Aviation Job Description: Plane Captain
Position Summary
The Plane Captain is a pivotal role responsible for comprehensive aircraft handling, servicing, and inspection operations within a dynamic aviation environment. This position involves performing daily and turnaround inspections, conducting pre-operational checks, fueling ground support equipment, and providing essential technical assistance, guidance, and instruction to personnel in Aircraft Washer and Plane Captain Helper classifications. The successful candidate will ensure meticulous adherence to all safety protocols and operational procedures, contributing significantly to flight line efficiency and aircraft readiness.
Essential Responsibilities
- Executes all duties associated with the Aircraft Washer and Plane Captain Helper classifications.
- Conducts daily and turnaround inspections in strict accordance with applicable procedures and technical manuals.
- Initiates and accurately completes all necessary maintenance forms and documentation.
- Performs aircraft fuel sampling and servicing as required by established procedures.
- Manages and oversees aircraft launch and recovery operations.
- Directs aircraft taxi movements during launch and recovery sequences.
- Participates in aircraft towing operations and serves as aircraft brake rider when required.
- Secures and covers aircraft utilizing established procedures to ensure protection.
- Offers expert technical assistance, guidance, and instruction to junior personnel and team members.
- Utilizes two-way communication equipment proficiently to coordinate operations.
- Ensures rigorous compliance with Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention, Hazardous Waste management, Egress Familiarization, and Tool Control programs.
- Maintains strict adherence to all established general and industrial safety rules and regulations pertinent to the contract, facility, and specific job assignment.
- Safeguards the safety, security, and preservation of government and company-owned equipment.
- Provides exemplary and professional customer service to all stakeholders.
- Operates portable firefighting equipment effectively during emergencies.
- Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work center.
- Performs other qualified duties as assigned to support operational requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
- A minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience in aviation maintenance and/or flight line operations.
- Possession of a valid Driver’s License is mandatory.
- Ability to obtain and maintain any required company or government qualifications, certifications, licensing, or security clearances.
- Proficiency in reading, writing, understanding, and communicating effectively in the English language, along with the ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Thorough knowledge of applicable safety and maintenance manuals pertinent to aviation operations.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of aircraft flight line operations, including aircraft handling, servicing, marshaling, common hand tools, and normal operational safety requirements of the aircraft.
- Flexibility to work any assigned shift and schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Willingness and ability to travel in support of cross-country rescues and detachments of unknown duration.
Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
Physical Demands:
The role necessitates a broad range of physical movements and postures typically associated with shop, hangar, and flight line maintenance activities. This includes, but is not limited to, bending, stooping, walking, climbing, pushing, stretching, kneeling, and working in potentially tiring or uncomfortable positions. The Plane Captain must possess excellent eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. The ability to lift objects generally not exceeding 70 pounds may be required. This position also demands the ability to walk and stand on level and/or inclined surfaces for extended periods throughout the day. Essential vision requirements encompass close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Normal range hearing is also required. The use of a respirator may be necessary based on specific task requirements.
Work Environment:
The work environment is diverse, ranging from conditions with minimal physical discomfort to those where inclement weather may expose the individual to significant temperature changes, strong winds, or rain. Exposure to high noise hazards is common in this role. The Plane Captain may also be exposed to electrical shock hazards, fumes, or airborne particles typical of an aviation maintenance setting.
Safety Culture Contribution
The Plane Captain is expected to actively contribute to and uphold a robust safety culture, assuming responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. This commitment includes completing all required safety training, fulfilling self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks, and engaging with safety committees and teams as appropriate to foster a secure operational atmosphere.