Lead Captain, Gulfstream G450 (Part 135)
Position Summary
Clay Lacy Aviation is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Captain for a Part 135 Gulfstream G450 operation. This full-time position is based in Henderson, Nevada (KHND), and requires a dedicated professional to serve as a flight crewmember while also assuming critical leadership and liaison responsibilities. The Lead Captain ensures seamless communication between the client account and various Clay Lacy Aviation departments, including Account Management, Director of Maintenance, Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot, and Trip Support Specialists. This role is instrumental in maintaining crew compliance with all applicable regulations, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures, coordinating training events, managing expense reports and invoices, and overseeing crew member schedules. The Lead Captain is expected to cultivate and perpetuate Clay Lacy Aviation’s company culture and ideals within their flight department, fostering strong working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
Candidates must reside within a two-hour drivable commute of Henderson, NV, or be willing to relocate to meet this essential requirement. All applicants will undergo a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Position Details
- Aircraft: Gulfstream G450
- Location: Las Vegas (KHND), Nevada
- Operation: Part 135; approximately 300 to 400 flight hours annually
- Employment Type: Full-time permanent position; no contract roles available.
Compensation and Benefits
- Highly competitive annual salary ranging from $330,000 to $350,000.
- Comprehensive medical/healthcare premium fully paid by the company.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated.
- Ensure strict compliance with flight and maintenance schedules, as well as all directives governing the aircraft’s operation.
- Oversee crew adherence to flight and duty time limitations as outlined in the General Operations Manual (GOM) for Part 135 operations.
- Ensure the thorough accomplishment of pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
- Maintain familiarity with installed aircraft equipment and ensure all required regulatory operational authorizations and mandates are current.
- Conduct annual aircraft black book audits in collaboration with Flight Operations and the Assistant Chief Pilot.
- Perform monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training/evaluation requirements.
Crew Management and Coordination
- Monitor crew member performance and provide feedback to the Assistant Chief Pilot for annual performance reviews.
- Coordinate and manage crew member days off and vacation requests, communicating with the Assistant Chief Pilot for schedule inclusion and the Account Manager for owner approval when necessary.
- Complete and approve crew expense reports in compliance with Clay Lacy Aviation policy.
- Liaise effectively with the Assistant Chief Pilot and Director of Training.
- Participate in the interview process and selection of flight department personnel.
- Recommend additional training opportunities (conferences, safety training, industry events) for flight department members to the Account Manager and Assistant Chief Pilot.
Aircraft Management and Maintenance Liaison
- Coordinate with the Director of Maintenance (DOM) and Account Manager (ACM) to ensure aircraft cleaning schedules are met.
- Manage aircraft inventory to fulfill owner or user requirements (may be assigned to Cabin Attendant).
- Stay informed of 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.
- Coordinate and communicate all maintenance-related items and squawks with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM) to ensure effective scheduling and communication.
Client and Company Relations
- Ensure all trip-related requests or changes from the aircraft owner or charter client are communicated 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 foster strong working relationships within the flight department and with all external stakeholders of Clay Lacy Aviation.
- Perpetuate Clay Lacy Aviation’s company culture and ideals among members of the Flight Department.
- Provide constructive feedback for process and procedure efficiency improvements through the Account Manager or via the Safety Management System if required.
- Collaborate with the Clay Lacy Aviation Account Manager in the overall management of the aircraft owner’s experience.
- Coordinate regular flight department meetings with the Account Manager, DOM, Scheduling Specialist, and managed billing to discuss and manage activities, maintenance events, budget, identify problems, answer questions, pass information gathered from owner and create future improvement projects and goals.
- Update the Scheduling Specialist regarding aircraft schedule changes and other matters that may affect the scheduling of aircraft, crews, or contract pilots/cabin attendants.
- Communicate with the Account Manager for input and/or approval on all operational, personnel, and administrative issues.
- Perform other duties as required in support of Clay Lacy Aviation and the aircraft owner.
Desired Competencies and Skills
- Proven ability to build strong customer relations and deliver customer-centric solutions.
- Proactive approach to new opportunities and challenges, demonstrating urgency and enthusiasm.
- Exceptional collaborative skills, working effectively with others to achieve shared objectives.
- Clear and articulate communication skills, adaptable to diverse audiences and modes.
- Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and authenticity, fostering trust and confidence.
- Superior pilot skills consistent with advanced operational requirements.
- Strong ability to prioritize tasks and organize complex workflows efficiently.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills for effective team and client interaction.
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking abilities for problem-solving.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and execute tasks flawlessly and promptly.
- Robust teamwork acumen and proven capability to perform effectively under extreme pressure.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum experience required to safely operate the assigned Gulfstream G450 in compliance with company Operational Specifications, General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual, meeting account management requirements.
- Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
- Current FAA First Class Medical certificate.
- Demonstrated compliance with applicable FAA Part 91 and FAA Part 135 requirements for the assigned aircraft type.
- Must maintain current flight requirements.
- Residency within a two-hour drivable commute of Henderson, NV, or willingness to relocate to satisfy this requirement.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
- Preferred: Gulfstream G450 type rating.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Workplace Policies
Clay Lacy Aviation is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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 to qualified individuals with disabilities unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with a representative from Human Resources.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities for this position and is subject to change. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified, or new ones assigned, at any time with or without notice. This document may not cover a comprehensive listing of all assigned activities, duties, or responsibilities, and employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested.