Lead Captain - Pilatus PC24 - KSTP
Position Summary
The Lead Captain serves as a key flight crewmember with additional responsibilities for facilitating effective communication between the account and Clay Lacy Aviation. This includes liaising with the Account Manager (ACM), Director of Maintenance (DOM), Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. The Lead Captain ensures crew compliance with all applicable regulations, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). They will actively participate in coordinating training events, reviewing expense reports and invoices, and assisting in the management of crew member schedules. A primary focus is on fostering positive working relationships and perpetuating Clay Lacy Aviation's company culture and ideals within the flight department.
- Position:
- Lead Captain
- Aircraft:
- Pilatus PC24
- Position Type:
- Full-time only; no contract positions available.
- Location:
- KSTP - Proximity is essential; candidates must reside within a two-hour drivable commute or be willing to relocate.
- Operation:
- Part 91 operations, with approximately 300 flight hours annually.
- Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary range of $200,000 to $215,000, plus fully paid medical and healthcare premiums.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Act as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated by operational requirements.
- Ensure strict compliance with flight and maintenance schedules, and all other directives governing the aircraft's operation.
- Ensure crew compliance with flight and duty time limitations as outlined in the GOM for Part 135, or adhere to Part 135 standards for Part 91 operations.
- Oversee the accomplishment of all pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
- Collaborate with the DOM and ACM to ensure the aircraft is maintained to the required cleanliness standards, whether scheduled or as needed.
- Manage aircraft inventory to meet owner or user requirements, with the potential for delegation to a Cabin Attendant.
- Monitor crew member performance and provide feedback to the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) for annual performance reviews.
- Complete and approve crew expense reports in accordance with Clay Lacy Aviation (CLA) policy.
- Review monthly billing summaries and report any discrepancies to accounting and the ACM.
- Coordinate and manage crew member days off and vacation requests, relaying them to the ACP for schedule inclusion and communicating with the ACM for owner approval when necessary.
- Serve as a liaison with the ACP and the Director of Training.
- Conduct monthly reviews of crew currency and upcoming training or evaluation requirements.
- Perform annual aircraft black book audits in conjunction with Flight Operations and the ACP.
- Ensure compliance with all fleet requirements, including SOPs and necessary paperwork.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of the installed equipment on the aircraft and ensure all required regulatory aircraft operational authorizations and mandates are current.
Maintenance Related Responsibilities
- Maintain awareness of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
- Assist CLA in the resolution and communication of aircraft on ground (AOG) mechanical events when required.
- Review monthly work order invoices for accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinate and communicate with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM if assigned) regarding any maintenance-related items or squawks to ensure effective communication of all maintenance scheduling to the Scheduling Specialist and ACM.
Additional Responsibilities
- Ensure 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.
- Assist in gathering operational data for special projects or reporting as requested.
- Mediate and facilitate strong working relationships within the Flight Department.
- Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with all external stakeholders and Clay Lacy Aviation.
- Champion and perpetuate Clay Lacy Aviation's company culture among all members of the Flight Department.
- Provide constructive feedback to enhance efficiency in processes and procedures within CLA, either through the ACM or the Safety Management System (SMS) as appropriate.
- Collaborate with the CLA ACM in managing the overall experience of aircraft owners.
- Perform other duties as required to support CLA and the aircraft owner, including updating the Scheduling Specialist on aircraft schedule changes and other matters affecting aircraft, crew, or contract pilot/cabin attendant scheduling.
- Coordinate with the ACM, DOM, and Scheduling Specialist to conduct regular flight department meetings focused on managing activities, maintenance events, budget, problem identification, information sharing from owners, and the development of future improvement projects and goals.
- In conjunction with the ACP/Chief Pilots, participate in the interview process and selection of all flight department personnel.
- Communicate with the ACM for input and/or approval on all operational, personnel, and administrative issues.
- Make recommendations to the ACM and ACP for additional training for flight department members, such as conferences, safety training, and industry events.
Competencies and Skills
- Ability to cultivate strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and urgency in approaching new opportunities and challenges.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively to achieve shared objectives.
- Skilled in communicating a clear understanding of the needs of diverse audiences and utilizing various communication modes effectively.
- Ability to earn trust and confidence through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
- Possesses pilot skills consistent with operational requirements for the assigned aircraft.
- Adept at prioritizing and organizing workflow efficiently.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential.
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
- Ability to take initiative and execute assigned tasks in a timely and flawless manner.
- Strong teamwork acumen with a profound ability to perform effectively under extreme pressure.
Required Education and Experience
Lead Captains at Clay Lacy Aviation are expected to possess the minimum experience necessary to safely operate the assigned aircraft in compliance with the company's Operational Specifications, General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual, while also meeting specific account management requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Possession of applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 requirements for the assigned aircraft type.
- Must maintain currency with flight requirements; an ATP certificate is required.
- A First Class Medical certificate is mandatory.
- Positions in this classification are designated as safety-sensitive under DOT/FAA drug and alcohol regulations.
- All applicants are required to submit to a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Benefits
Clay Lacy Aviation is dedicated to supporting employees in adopting a healthier and more active lifestyle. Recognizing the significant contributions of each employee to the company's success, the aim is to provide a comprehensive program of competitive benefits designed to attract and retain top talent. Through its benefits programs, the company strives to meet the needs of employees and their dependents by offering a package that is easy to understand, access, and is affordable for all. The benefits offered are a valuable component of the total rewards provided by Clay Lacy Aviation, encompassing robust health coverage and other resources to support employee well-being and family care.
Clay Lacy Aviation offers fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees in full-time assigned crew positions.
- Health Insurance: HMO and PPO options are available.
- Dental Insurance: HMO and PPO options are 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 are subject to change, and new assignments may be made at any time with or without notice. This job description may not encompass 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 upon request by qualified individuals with disabilities, unless such accommodation would impose an undue hardship. Both prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodation needs with a representative from the Office of Human Resources.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statements
Clay Lacy Aviation is an equal opportunity employer. The company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants 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.