Jet Aviation | Captain

Lead Captain

Location: Dulles, VA, US, 20166

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Category: Flight Services

Career Level: Technicians / Crew

Requisition ID: 4176

Since 1967, Jet Aviation has been dedicated to perfecting the art of flight. Growing from a single hangar in Basel, Switzerland, to a global presence with over 4,500 employees across approximately 50 locations worldwide, the company offers comprehensive services including Aircraft Management, Sales, Charter, Completions, Government Services, FBO, Maintenance (Fixed and Rotary Wing), and Staffing. Behind every seamless experience at Jet Aviation is a team of passionate professionals – the artisans of aviation – who bring customers' journeys to life, whether in the hangar, on the ground, or behind the scenes, enabling global flight with unparalleled dedication.

Position Summary

Jet Aviation is seeking a Lead Captain to establish and manage a new flight department. This role requires a leader who can build a cohesive team that operates seamlessly with both the aircraft owner and the company's management team. Reporting to the regional chief pilot on company policies and procedures, the Lead Captain holds ultimate responsibility for the safe and efficient conduct of assigned flights, prioritizing safety, security, and quality above all else. The Lead Captain exercises full pilot in command authority on all assigned flights and serves as the final authority regarding flight safety.

Minimum Requirements

• Must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with appropriate Aircraft Type Rating.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
• 4,000 hours Total Fixed Wing flight time.
• 1,500 hours Multi-Engine Land flight time.
• 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command flight time.
• 1,500 hours Turbojet flight time.
• 1,500 hours Turbine time.
• 100 hours Night flight time.
• 75 hours Actual or Simulated Instrument flight time.
• Minimum of 5 years of aviation experience.
• Ability to work flexible schedules.
• Willingness to travel worldwide extensively without any restrictions.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Main Responsibilities

The Lead Captain is responsible for a wide range of duties critical to flight operations, team leadership, and adherence to regulations, including but not limited to:

• Safely operating the aircraft, determining departure times and routes, and making decisions regarding flight cancellation based on prevailing conditions.
• Ensuring complete compliance with all federal, local, and company regulations, policies, and procedures during flight operations.
• Coordinating aircraft scheduling and training with the flight crew and Customer Service Representative, utilizing supplemental crew as needed.
• Liaising with the Maintenance Manager regarding aircraft servicing, cleaning, and related matters.
• Ensuring assigned crew members accurately submit and review flight, duty, and all other required records.
• Verifying that aircraft manuals, Jeppesen charts/EFBs are current and delegating related tasks as appropriate.
• Collaborating with the Manager of Training to coordinate crew member training and check rides based on the annual training calendar.
• Coordinating time off and training events with crew members while ensuring maximum aircraft coverage.
• Confirming that the flight crew reports for duty in proper attire and is physically and mentally fit for duty.
• Mentoring and coaching crew members to support their professional development.
• Conducting annual performance reviews for assigned crew members.
• Attending Lead Captain meetings.
• Assisting the Account Director upon request.
• Participating in the hiring process for flight crew members.
• Implementing necessary changes en route based on conditions to ensure flights continue in accordance with company policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Conducting flights in a safe and prudent manner consistent with industry and company standards.
• Accurately completing all required trip paperwork.
• Ensuring a thorough understanding of all flight aspects is shared with the second in command.
• Recording all aircraft discrepancies on the discrepancy log as they occur and reporting them immediately to the Director of Maintenance or designee; determining if inoperative items can be deferred or require repair based on the approved MEL and guidance from the DOM or designee.
• Maintaining a complete working knowledge of all authorized aircraft systems, including emergency systems and procedures.
• Securing the aircraft after each flight, including arranging hangar storage when necessary or instructed.
• Obtaining the most current weather reports, forecasts, and NOTAMs from authorized sources.
• Filing or ensuring the filing of flight plans with the appropriate authorities.
• Analyzing area, enroute, and terminal charts for intended destinations and alternates.
• Performing the functions of the In TSA Flight Security Coordinator (ISC) under applicable security programs.
• Conducting required passenger safety briefings or assigning this duty to the second in command.
• Imparting knowledge and skills to the second in command to prepare them for assuming Pilot in Command duties in emergencies or upon upgrade.
• Completing and submitting the leg manifest to operations control prior to each departure.
• Completing and submitting the End of Day (EOD) report to operations control upon completion of each flight day.
• Actively supporting the open sharing of information on safety issues and reporting all safety hazards and concerns.
• Immediately reporting any hazardous action, conduct, or event to the chief pilot and director of safety.
• While duties may be delegated, the Lead Captain retains ultimate responsibility.
• Performing other duties as required.
• Representing Jet Aviation as one company internally and externally with industry groups, regulatory bodies, and the General Dynamics network.

Desired Characteristics

• A College Degree is preferred.
• Possesses effective oral and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrates strong project management experience.
• Exhibits a team-oriented approach with excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and strong organizational capabilities.
• Proactive, efficient, and resourceful in seeking information and solutions.
• Handles job responsibilities with integrity, discretion, and sensitivity to confidential company and employee information.
• Maintains a pleasant, friendly, and helpful demeanor to provide the best experience for customers and colleagues.
• Quality-driven with a passion for excellence, serving as a Brand Ambassador for Jet Aviation.
• Demonstrates commitment to Jet Aviation values: Trust, Honesty, Alignment, and Transparency.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The role requires physical demands that include using hands and fingers, handling, feeling, or reaching. Frequent standing, walking, or sitting is required, with occasional climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds overhead. Specific vision abilities such as close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus are required.

The work environment is varied, encompassing heavy maintenance areas and upscale customer spaces. Noise levels are typically moderate but can be high during aircraft arrivals/departures. Employees are frequently exposed to vibration and occasionally to fuel fumes. The ability to work in all types of weather conditions is necessary. Hangar environments may experience extreme hot and cold temperatures seasonally.

Benefits

Eligible employees at Jet Aviation can access a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health and well-being both inside and outside of work. A competitive package is offered, including health, dental, and vision insurance, matching 401(k), health savings and flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, employee assistance programs, health and wellness awards, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans