Job Title: Plane Captain
Overview
The Plane Captain is a critical role in flight line operations, responsible for the comprehensive handling, servicing, and inspection of aircraft. This position involves conducting necessary daily and turnaround inspections, performing pre-operational checks and fueling ground support equipment, and providing essential technical guidance and instruction to supporting personnel.
Essential Responsibilities
- Performs duties associated with Aircraft Washer and Plane Captain Helper classifications.
- Conducts daily and turnaround inspections in accordance with applicable procedures.
- Initiates and completes required maintenance documentation.
- Executes aircraft fuel sampling and servicing operations according to established procedures.
- Manages aircraft launch and recovery operations.
- Directs aircraft taxi movements during launch and recovery.
- Performs aircraft towing and serves as brake rider when needed.
- Secures aircraft via tying down and covering methods based on established procedures.
- Provides technical assistance, guidance, and instruction to supporting personnel.
- Utilizes two-way communication equipment effectively.
- Ensures adherence to critical safety programs, including FOD prevention, Hazardous Waste protocols, Egress Familiarization, and Tool Control.
- Complies with all applicable general and industrial safety rules and regulations.
- Safeguards the safety, security, and preservation of government and company equipment.
- Delivers professional and courteous customer service.
- Operates portable firefighting equipment.
- Maintains a clean and organized work environment.
- Performs other assigned duties as required.
Minimum Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience in aviation maintenance and/or flight line operations.
- Must hold a valid Driver's License.
- Ability to obtain and maintain all required government/company licenses, qualifications, certifications, and security clearances.
- Proficiency in the English language, including the ability to read, write, understand, communicate, and follow instructions (verbal and written).
- Thorough knowledge of applicable safety and maintenance manuals.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of aircraft flight line operations, handling, servicing, marshaling, common hand tools, and standard aircraft operational safety requirements.
- Physical capability to perform tasks such as climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, crouching, kneeling, carrying, balancing, and reaching above shoulder level, including the ability to push or pull up to 70 pounds.
- Possession of required vision capabilities, including close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Possession of normal hearing ability.
- Successful completion of a certified Plane Captain training program with written certification is mandatory, requiring semi-annual re-qualification.
- Must be qualified on all assigned T/M/S (Type/Model/Series) aircraft.
- Availability to work all assigned shifts and schedules.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with specific aircraft types including F-18 (A-F), EA-18G, E-2C, F-16, and/or MH60 is highly desirable.
- Preferred licensing or certifications include:
- Hazardous Waste Communications Training
- FOD and TCP Awareness Training
- ISO 9001-2000 Program Awareness
- Operational Risk Management (ORM) Training
- Licensing on support equipment (e.g., tow tractor, nitrogen servicing cart, engine wash cart, engine start unit).
- Demonstrated strong eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity.