This position is designated as Pilot in Command (PIC) for individual flights or a series of flights, adhering to the principles and procedures mandated by FAR Part 135. The PIC is ultimately responsible for ensuring the safe execution of all assigned flights. The PIC holds final authority in aircraft operation and exercises Operational Control at the Tier 2 level, as outlined in Chapter 5 of the General Operations Manual. Furthermore, the PIC oversees the activities of any other crew members during flight operations. All PICs must fulfill the minimum qualification standards stipulated by Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135.243(b).
Pilot schedules follow a rotating pattern of 7 days on duty, followed by 7 days off. During their duty period, pilots will serve a 12-hour shift (or up to the maximum permitted by Part 135 when on assignment) from their residence and must adhere to the program’s defined call-out time to meet scheduled launch times. Pilot shift assignments encompass either a day or night duty period and are scheduled by the Base Lead Pilot in the preceding month to ensure sufficient time for pilots to organize their rest cycles. Pilots can anticipate working the same duty period throughout their 7-day on-duty shift before transitioning to the alternative duty period in their subsequent 7-day shift. While alterations to duty periods within a 7-day shift are discouraged, they may occur to address immediate operational needs at the Base.