Plane Captain - Aviation Operations
Position Summary:
The Plane Captain is a key member of the aviation team, responsible for executing essential aircraft handling, servicing, and inspection duties. This role requires performing daily and turnaround inspections and providing technical assistance, guidance, and instruction to supporting personnel. The successful candidate ensures efficient and safe flight line operations, contributing to the overall readiness and maintenance of aircraft.
Key Responsibilities:
- Executes all duties and responsibilities typically performed by Aircraft Washers and Plane Captain Helpers.
- Conducts daily and turnaround aircraft inspections in strict adherence to established procedures.
- Initiates and completes required maintenance documentation and forms.
- Performs aircraft fuel sampling and servicing according to established procedures.
- Manages the launch and recovery of aircraft.
- Serves as the aircraft taxi director during launch and recovery phases.
- Participates in aircraft towing operations and acts as the aircraft brake rider when necessary.
- Secures and covers aircraft following established procedures.
- Provides technical assistance, guidance, and instruction to team members as required.
- Utilizes two-way communication equipment effectively during operations.
- Ensures strict compliance with Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention, Hazardous Waste management, Egress Familiarization, and Tool Control programs.
- Adheres to all established general and industrial safety rules and regulations applicable to the contract, facility, and specific job assignments.
- Maintains the safety, security, and preservation of government and company-owned equipment.
- Delivers courteous and professional customer service.
- Operates portable firefighting equipment.
- Ensures the cleanliness and organization of the work center.
- Performs other qualified aviation and position-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
- Must possess two (2) or more years of experience in aviation maintenance and/or flight line operations.
- A valid Driver’s License is essential.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain any required company or government qualifications, certifications, licensing, or security clearances.
- Demonstrated ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in the English language, following both verbal and written instructions.
- Requires thorough knowledge of applicable safety and maintenance manuals.
- Possesses thorough working knowledge of aircraft flight line operations, including handling, servicing, marshaling, the use of common hand tools, and normal operational safety requirements for aircraft.
- Must be available to work any assigned shift and schedule.
- Ability to travel in support of cross-country rescue missions and detachments of unknown duration.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
The role involves physical movements and postures typical of shop, hangar, and flight line maintenance, including bending, stooping, walking, climbing, pushing, stretching, kneeling, and working in potentially tiring or uncomfortable positions. Requires strong eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. The ability to lift objects up to 70 pounds may be necessary. Must be able to walk and stand on varied surfaces for extended periods. Requires close vision, including color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to hear at a normal range is required. Use of respiratory protection may be needed.
Work environments can vary from comfortable conditions to exposure to inclement weather (temperature extremes, wind, rain). May involve exposure to high noise levels, electrical shock hazards, fumes, or airborne particles.
Safety:
Safety is paramount. All employees are expected to continuously develop and maintain a safe work environment, fulfilling training requirements, self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response, and serving on safety committees as appropriate.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including related conditions), age, ancestry, military/veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital/domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship, low-income status, or mental/physical disability, provided essential job functions can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.