What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief, Flight Operations position at Life Link III?
Chief, Flight Operations (CFLO)
Life Link III is seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to serve as our next Chief, Flight Operations (CFLO). This role is responsible for overseeing aviation and aviation maintenance operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant service execution while prioritizing safe patient care in every decision and action. The CFLO provides the leadership, management, and vision necessary to set strategic goals, develop policies, and foster a high-performing and collaborative work environment. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this role will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to align aviation operations with Life Link III’s mission, vision, and values to provide safe and effective medical transport.
This hybrid position is based at our Shoreview, MN administrative offices, with travel as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Aviation and Maintenance teams, ensuring operational safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance with FAA and CAMTS standards.
- Lead Part 135 aviation operations and support continuous process improvements to enhance fleet performance and operational efficiency ensuring alignment with organizational goals and patient-centric care.
- Supervise the Director of Operations and Director of Maintenance, ensuring effective leadership across all aviation and maintenance functions.
- Develop and implement aviation policies and Safety Management Systems (SMS) that prioritize risk mitigation, operational safety, and regulatory excellence.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture that supports cross-functional teamwork, communication, and shared accountability.
- Provide financial oversight, managing aviation budgets, operational costs, and resource allocation to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
- Partner with internal teams, including Human Resources, Safety, and Medical Operations, to drive organizational initiatives and continuous improvement.
- Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors, contributing to strategic decision-making, industry partnerships, and fleet planning initiatives.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aerospace, business, or a related field.
- 10 years of aviation management experience, preferably in air medical transport or airline operations.
- Proven ability to develop, implement, and continuously improve flight operations policies and procedures.
- Strong analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated financial and budget management expertise, including cost control, asset utilization, and resource allocation.
- Proven leadership in fleet operations, aircraft maintenance, and technical operations oversight.
- 5 years in a senior management role with supervisory experience.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, presentation, and leadership skills.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel locally and to national conferences.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree (MAS, MBA, or equivalent experience).
- Extensive experience in air medical transport and emergency care aviation operations.
- Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, CAMTS standards, and aviation industry best practices.
- Extensive knowledge of aviation safety, quality, and compliance regulations.
- Strong knowledge of healthcare regulatory requirements and national industry trends and prior medical transport management experience.
Why Join Life Link III?
At Life Link III, every decision and action is rooted in our mission—to provide the highest quality air medical transport with a relentless focus on safety, operational excellence, and patient care. The CFLO plays a critical role in ensuring that our aviation operations, technical operations, and fleet management align seamlessly with our values and operational goals in order to provide safe and effective air medical transport and reliable patient care.
This is an opportunity to lead a high-performing aviation team in an organization known for excellence, innovation, and collaboration. If you are a strategic, emotionally intelligent leader with a passion for aviation safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, we invite you to consider this role.
What We Offer:
- Annual salary range based on experience: $221,109 – $255,000
- Health Savings (HSA) on qualified plans plus an employer match
- Employer Matching Retirement Plan with no vesting schedule
- Competitive Paid Time Off to foster a work/life balance
- Life and AD&D insurance 100% covered by Life Link III
- Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance 100% covered by Life Link III
- Critical Illness insurance
- Accident insurance
- We are committed to developing your talents through engaging work and access to an annual Professional Development Fund
- Employee Assistance Program
- LifeMart employee discount program
- 100% Paid Life Leave for qualified FMLA-certified events
Salary : $221,109 - $255,000
