to their base(s), and represents Spirit’s Flight Operations organization at the local station and airport level. This role provides day‑to‑day leadership, supports safe and reliable operations, and fosters a positive, professional environment for our pilots.

The Base Chief Pilot acts as one of the most senior Spirit leaders at their station—building strong working relationships with local Airport Operations, Maintenance, Inflight, Security, the Airport Authority, and ATC leadership. The role is also responsible for developing and maintaining productive, respectful relationships with local ALPA leaders and committees.

The Base Chief Pilot remains current and proficient on the A320 series and is expected to operate both Part 91 and Part 121 flights regularly. Candidates do not need to be an active Spirit pilot prior to hire. Applicants over 65 may serve, with flight duties limited to Part 91 only.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Pilot Support

• Serve as the senior Flight Operations leader for the assigned base, providing support, communication, and mentorship to the pilot group.
• Oversee pilot performance and disciplinary matters, including coaching, reviews, and NOIs, while ensuring fair and consistent application of Company policy and the CBA
• Assist with pilot selection for new hire, upgrade, advancement, and special assignments in accordance with Company policy, FAA regulations, and the CBA.
• Participate in grievance reviews, labor‑management discussions, and other labor relations matters as directed.
• Maintain strong relationships with local ALPA leadership and pilot committee members, promoting a collaborative and professional working environment.
• Participate in the Duty Phone rotation, providing 24/7 support for the pilots and OCC.
• Build trusting, positive relationships with pilots through clear communication, accessibility, and follow-through.
• Model Spirit’s values in daily actions: Safety, Service, Teamwork, Cost‑Discipline, and Excellence.
• Promote a positive, solutions-oriented atmosphere that strengthens teamwork across departments.
• Take ownership of local issues and drive timely, thoughtful solutions

Local Station, Airport & ATC Engagement

• Represent Spirit Flight Operations at local station, airport authority, and ATC leadership meetings.
• Maintain close working relationships with cross‑functional station partners to support safe, efficient operations and a positive workplace culture.
• Serve as the point of contact for Flight Ops at the base regarding local airport initiatives, safety issues, procedural changes, and operational concerns.

Operational Oversight

• Monitor line operations for safety, compliance, and adherence to Spirit SOPs and 14 CFR Part 121.
• Remain fully qualified and current on the A320 aircraft; act as a management pilot, operate Part 91 and/or Part 121 flights as required. (Over‑65 flying restricted to Part 91.)
• Participate regularly in operational planning and review calls.
• Provide input on future flying, routes, fleet planning, new bases, new stations, and other long‑term operational considerations.

SOP, Compliance & Safety

• Work with the System Chief Pilot to create, update, and maintain SOPs that ensure safe and consistent operations.
• Support the Safety Management System (SMS) through active participation in investigations, safety reviews, and hazard reporting.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations and support internal/external audits as required.

Base Administration & Leadership

• Oversee local Base Administrators and ensure the smooth, efficient operation of the base.
• Responsible for all base administration functions, including but not limited to:
• Parking pass programs
• Access and distribution of supplies and required pilot materials
• Oversight of base operating budget
• Management and access control for the EFB spare pool
• Oversight and maintenance of the FFDO safe
• Ensuring availability of resources, workspace, and communications for all pilots
• Support continuous improvement and communication efforts to streamline processes, reduce defects, and enhance pilot engagement.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the System Chief Pilot, DO and VP Flight Operations.
• When delegated by the VP of Flight Operations, System Chief, or DO, exercise elements of operational control for the Airline.
• Duties may evolve based on operational needs, emergencies, or changes in workload.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Strong mastery of Part 121 flying, operational decision-making, and pilot responsibilities.
• Prior flight operations leadership, management, training, safety, instructor/check airman, or technical pilot experience.
• Familiarity with the Spirit Airlines Pilot CBA, or ability to quickly learn and apply its provisions.

Certifications

• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
• A320 Type Rating required (or the ability to obtain it prior to assumption of flight duties).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communicator with an approachable, collaborative leadership style, able to effectively lead, support, and engage pilots and cross‑department teams in alignment with Spirit culture.
• Available for 24/7 support as needed, including the ability to serve as a crewmember during extended duty periods and comfortably utilize mobile tools for prolonged use.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn and adapt to operational, training, and safety systems (e.g., CAE products, departmental interfaces, and safety software).
• Demonstrates a strong safety mindset, professionalism, integrity, and sound operational judgment, particularly in time‑sensitive or high‑stakes situations.
• Driven by teamwork, accountability, and doing the right thing for the operation and our pilots

At Spirit, we live “More Fly.” It’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about feeling fly while you’re at it. For our Team Members, it means thinking BIG, taking action, making connections, and having a blast while doing it. From the station to the cockpit, the cabin to the computer, every day is an adventure as we redefine travel.

Soar with us and enjoy travel perks that bring you closer to what matters. Join a team that empowers you to bring your full self to work, grow personally and professionally, and fuel the communities we serve. At Spirit Airlines, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning!

Spirit Airlines is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All aspects of employment are governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.