Position Summary
Clay Lacy Aviation is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Captain for a Global 7500 based at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY). This full-time leadership position is crucial for ensuring seamless flight operations, superior crew management, and effective communication between aircraft owners and Clay Lacy Aviation departments. The Lead Captain acts as a key liaison, upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and Clay Lacy Aviation's esteemed company culture.
Position Overview
- Position: Lead Captain
- Aircraft: Global 7500
- Employment Type: Full-time (No contract positions available)
- Base Location: Van Nuys Airport (KVNY). Relocation or residency within a two-hour drivable commute is required.
- Operation: Part 91/135. Annual flight hours estimated at 100-150.
- Compensation & Benefits: Competitive annual salary range of $375,000 - $395,000, complemented by fully paid medical/healthcare premiums.
Key Responsibilities
Flight Operations & Compliance
- Operates as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated, ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
- Ensures strict compliance with all flight and maintenance schedules, operational directives, and applicable regulatory requirements (FAA Part 91 and Part 135).
- Monitors and ensures crew adherence to flight and duty time limitations, following General Operations Manual (GOM) guidelines and Part 135 standards.
- Oversees the meticulous accomplishment of pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
- Maintains comprehensive familiarity with all installed aircraft equipment and ensures all required regulatory operational authorizations and mandates are current.
Crew & Administrative Management
- Provides effective leadership and mentorship to flight department personnel, fostering a cohesive and high-performing team.
- Monitors crew member performance, providing feedback to the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) for annual performance reviews.
- Manages and approves crew expense reports in strict accordance with Clay Lacy Aviation policy.
- Reviews monthly billing summaries, promptly reporting any discrepancies to accounting and the Account Manager (ACM).
- Coordinates and manages crew member days off and vacation requests, relaying information to the ACP for scheduling and seeking owner approval via the ACM when necessary.
- Conducts monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training/evaluation requirements.
- Performs annual aircraft 'black book' audits in collaboration with Flight Operations and the ACP.
- Participates in the interview and selection process for all flight department personnel in conjunction with the ACP/Chief Pilots.
Communication & Stakeholder Relations
- Serves as the primary communication liaison between the aircraft account and Clay Lacy Aviation, including the Account Manager (ACM), Director of Maintenance (DOM), Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists.
- Cultivates and maintains excellent working relationships within the flight department and with all external stakeholders, ensuring the perpetuation of Clay Lacy Aviation's company culture and ideals.
- Communicates all trip-related requests or changes from the aircraft owner or charter client to the Charter Department and Chief Pilot’s office.
- Collaborates with the ACM to manage the overall aircraft owner experience.
- Provides constructive feedback via the ACM or Safety Management System to enhance operational efficiency and procedural improvements.
- Facilitates regular flight department meetings with the ACM, DOM, and Scheduling Specialist to discuss activities, maintenance events, budget, and future improvement projects.
- Communicates with the ACM for input and approval regarding all operational, personnel, and administrative matters.
- Recommends additional training, conferences, and industry events for flight department members to the ACM and ACP.
Maintenance Coordination
- Maintains awareness of all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
- Assists Clay Lacy Aviation in the resolution and communication of mechanical Aircraft On Ground (AOG) events as required.
- Reviews monthly work order invoices.
- Coordinates effectively with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM) on all maintenance-related items and squawks, ensuring clear communication with scheduling specialists and the ACM.
- Coordinates with the DOM and ACM to ensure aircraft cleaning is scheduled and accomplished as necessary.
Required Competencies & Skills
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate clearly to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to build strong customer relations and deliver customer-centric solutions.
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Strong teamwork acumen, capable of collaborating effectively to achieve shared objectives under pressure.
- High degree of honesty, integrity, and authenticity, consistently gaining the trust and confidence of others.
- Proactive and results-oriented, with the ability to take initiative and execute tasks in a timely and flawless manner.
- Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to prioritize complex workflows.
- Pilot skills consistent with stringent operational requirements.
- Enthusiasm and urgency in embracing new opportunities and challenges.
Education & Experience Requirements
Prospective Lead Captains must possess the requisite experience to safely operate the Global 7500 in full compliance with Clay Lacy Aviation's Operational Specifications, General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual, while also fulfilling comprehensive account management responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is required.
- Current First Class Medical Certificate.
- Must meet all applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 requirements for the Global 7500 aircraft type.
- Candidates must remain current with all flight requirements.
- This classification is designated as safety-sensitive under DOT/FAA drug and alcohol regulations.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and comprehensive background check is mandatory.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Clay Lacy Aviation is dedicated to supporting the well-being and success of its employees. The company offers a robust and competitive benefits program designed to attract, retain, and support the best talent in the aviation industry. Our comprehensive benefits package is a valuable component of the total rewards for employees and their families, fostering a healthier and more active lifestyle.
For full-time assigned crew positions, Clay Lacy Aviation proudly provides fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
Benefits Include:
- Health Insurance (HMO and PPO options available)
- Dental Insurance (HMO and PPO options available)
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Vacation/Time Off
- Paid Sick Time
- Paid Holidays (9)
- Floating Holidays (2)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Pet Insurance
- Identity Theft Protection Services
- Exclusive Employee Discounts (retailers, restaurants, theme parks)
- Uber for Business access
Important Disclaimers
Disclaimer Statement
Please note that duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to 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 undue hardship. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with a representative from the Office of Human Resources.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Clay Lacy Aviation is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. The company 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 extends to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.