Lead Captain, Gulfstream G550/G650 (Part 91)
Clay Lacy Aviation invites highly qualified aviation professionals to apply for the prestigious, full-time position of Lead Captain, specializing in Gulfstream G550 and G650 aircraft operations. The successful candidate will leverage extensive piloting experience to serve as a key operational leader, managing crew schedules, ensuring regulatory compliance, and acting as the critical communication conduit between the flight department and Clay Lacy Aviation management.
Position Overview and Compensation
- Position: Lead Captain
- Aircraft Fleet: Gulfstream G550 / Gulfstream G650
- Location: Van Nuys, CA (KVNY)
- Operation Type: Full-time employment (no contract opportunities); dedicated Part 91 operation with approximately 350 annual flight hours.
- Compensation & Benefits: An annual salary ranging from $380,000 to $400,000, complemented by a fully paid medical and healthcare premium package.
Prospective candidates must possess the required aircraft type rating and must either currently reside within a two-hour drivable commuting distance of KVNY or be willing to relocate prior to employment.
Scope of Responsibilities
The Lead Captain is responsible for upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and client service while performing both operational and administrative duties.
A. Flight Operations and Regulatory Compliance
- Serves as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated by the flight schedule.
- Ensures strict crew adherence to all applicable regulatory standards, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Confirms compliance with flight and maintenance schedules governing aircraft operation.
- Ensures the rigorous accomplishment of all pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
- Oversees compliance with flight and duty time limitations, adhering to Part 135 standards as closely as feasible within the Part 91 operation.
- Maintains expert familiarity with all installed aircraft equipment and ensures maintenance of all required regulatory operational authorizations and mandates.
B. Crew Management and Administrative Leadership
- Manages crewmember scheduling, including coordinating and managing requests for days off and vacation, communicating these to the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP).
- Facilitates effective communication flow between the flight account and Clay Lacy Aviation stakeholders, including the Account Manager (ACM), Director of Training, ACP, and Trip Support Specialists.
- Reviews and approves all crew expense reports in alignment with company policy.
- Monitors crew member performance and provides timely feedback to the ACP for incorporation into annual performance reviews.
- Coordinates training events and conducts monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training/evaluation requirements.
- Participates in the interviewing and selection process for all flight department personnel in conjunction with the ACP and Chief Pilots.
- Conducts annual aircraft black book audits in collaboration with Flight Operations and the ACP.
C. Maintenance and Asset Coordination
- Maintains awareness of all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
- Coordinates and communicates with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM) regarding maintenance-related items and squawks to ensure effective scheduling and minimal operational disruption.
- Assists Clay Lacy Aviation in the resolution and communication of Aircraft On Ground (AOG) events when necessary.
- Reviews monthly billing summaries, work order invoices, and reports any discrepancies to the Accounting department and the ACM.
- Coordinates with the Director of Maintenance (DOM) and ACM to ensure the aircraft is scheduled for necessary cleaning.
D. Account Liaison and Company Culture
- Serves as a primary liaison with the ACP and Director of Training.
- Ensures 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.
- Mediates, facilitates, and cultivates productive working relationships within the flight department, perpetuating Clay Lacy Aviation company culture and ideals.
- Works closely with the ACM in the comprehensive management of the aircraft owner’s overall experience.
- Provides constructive feedback to the ACM or via the Safety Management System to enhance operational processes and procedures.
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies
Clay Lacy Aviation Lead Captains are required to possess the minimum experience necessary to safely operate the assigned Gulfstream aircraft in strict compliance with the company’s Operational Specifications, General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual, while simultaneously fulfilling account management expectations.
Minimum Requirements
- FAA Airman’s Certificate (ATP) required; must remain current with all flight requirements.
- Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate required.
- Mandatory Gulfstream G550/G650 type rating.
- Comprehensive knowledge of applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 requirements for the assigned aircraft type.
- Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
- Required to reside within a two-hour drivable commuting distance to KVNY or be willing to relocate.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrable analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Profound capacity for strong teamwork and proven ability to operate effectively under pressure.
- Ability to gain the trust and confidence of colleagues and clients through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Demonstrated ability to create strong customer relations and deliver client-centric solutions.
- Possesses strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize workflow efficiently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailored to varied audiences.
- A proactive approach, demonstrating initiative and executing assigned tasks in a timely and accurate manner.
Commitment to Employees and Compliance
Benefits
Clay Lacy Aviation is committed to supporting its employees in adopting a healthier and more active lifestyle. Recognizing the essential contributions of every team member, the company offers a comprehensive program of competitive benefits designed to attract and retain the best talent available in business aviation.
Disclaimer Statement
Please note that the duties, responsibilities, and activities outlined in this job description are subject to change, and new assignments may be introduced at any time with or without notice. This document may not contain a comprehensive listing of all assigned activities, and employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested by management.
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 requirements with a representative from the Office of Human Resources.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Clay Lacy Aviation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and strictly 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 is applicable to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, compensation, and training.