Senior Production Pilot, CL515 Amphibious Aircraft Certification - De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC)
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is globally recognized for its pioneering contributions to the aerospace industry and an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC employs approximately 1,400 professionals across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, as well as in key international markets and distribution hubs worldwide.
Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada holds a rich legacy built upon the development of iconic and ruggedly durable aircraft, celebrated for operational versatility across diverse roles, from specialized bush flying to commercial aviation. Today, DHC stands as a comprehensive aerospace leader, integrating world-class capabilities in design, production, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. The company's operations are sustained by a team of highly skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and technological innovation.
The Production Pilot reports directly to the Director, Flight Operations, and serves as a critical authority in the certification process for new aircraft, specifically the state-of-the-art CL515 platform. This highly specialized role encompasses exhaustive hangar, ground, and flight tests necessary to ensure airworthiness and strict compliance with Type Certificate standards on behalf of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
The incumbent provides indispensable technical expertise during the development and maintenance of operational flight manuals and checklists. Furthermore, the Production Pilot is frequently required to reposition aircraft to various bases or execute delivery flights to customers globally. Success in this position mandates prior experience and deep familiarity with rigorous engineering flight test processes approved by leading regulatory bodies such as Transport Canada (TC), the FAA, or EASA for Transport Category aircraft.
- Executes comprehensive production test flights to certify new aircraft, ensuring they are safe, free of deficiencies ("snags"), and compliant with the established Type Certificate.
- Performs customer acceptance flights, partnering with client pilots on their newly manufactured aircraft.
- Conducts specialized engineering test flights to validate and certify modified or new equipment installations on existing aircraft types.
- Carries out International Sales and Marketing Demonstration Flights to effectively showcase the unique operational capabilities of the aircraft to prospective global customers.
- Performs international delivery flights, responsibly transporting aircraft to their designated operational destinations worldwide.
- Delivers entry-into-service pilot training at the customer’s home base (up to 30 days per assignment).
- Generates detailed written reports for production and engineering departments, meticulously documenting any aircraft or system discrepancies encountered during testing.
- Contributes actively to the development and maintenance of essential technical documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Flight Test Procedures (FTPs), and Quick Reference Handbooks (QRH).
- Ensures the accurate and timely completion of all applicable pre-flight and post-flight documentation and regulatory paperwork.
- Plans all flights and trips meticulously, addressing all logistical requirements necessary for successful mission completion.
- Completes all post-flight duties, which include crew briefings, notifying the company of the aircraft’s location when away from base, precise recording of flight times, and reporting all defects.
- Performs additional operational duties as assigned by leadership.
- A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience as a pilot in a multi-crew aircraft environment.
- A current Canadian Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is mandatory, complemented by at least 4,000 hours of total flying time and a minimum of 500 hours of Pilot-in-Command time on a turboprop aircraft.
- Current Type Rating on the CL215/415 platform is a strict requirement.
- Possession of a current Instrument Rating and a valid Transport Canada Class 1 medical certificate.
- Extensive knowledge and proven experience related to the engineering flight testing and certification of Transport Canada aircraft.
- Demonstrated ability to function effectively as an Aircraft Commander, successfully fostering a cooperative and professional relationship with the crew, management, and customers.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and strong interpersonal skills suitable for representing DHC internationally.
- Ability and willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends, and travel internationally, often at short notice. This role requires extensive global travel.
- Significant international operational experience and/or a background as a Training Captain.
- A strong technical background in areas such as aircraft design, certification, or specialized training.