Lead Captain, Gulfstream G450 (Part 135)
Clay Lacy Aviation is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Captain for a full-time, Part 135 operation based in Henderson (KHND), Nevada. This pivotal role involves commanding a state-of-the-art Gulfstream G450 and ensuring the highest standards of safety, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess a current Gulfstream type rating and demonstrate exceptional leadership capabilities within a dynamic aviation environment. Annual flight hours are anticipated to be between 300 and 400.
Position Overview
The Lead Captain serves as a primary flight crewmember and is instrumental in fostering seamless communication and operational excellence between the aircraft account and Clay Lacy Aviation's core departments, including Account Management, the Director of Maintenance, Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot, and Trip Support Specialists. This role is responsible for ensuring rigorous compliance with all applicable regulations, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as coordinating comprehensive crew training, managing expense reporting, and overseeing crew schedules. The Lead Captain will be a key ambassador of Clay Lacy Aviation's company culture and ideals within the flight department, cultivating strong internal and external relationships.
Key Position Details
Aircraft: Gulfstream G450
Operation: FAA Part 135
Location: Henderson (KHND), Las Vegas, NV
Position Type: Full-time employment; no contract
Annual Flight Hours: Approximately 300-400 hours
Compensation: $330,000 to $350,000 annually
Benefits: Fully paid medical/healthcare premiums
Responsibilities
Flight Operations & Crew Management
- Act as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the Gulfstream G450.
- Ensure meticulous compliance with all flight and maintenance schedules, as well as other directives governing aircraft operation.
- Monitor and enforce crew compliance with flight and duty time limitations as outlined in the General Operations Manual (GOM) for Part 135 operations.
- Ensure thorough accomplishment of pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
- Coordinate with the Director of Maintenance (DOM) and Account Manager (ACM) to ensure the aircraft is cleaned as required or scheduled.
- Manage aircraft inventory to meet owner or user requirements, potentially in collaboration with a Cabin Attendant.
- Monitor crew members' performance and communicate observations to the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) for annual performance reviews.
- Complete and approve crew expense reports in accordance with Clay Lacy Aviation policy.
- Review monthly billing summaries and report any discrepancies to the accounting department and ACM.
- Coordinate and manage crew member days off and vacation requests, relaying them to the ACP for scheduling inclusion and seeking owner approval via the ACM when necessary.
- Serve as a primary liaison with the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) and Director of Training.
- Conduct monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training/evaluation requirements.
- Execute annual aircraft "black book" audits, collaborating with Flight Operations and the ACP.
- Ensure comprehensive compliance with fleet requirements, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and required paperwork.
- Maintain in-depth familiarity with all installed aircraft equipment and ensure all required regulatory aircraft operational authorizations and mandates are current.
Maintenance Coordination
- Maintain awareness of all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
- Assist Clay Lacy Aviation in the resolution and communication of mechanical Aircraft On Ground (AOG) events when required.
- Review monthly work order invoices for accuracy.
- Coordinate and communicate all maintenance-related items and squawks with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM if assigned) to ensure effective scheduling communication among all relevant parties, including the scheduling specialist and ACM.
Account & Company Engagement
- Ensure all trip-related requests or changes from the aircraft owner (or charter client) are communicated promptly to the Charter Department and Chief Pilot’s office.
- Assist in gathering any required operationally related data for special projects or reporting as requested.
- Mediate and facilitate positive working relationships within the assigned Flight Department.
- Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with all external stakeholders and Clay Lacy Aviation personnel.
- Actively ensure the perpetuation of Clay Lacy Aviation's company culture among members of the Flight Department.
- Provide constructive feedback to enhance efficiency in processes and procedures within Clay Lacy Aviation, either through the ACM or via the Safety Management System as required.
- Collaborate with the Clay Lacy Aviation ACM in managing the overall experience of aircraft owners.
- Perform other duties as required to support Clay Lacy Aviation and the aircraft owner, including updating the Scheduling Specialist regarding aircraft schedule changes and other matters affecting the scheduling of aircraft, crews, or contract personnel.
- In conjunction with the ACM, DOM, Scheduling Specialist, and managed billing, coordinate regular flight department meetings to discuss and manage activities, maintenance events, budgets, identify problems, answer questions, disseminate owner feedback, and formulate future improvement projects and goals.
- Participate in the interview process and selection of all flight department personnel in conjunction with the ACP/Chief Pilots.
- Communicate with the ACM for input and/or approval on all operational, personnel, and administrative issues.
- Make recommendations for additional training for flight department members to the ACM and ACP, including conferences, safety training, and industry events.
Required Qualifications
- Certifications: Valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate are mandatory.
- Experience: Candidates must possess the minimum flight experience required for safe operation of the assigned aircraft in compliance with company Operational Specifications, General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual. Demonstrated experience in FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 operations for the aircraft type assigned is essential. A current Gulfstream type rating is highly preferred.
- Residency: Must reside within a two-hour drivable commute distance of Henderson, NV, or be willing to relocate to meet this requirement.
- Pre-employment: All applicants must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Competencies & Skills
- Proven ability to build strong customer relations and deliver customer-centric solutions.
- Proactive approach to new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
- Exceptional collaborative skills, working effectively with others to achieve shared objectives.
- Superior communication skills, with a clear understanding of the needs of varied audiences and modes.
- Demonstrated ability to gain trust and confidence through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Pilot skills consistent with stringent operational requirements.
- Strong ability to prioritize and organize complex workflows.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Proactive initiative and ability to execute assigned tasks in a timely and flawless manner.
- Strong teamwork acumen combined with a profound ability to perform under extreme pressure.
Benefits
Clay Lacy Aviation offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of its employees. This includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, life insurance, generous paid time off, and additional benefits.
Disclaimer Statement
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description 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.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
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. Both prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodation with a representative of the Office of Human Resources.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
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.