AAR | DHC8 Captain

About AAR

AAR is a leading global provider of innovative aerospace solutions, dedicated to empowering individuals and ensuring safe travel worldwide. The company's mission is to consistently deliver value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions, meeting the evolving needs of global customers while upholding the highest standards for its stakeholders and society. The Worldwide Aviation Support Services (WASS) program, a division of AAR headquartered in Rockledge, FL, offers unparalleled global expeditionary and conventional aviation support to the U.S. Department of State Air Wing.

Position Summary

AAR is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Fixed Wing Pilot in Command for a challenging full-time, Home of Record (HOR) based, worldwide deployable position. The Pilot in Command will primarily serve as a DHC-8 Pilot in Command and, when required, as Second in Command. This role involves meticulous flight planning and operations in diverse global environments, supporting critical U.S. Department of State Air Wing missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintains aircraft currency and proficiency strictly in accordance with government and DoS INL aviation guidance.
• Routinely deploys OCONUS and occasionally CONUS to support worldwide operations, anticipating 180 days or more of Temporary Duty (TDY) annually, often in remote and austere environments.
• Prepares and supervises comprehensive flight planning, considering factors such as altitude, terrain, weather, range, weight and balance, cruise performance, airport facilities, and navigation aids, ensuring a complete and proper flight kit is onboard.
• Verifies aircraft airworthiness, inspection status, and maintenance records, confirming that all discrepancies are corrected or deferred in accordance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), as applicable.
• Supervises or conducts preflight inspections, aircraft preparation, loading, distribution, and security of passengers, baggage, and cargo, ensuring all required survival and emergency equipment is aboard.
• Ensures strict adherence to weight and balance limits and completes/submits all required documentation, including the Aircraft Flight Maintenance Log, Load Manifest, and Discrepancy Record.
• Retains final responsibility for accurately logging flight time, filing and closing flight plans, and ensuring the precision of flight and duty time records.
• Oversees the reporting and recording of maintenance discrepancies, including those occurring away from the principal operating base.
• Maintains paramount safety and ramp security during all passenger boarding and deplaning operations.
• Upholds professional standards, including adequate rest periods and appropriate appearance.
• Delegates functions as appropriate while maintaining overall responsibility for flight operations.
• Performs other aviation-related duties as assigned, contributing to the successful execution of mission objectives.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of 1,500 total fixed wing flight hours, including 500 hours of turbine engine time.
• Possession of a valid FAA Commercial and Instrument Airman's Certificate (Airplane, Multi-Engine Land).
• An FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
• A current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
• A DHC-8 type rating.
• Ability to complete DHC-8 Readiness Level (RL) training within 90 days of integration.
• Demonstrated ability to travel domestically and internationally for 180 days or more annually, with a monthly variable schedule.
• A minimum of 300 hours of multi-engine pilot-in-command (PIC) time.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• For OCONUS operations, Host Nation equivalent certifications may be accepted in lieu of FAA certifications.
• Previous military fixed wing flight training qualification or civilian equivalent.
• Spanish proficiency (Level L-2, R-2) is required for assignments within LATAM Programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Certifications: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII), Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).
• Documented Functional Check Pilot (FCP) or Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) training.
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
• Prior experience as a military pilot or pilot supporting the DoS INL program.
• A Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Possession of an active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance.

Compensation and Benefits

AAR offers a highly competitive compensation package for this salaried position, including a robust bonus structure. Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package covering medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and significant professional development and career advancement opportunities. This role typically operates on a rotation schedule.

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.