Job Title: Aircraft Commander
The Aircraft Commander holds full responsibility and authority for the safe conduct of flight operations, including the safety of the crew, aircraft, cargo, and supernumeraries. As the official representative of CAC, the Commander maintains authority over the entire crew throughout the duration of duty periods, including stays away from the home base. The Commander is expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professional appearance, and conduct.
Core Responsibilities
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Comply with all standing regulations, clearance requirements, and the CAC Operations Manual.
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Ensure familiarity with relevant Maltese and international air legislation and established aviation practices.
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Conduct aircraft preflight inspections, including exterior and interior checks of critical surfaces, systems, and emergency equipment.
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Verify aircraft airworthiness by reviewing the ATL, MEL, and CDL, ensuring all defects are properly documented and processed.
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Confirm that fuel, mass, balance, and performance requirements are met for safe flight completion.
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Ensure the availability and validity of all required flight documentation and manuals.
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Oversee crew briefings and ensure all operational procedures, checklists, and critical phase restrictions are followed.
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Monitor weather conditions, runway status, and aerodrome operating minima prior to departure.
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Report hazardous weather or flight conditions to appropriate ATS units.
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Exercise command authority to ensure safety, including the management of supernumeraries and the potential disembarkation of passengers or cargo when safety is compromised.
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Ensure proper handling and preservation of flight recorders in accordance with regulations.
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Utilize the company safety reporting system and manage duties in accordance with Flight Time Limitations (FTLs).
Requirements and Qualifications
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Valid EASA Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) per Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011.
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Valid Class I Medical Certificate and valid Instrument Rating (IR).
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Minimum of 5,000 hours total flight time.
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For Type-Rated Candidates:
2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC) on a medium/heavy jet, including 500 hours on type as Commander or on a Boeing Heavy Jet.
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For Non-Type-Rated Candidates:
6,000 hours total flight time with 3,000 hours PIC on a medium/heavy jet.
Professional Experience
Minimum experience levels may be subject to review by the NP Flight Operations and NP Crew Training, based on the specific nature and quality of the candidate's previous experience (e.g., long-haul vs. short-haul, actual stick time vs. augmented crew time). Adjustments to these requirements must be formally agreed upon and documented with the Compliance Monitoring Manager.