AAR | DHC8 Captain

Fixed Wing Pilot in Command (WASS Program)

Job Title: Fixed Wing Pilot in Command (WASS Program)

Location: Worldwide

Job ID: 17753

About AAR

AAR is a global aerospace and defense company dedicated to empowering individuals to build innovative aerospace solutions today for a safer tomorrow. The company's mission is to consistently go above and beyond, providing value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers worldwide. AAR is committed to operating with integrity and continually seeking the right path for its customers, employees, partners, and for society.

The Worldwide Aviation Support Services (WASS) program, an integral part of AAR and headquartered in Rockledge, FL, delivers world-class expeditionary and conventional aviation solutions to the US Department of State Air Wing.

Position Summary

AAR is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Fixed Wing Pilot in Command for a full-time, Home of Record (HOR) based, worldwide deployable position within its Worldwide Aviation Support Services (WASS) program. The successful candidate will primarily serve as a DHC-8 Pilot in Command and, when required, as Second in Command, responsible for comprehensive flight planning and operational execution globally.

Key Responsibilities

The Pilot in Command will be responsible for:

• Maintaining aircraft currency and proficiency in strict accordance with government and DoS INLA guidance.
• Routinely deploying Outside Continental US (OCONUS) and occasionally Within Continental US (CONUS) to support worldwide operations, anticipating 180 days or more of Temporary Duty (TDY) annually, often to remote and/or austere environments.
• Preparing and supervising all aspects of flight planning, including altitude considerations, terrain, weather analysis, range calculations, weight and balance, cruise performance, airport facilities, and navigation aids. This includes ensuring a complete and proper flight kit is onboard.
• Verifying aircraft airworthiness, inspection status, and maintenance records, confirming that all discrepancies are either corrected or deferred in accordance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), as applicable.
• Supervising or conducting comprehensive pre-flight inspections, aircraft preparation, loading procedures, and ensuring the secure and proper distribution of passengers, baggage, and cargo. This also includes verifying the presence of survival and emergency equipment when required.
• Ensuring strict adherence to weight and balance limits and completing and submitting all necessary documentation, including the Aircraft Flight Maintenance Log, Load Manifest, and Discrepancy Record.
• Retaining final responsibility for accurate logging of flight time, filing and closing flight plans, and ensuring the precision of all flight and duty time records.
• Overseeing the reporting and recording of maintenance discrepancies, particularly when maintenance is performed away from the principal operating base.
• Maintaining rigorous safety and ramp security protocols during passenger boarding and deplaning operations.
• Upholding the highest professional standards, including adequate rest and proper appearance.
• Delegating functions appropriately while always retaining overall responsibility for the flight and mission.
• Performing other aviation-related duties as assigned to support mission objectives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1,500 total fixed-wing flight hours, including at least 500 hours of turbine engine time.
• FAA Commercial and Instrument Airman’s Certificate with Airplane, Multi-Engine Land (MEL) ratings.
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
• Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• DHC-8 type rating.
• Ability to complete DHC-8 Readiness Level (RL) training within 90 days of integration.
• Capability for extensive domestic and international travel, potentially exceeding 180 days annually, with variable monthly schedules.
• Minimum of 300 hours of multi-engine Pilot in Command (PIC) time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Possession of Host Nation equivalent certifications in lieu of FAA certifications for OCONUS operations.
• Previous military fixed-wing flight training qualification or civilian equivalent.
• For assignments in LATAM Programs, Spanish proficiency at Level L-2, R-2 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and/or Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings.
• Documented Functional Check Pilot (FCP) or Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) training.
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
• Prior military pilot experience or previous pilot support on the DoS INLA program.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• An active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance.

Compensation and Benefits

• This is a salaried position.
• Structured rotation schedule.
• Competitive salary and bonus package.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AAR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.