Plane Captain - Aviation Operations Specialist
Overview
A leading aviation services provider is actively seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Plane Captain to join its dynamic team. The Plane Captain will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aircraft through comprehensive handling, servicing, and critical inspection protocols. This position also involves performing essential pre-operational inspections, fueling ground support equipment, and providing vital technical assistance, guidance, and instruction to junior team members within the Aircraft Washer and Plane Captain Helper classifications.
Key Responsibilities
The Plane Captain's core responsibilities encompass a broad range of critical aviation support functions, including:
- Executing daily and turnaround inspections on aircraft in strict adherence to established procedures.
- Initiating and accurately completing all necessary maintenance documentation and forms.
- Performing meticulous aircraft fuel sampling and servicing in accordance with standard operating procedures.
- Directing and actively participating in aircraft launch and recovery operations, including serving as an aircraft taxi director.
- Conducting safe aircraft towing and acting as an aircraft brake rider when required.
- Securing aircraft through proper tie-down and covering procedures.
- Providing expert technical assistance, guidance, and instruction to junior personnel.
- Effectively utilizing two-way communication equipment for seamless operational coordination.
- Upholding stringent safety and operational standards, including strict compliance with Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention, Hazardous Waste protocols, Egress Familiarization, and Tool Control programs.
- Adhering to all general and industrial safety rules and regulations pertinent to the contract, facility, and specific job assignments.
- Ensuring the safety, security, and preservation of all government and company-owned equipment.
- Operating portable firefighting equipment and maintaining the cleanliness of the work center.
- Delivering consistently courteous and professional customer service.
- Performing additional qualified duties as assigned to support overall operational objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates for the Plane Captain position must meet the following essential qualifications:
- A 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.
- The ability to obtain and maintain any required company/government qualifications, certifications, licensing, or security clearances.
- Proficiency in reading, writing, understanding, and communicating effectively in English, including the ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of applicable aviation safety and maintenance manuals.
- A thorough working knowledge of aircraft flight line operations, including aircraft handling, servicing, marshaling techniques, the use of common hand tools, and standard operational safety requirements for various aircraft types.
- Flexibility to work any assigned shift and schedule.
- The capacity to travel in support of cross-country rescues and detachments, potentially for durations of unknown length.
Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
Physical Demands
This role necessitates a range of physical capabilities typical of aviation maintenance and flight line environments. The Plane Captain must be able to perform movements such as bending, stooping, walking, climbing, pushing, stretching, and kneeling. The position requires excellent eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 70 pounds may be required. Candidates must be able to walk and stand on various surfaces for extended periods, possess close vision (including color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception), and have normal hearing acuity. The use of a respirator may also be required.
Work Environment
The work environment for a Plane Captain is diverse and dynamic, ranging from comfortable indoor settings to outdoor flight line operations. Exposure to varying weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, wind, and rain, is common. The role may involve working in areas with high noise levels, potential electrical shock hazards, and exposure to fumes or airborne particles.