Clay Lacy Aviation | PC-24 Captain

Lead Captain, Pilatus PC24

Position Summary

Clay Lacy Aviation invites applications for an accomplished Lead Captain for its Pilatus PC24 operations. This pivotal full-time role, situated at KSTP, extends beyond flight crew responsibilities to encompass critical leadership and liaison duties. The Lead Captain ensures seamless communication and coordination between the assigned account and various Clay Lacy Aviation departments, including the Account Manager (ACM), Director of Maintenance (DOM), Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. This position is central to ensuring crew compliance with regulatory standards, company directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), actively participating in training event coordination, overseeing financial processes such as expense reports and invoices, and contributing to crew member schedule management. The successful candidate will foster positive working relationships and uphold the esteemed company culture and ideals within their dedicated flight department.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The Lead Captain's responsibilities are comprehensive, covering operational, managerial, and administrative aspects:

Flight Operations and Aircraft Management:

• Acting as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated for Pilatus PC24 flights.
• Ensuring rigorous compliance with all flight and maintenance schedules, along with other directives governing aircraft operation.
• Verifying crew adherence to flight and duty time limitations as outlined in the General Operations Manual (GOM) for Part 135 operations, or reasonably adhering to Part 135 standards where applicable for Part 91 operations.
• Overseeing the meticulous accomplishment of pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
• Coordinating with the Director of Maintenance (DOM) and Account Manager (ACM) to ensure the aircraft is cleaned as required or scheduled.
• Managing aircraft inventory to meet owner or user requirements, which may be assigned to a Cabin Attendant.
• Ensuring compliance with fleet-specific requirements, including SOPs and all necessary paperwork.
• Maintaining thorough familiarity with all installed aircraft equipment and ensuring all required regulatory aircraft operational authorizations and mandates are current.

Leadership, Coordination, and Crew Management:

• Monitoring crew members' performance and providing feedback to the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) for annual performance reviews.
• Completing and approving crew expense reports in accordance with Clay Lacy Aviation policy.
• Reviewing monthly billing summaries and reporting any discrepancies to the accounting department and Account Manager (ACM).
• Coordinating and managing crew member days off and vacation requests, relaying these to the ACP for inclusion on the schedule, and communicating with the ACM for owner approval when necessary.
• Serving as a primary liaison with the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) and Director of Training.
• Conducting monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training/evaluation requirements.
• Conducting annual aircraft black book audits in collaboration with Flight Operations and the ACP.
• Maintaining awareness of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
• Assisting Clay Lacy Aviation in the resolution and communication of mechanical AOG (Aircraft on Ground) events when required.
• Reviewing monthly work order invoices.
• Coordinating and communicating all maintenance-related items and squawks with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM if assigned) to ensure effective scheduling communication with the scheduling specialist and ACM.
• Ensuring all trip-related requests or changes from the aircraft owner (or charter client) are communicated to the Charter Department and Chief Pilot's office.
• Updating the Scheduling Specialist regarding aircraft schedule changes and other matters that may affect the scheduling of aircraft, crews, or contract pilots/cabin attendants.
• Participating in the interview process and selection of all flight department personnel in conjunction with the ACP/Chief Pilots.
• Communicating with the ACM for input and/or approval for all operational, personnel, and administrative issues.
• Making recommendations for additional training for flight department members to the ACM and ACP, including conferences, safety training, and industry events.

Strategic and Interdepartmental Collaboration:

• Assisting in gathering any required operationally related data for special projects or reporting as requested.
• Mediating and facilitating strong working relationships within the flight department.
• Cultivating and maintaining positive working relationships with all external stakeholders and Clay Lacy Aviation personnel.
• Ensuring the Clay Lacy Aviation company culture is perpetuated among members of the flight department.
• Providing constructive feedback to increase efficiency in processes and procedures within Clay Lacy Aviation, channeling through the ACM or via the Safety Management System if required.
• Collaborating with the Clay Lacy Aviation ACM in managing the overall aircraft owner experience.
• Coordinating with the ACM, DOM, Scheduling Specialist, and managed billing to conduct regular flight department meetings to discuss and manage activities, maintenance events, budget, identify problems, answer questions, disseminate information gathered from the owner, and establish future improvement projects and goals.

Competencies and Skills

The ideal candidate will possess a robust skill set combining technical proficiency with strong interpersonal capabilities:

• A proven ability to create strong customer relations and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• A proactive approach to new opportunities and challenges, demonstrating a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
• Exceptional collaborative abilities, working effectively with others to achieve shared objectives.
• Clear and concise communication skills, demonstrating an understanding of the needs of varied audiences and modes.
• A high degree of honesty, integrity, and authenticity to gain the trust and confidence of others.
• Pilot skills consistent with stringent operational requirements.
• Superior ability to prioritize and organize complex workflow efficiently.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, fostering positive interactions.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• The capacity to take initiative and execute assigned tasks in a timely and flawless manner.
• A strong teamwork acumen combined with a profound ability to perform effectively under extreme pressure.

Required Education and Experience

Clay Lacy Aviation Lead Captains are expected to possess the minimum experience necessary to safely operate the assigned Pilatus PC24 aircraft in full compliance with company Operational Specifications, the General Operations Manual, and the Flight Operations Manual, while simultaneously fulfilling account management requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Possession of applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 qualifications for the Pilatus PC24 aircraft type.
• Must maintain current flight requirements; an ATP certificate is required.
• A First Class Medical certificate is mandatory.
• This position is classified as safety-sensitive under DOT/FAA drug and alcohol regulations.
• All applicants must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and comprehensive background check.

Compensation and Benefits

Clay Lacy Aviation offers a highly competitive compensation package ranging from $200,000 to $215,000 annually. The company is deeply committed to supporting employees in their pursuit of healthier and more active lifestyles, recognizing the invaluable contributions of each team member. Our comprehensive benefits program is designed to attract and retain the industry's best talent, providing a clear, accessible, and affordable package that supports employees and their dependents.

For full-time assigned crew positions, Clay Lacy Aviation proudly offers fully paid medical, dental, and vision premiums. Our robust benefits package includes:

• 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 various retailers, restaurants, and theme parks
• Uber for Business