Clay Lacy Aviation | G7500 Captain

Position Summary

Clay Lacy Aviation is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead Captain for a full-time position operating a state-of-the-art Global 7500 aircraft. Based at KVNY (Van Nuys Airport), this pivotal role combines expert piloting duties with critical leadership and operational management responsibilities. The Lead Captain will ensure seamless communication, crew compliance, and the highest standards of safety and service for our esteemed clients, while also fostering strong relationships, upholding company culture, and contributing to the overall excellence of flight operations.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Captain is entrusted with a broad range of responsibilities that encompass flight operations, crew management, administrative oversight, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and client satisfaction within Clay Lacy Aviation.

Flight Operations & Regulatory Compliance:

• Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the Global 7500 business jet.
• Maintain rigorous compliance with all flight and maintenance schedules, operational directives, and regulatory requirements (FAA Part 91 and Part 135).
• Diligently adhere to flight and duty time limitations, applying Part 135 standards as able, even if operating under Part 91.
• Conduct thorough pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
• Ensure familiarity with all installed aircraft equipment and maintain all required regulatory aircraft operational authorizations and mandates.

Crew Leadership & Communication:

• Facilitate robust communication channels between the account and various Clay Lacy Aviation departments, including Account Management (ACM), Director of Maintenance (DOM), Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists.
• Oversee crew compliance with all applicable regulations, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assist in coordinating crew training events and manage crew member schedules, including days off and vacation requests, relaying to the ACP for inclusion on the master schedule and communicating with the ACM for owner approval if necessary.
• Monitor crew member performance and provide constructive feedback to the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) for annual performance reviews.
• Liaise effectively with the ACP and Director of Training.
• Conduct monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training/evaluation requirements.
• Participate in the interview process and selection of all flight department personnel in conjunction with the ACP/Chief Pilots.
• Make recommendations for additional training for flight department members (e.g., conferences, safety training, industry events) to the ACM and ACP.

Administrative & Financial Oversight:

• Complete and approve crew expense reports in strict adherence to Clay Lacy Aviation policy.
• Review monthly billing summaries and report any discrepancies promptly to accounting and the ACM.
• Manage aircraft inventory to meet owner or user requirements (may be assigned to Cabin Attendant).
• Assist in gathering any required operationally related data for special projects or reporting as requested.
• Communicate with the ACM for input and/or approval on all operational, personnel, and administrative issues.

Maintenance Coordination:

• Maintain comprehensive awareness of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
• Assist Clay Lacy Aviation in the resolution and communication of mechanical AOG (Aircraft on Ground) events when required.
• Review monthly work order invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate and communicate with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM if assigned) regarding all maintenance-related items and squawks to ensure effective scheduling communication to all relevant parties, including the Scheduling Specialist and ACM.
• Coordinate with the DOM and ACM to ensure the aircraft is cleaned as necessary or scheduled.
• Conduct annual aircraft black book audits in collaboration with Flight Operations and the ACP.

Client Relations & Company Culture:

• Mediate and facilitate strong, positive working relationships within the flight department.
• Cultivate and maintain excellent working relationships with all external stakeholders and Clay Lacy Aviation personnel.
• Ensure Clay Lacy Aviation's company culture and ideals are consistently perpetuated among members of the Flight Department.
• Work collaboratively with the Clay Lacy Aviation ACM in the overall management of the Aircraft Owner's experience.
• 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.
• Provide constructive feedback to increase efficiency in processes and procedures within Clay Lacy Aviation, utilizing the ACM or Safety Management System if required.
• Coordinate with the ACM, DOM, Scheduling Specialist, and managed billing to conduct regular flight department meetings to discuss and manage activities, maintenance events, budgets, identify problems, answer questions, pass information gathered from the 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.
• Perform other duties as required in support of Clay Lacy Aviation and the aircraft owner.

Skills & Competencies

The successful Lead Captain will demonstrate exceptional leadership and operational acumen, coupled with a deep commitment to service excellence. Key competencies include:

• Proven ability to build strong customer relations and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• A proactive approach to new opportunities and challenges, executed with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
• Strong collaborative skills, working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying a clear understanding to varied audiences through appropriate modes.
• High degree of honesty, integrity, and authenticity, consistently building trust and confidence.
• Superior pilot skills consistent with stringent operational requirements for private jet and corporate aviation.
• Exceptional ability to prioritize and organize complex workflows efficiently.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, fostering positive professional relationships.
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking abilities to navigate complex situations.
• Strong initiative, with the capability to execute assigned tasks in a timely and flawless manner.
• Profound teamwork acumen, coupled with the ability to perform effectively under extreme pressure.

Required Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will possess the minimum experience required to safely operate the Global 7500 in compliance with company Operational Specifications, General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual, while also fulfilling account management requirements. Specific qualifications include:

• Applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 requirements for the Global 7500 aircraft type assigned.
• Must maintain currency with all flight requirements; an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is essential.
• A current First Class Medical Certificate is required.
• This position is classified as safety-sensitive under DOT/FAA drug and alcohol regulations.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and comprehensive background check is mandatory for all applicants.

Compensation & Benefits

Clay Lacy Aviation offers a highly competitive compensation package ranging from $375,000 to $395,000 annually, reflecting the significance of this leadership role. In addition to a robust salary, we are committed to supporting our employees' well-being through a comprehensive benefits program that attracts and retains top talent. Our goal is to provide a program of competitive benefits to support employees in their adoption of a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Through our benefits programs, we strive to support the needs of our employees and their dependents by providing a benefit package that is easy to understand, easy to access, and affordable. Our benefits are a valuable part of the total rewards that Clay Lacy Aviation offers you and your families, helping you take care of yourself and your family.

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Fully Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Premiums for employees in full-time assigned crew positions.
• 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).
• 401K Plan.
• Floating Holidays (2).
• Pet Insurance.
• Identity Theft Protection Services.
• Employee Discounts to retailers, restaurants, and theme parks.
• Uber for Business.

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. We encourage both prospective and current employees 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.