Aviation Career Opportunity: Lead Captain – Gulfstream G550/G650
Location: Van Nuys, CA (KVNY) | Position Type: Full-Time Flight Crew/Leadership
Clay Lacy Aviation seeks a distinguished and highly professional individual to fulfill the role of Lead Captain for a premier Gulfstream G550/G650 operation based in Van Nuys, California (KVNY). This critical leadership position requires extensive Pilot in Command (PIC) experience coupled with demonstrated administrative acumen and exceptional communication skills. The Lead Captain is essential in ensuring seamless operations, fostering strong crew relationships, and serving as a vital communication conduit between the client account and Clay Lacy Aviation’s management structure.
Key Position Details
- Aircraft: Gulfstream G550/G650
- Operation Type: FAA Part 91 Private Operations
- Estimated Annual Utilization: Approximately 350 flight hours
- Compensation Range: $380,000 – $400,000 annually
- Benefits: Fully paid medical/healthcare premium
- Employment Status: Full-time only (No contract work)
Essential Leadership and Operational Responsibilities
The Lead Captain is charged with duties that span flight operations, crew management, compliance, and administrative oversight. The individual must consistently adhere to the highest standards of safety and professionalism while representing the company culture.
Flight Operations and Compliance
- Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated by the schedule.
- Ensures comprehensive compliance with all flight and maintenance schedules, directives, and applicable regulatory mandates governing aircraft operation.
- Executes thorough pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
- Monitors crew adherence to flight and duty time limitations, striving to meet Part 135 standards even within Part 91 operations.
- Maintains all required regulatory aircraft operational authorizations and mandates.
Administrative and Personnel Management
- Ensures effective communication and compliance across the flight department regarding all applicable regulations, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
- Assists in managing crew member schedules, coordinating days off, and reviewing vacation requests for submission to the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP).
- Completes and approves crew expense reports in strict accordance with Clay Lacy Aviation policy.
- Monitors the performance of crew members and communicates feedback to the Assistant Chief Pilot for annual performance reviews.
- Reviews monthly billing summaries and reports any discrepancies immediately to the accounting team and the Account Manager (ACM).
- Liaises with the ACP and the Director of Training to coordinate training events, and conducts monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training requirements.
Maintenance and Logistics Coordination
- Coordinates closely with the Director of Maintenance (DOM) and the Account Manager to ensure the aircraft is maintained and cleaned as necessary.
- Serves as the primary coordinator and communicator for mechanical Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events, assisting in resolution when required.
- Reviews monthly work order invoices and manages communications with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM) regarding all maintenance-related items and squawks.
- Manages aircraft inventory to meet the specific requirements of the owner or user.
Stakeholder Relations and Company Culture
- Mediates and facilitates positive, professional working relationships within the flight department.
- Cultivates and maintains strong working relationships with all external stakeholders and internal CLA departments.
- Ensures that the Clay Lacy Aviation company culture and ideals are effectively perpetuated among all members of the flight department.
- Works closely with the Account Manager to optimize the overall experience of the aircraft owner.
- Participates in the interview and selection process for all flight department personnel in conjunction with the Chief Pilots.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Prospective candidates must meet or exceed the minimum experience requirements necessary to safely operate the assigned aircraft in compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, Company Operational Specifications, and Flight Operations Manuals, while meeting specific account management requirements.
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate is mandatory.
- Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate is required.
- Gulfstream G550/G650 type rating is strictly required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 requirements for the assigned aircraft type.
- Must remain current with all flight requirements.
- Candidates must currently reside within a two-hour commutable driving distance of Van Nuys (KVNY) or demonstrate a willingness to relocate immediately upon hire.
- Successful completion of a Pre-Employment Drug Screening and Background Check is mandatory.
Core Competencies and Skills
- Proven ability to create strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
- Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly articulating the needs of varied audiences.
- Demonstrated capacity to take on new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
- Strong commitment to honesty, integrity, and authenticity to gain the trust and confidence of others.
- Superior analytical and critical thinking skills.
- A strong teamwork acumen with the profound ability to perform flawlessly under significant operational pressure.
- The ability to prioritize, organize complex workflow, and take initiative to execute assigned tasks in a timely manner.
Commitment to Employees
Clay Lacy Aviation is committed to supporting its employees in the adoption of a healthier and more active lifestyle. Recognizing the significant contribution each employee makes, the company offers a comprehensive program of competitive benefits designed to attract and retain the best aviation professionals available.
Disclaimer and Equal Employment Opportunity Statements
Duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change, or new assignments may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This document may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all assigned activities, duties, or responsibilities, and may be amended at any time. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested.
Clay Lacy Aviation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to 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 recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Clay Lacy Aviation provides reasonable accommodation when requested by qualified individuals with disabilities unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodation with a representative of the Office of Human Resources.