Lead Captain - Global Express
Position Overview
Clay Lacy Aviation is actively recruiting a Lead Captain to join its esteemed flight department. In this critical role, the Lead Captain serves not only as a flight crewmember but also as a vital communication nexus between the account, Account Managers (ACM), Director of Maintenance (DOM), Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. This position ensures stringent adherence to all applicable regulations, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Key responsibilities include facilitating training coordination, meticulously reviewing expense reports and invoices, and actively contributing to the management of crew member schedules. The Lead Captain is instrumental in cultivating positive working relationships and upholding Clay Lacy Aviation's company culture and core values within their assigned flight department.
Job Details
- Position: Lead Captain
- Aircraft: Global Express (Bombardier BBD-700)
- Position Type: Full-time (No contract positions available)
- Location: Van Nuys, CA (KVNY)
- Operation Type: Part 91/135
- Estimated Annual Flight Hours: 300 - 350 hours
- Compensation: $300,000.00 - $325,000.00
- Benefits: Fully paid medical/healthcare premium
Candidates are required to hold a BBD-700 type rating and reside within a two-hour driving commute to KVNY or possess the willingness to relocate.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as assigned.
- Ensure strict compliance with flight and maintenance schedules, and all other directives governing aircraft operations.
- Guarantee crew compliance with flight and duty time limitations as specified in the General Operations Manual (GOM) for Part 135 operations, or adhere closely to Part 135 standards for Part 91 operations as applicable.
- Execute pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
- Collaborate with the DOM and ACM to ensure the aircraft is cleaned to required standards or as scheduled.
- Manage aircraft inventory to meet owner or user requirements, with potential delegation to a Cabin Attendant.
- Monitor crew member performance and provide feedback to the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) for annual performance reviews.
- Accurately complete and approve crew expense reports in adherence to Clay Lacy Aviation (CLA) policy.
- Review monthly billing summaries and report any discrepancies to accounting and the ACM.
- Coordinate and manage crew member days off and vacation requests, relaying information to the ACP for schedule inclusion and communicating with the ACM for owner approval as needed.
- Act as a liaison with the ACP and Director of Training.
- Conduct monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training/evaluation requirements.
- Perform annual aircraft black book audits in collaboration with Flight Operations and the ACP.
- Ensure compliance with fleet requirements, including SOPs and required documentation.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of the aircraft's installed equipment and ensure all required regulatory aircraft operational authorizations and mandates are current.
Maintenance Related Responsibilities
- Stay informed of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
- Assist Clay Lacy Aviation in the resolution and communication of Aircraft On Ground (AOG) mechanical events when necessary.
- Review monthly work order invoices.
- Coordinate and communicate with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM if assigned) on all maintenance-related items and squawks, ensuring effective communication of all maintenance scheduling with the Scheduling Specialist and ACM.
Additional Responsibilities
- Ensure all trip-related requests or changes from the aircraft owner or charter client are promptly communicated to the Charter Department and the Chief Pilot’s office.
- Assist in gathering operational data for special projects or reporting as requested.
- Mediate and foster positive working relationships within the Flight Department.
- Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with all external stakeholders and Clay Lacy Aviation.
- Ensure the perpetuation of Clay Lacy Aviation's company culture among Flight Department members.
- Provide constructive feedback to enhance process and procedure efficiency within Clay Lacy Aviation, channeled through the ACM or the Safety Management System (SMS) as appropriate.
- Collaborate with the Clay Lacy Aviation ACM in managing the overall aircraft owner experience.
- Perform other duties as required to support Clay Lacy Aviation and the aircraft owner, including updating the Scheduling Specialist on aircraft schedule changes and other scheduling-related matters.
- Coordinate with the ACM, DOM, Scheduling Specialist, and managed billing to conduct regular flight department meetings to discuss activities, maintenance events, budget, identify issues, answer questions, disseminate owner-gathered information, and develop future improvement projects and goals.
- In conjunction with the ACP/Chief Pilots, participate in the interview and selection process for all flight department personnel.
- Communicate with the ACM for input and/or approval on all operational, personnel, and administrative matters.
- Make recommendations to the ACM and ACP for additional training opportunities for flight department members, such as conferences, safety training, and industry events.
Competencies and Skills
- Ability to establish strong customer relations and deliver customer-centric solutions.
- Demonstrated initiative and enthusiasm in embracing new opportunities and challenges.
- Proficiency in collaborative work to achieve shared objectives.
- Effective communication skills, conveying a clear understanding of varied audience needs and modes of communication.
- Ability to earn trust and confidence through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Pilot skills commensurate with operational requirements.
- Strong ability to prioritize and organize workflow effectively.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
- Capacity for initiative and flawless execution of assigned tasks in a timely manner.
- Strong teamwork acumen with the ability to perform under extreme pressure.
Required Education and Experience
Lead Captains at Clay Lacy Aviation must possess the minimum experience necessary to safely operate the assigned aircraft in full compliance with the company's Operational Specifications, General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual, while also meeting all account management requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bombardier BBD-700 type rating (Required).
- First Class Medical Certificate (Required).
- Applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 requirements for the assigned aircraft type.
- ATP certificate (Required). Must maintain currency with all flight requirements.
Candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Disclaimer
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may be subject to change or reassignment at any time with or without notice. This job description may not encompass all assigned activities, duties, or responsibilities and is subject to amendment. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Clay Lacy Aviation provides reasonable accommodations when requested by qualified individuals with disabilities, unless such accommodation would impose an undue hardship. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodation needs with a representative from the Office of Human Resources.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Clay Lacy Aviation is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Discrimination and harassment of any type are prohibited, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.