Pilot in Command
Since 1967, Jet Aviation has been at the forefront of crafting unparalleled flight experiences. Evolving from a single hangar in Basel, Switzerland, into a global aviation leader with approximately 4,500 employees across 50 worldwide locations, Jet Aviation delivers comprehensive services including Aircraft Management, Aircraft Sales, Charter, Completions, Defence, FBO operations, Fixed and Rotary Wing Maintenance, and Staffing. At the heart of every seamless Jet Aviation experience is a team of dedicated professionals—the artisans of aviation—who perfect the art of flight and bring customers’ journeys to life, whether in the hangar, on the ground, or behind the scenes. The company is passionate about enabling global flight with exceptional precision and service.
Position Summary
The Pilot in Command is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the safe and efficient execution of all assigned flight operations. Reporting to the Lead Captain on company operating policies and procedures, the Pilot in Command holds the ultimate authority for the safe conduct of the flight, placing paramount emphasis on safety, security, and quality. This role requires the exercise of unwavering command authority for all assigned flights within the Jet Aviation fleet.
Minimum Requirements
Prospective candidates for the Pilot in Command position must fulfill the following stringent criteria:
- Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) with appropriate Aircraft Type Rating.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
- A minimum of 4,000 hours Total Fixed Wing flight time.
- A minimum of 1,500 hours Multi-Engine Land flight time.
- A minimum of 2,000 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC) flight time.
- A minimum of 1,500 hours Turbojet flight time.
- A minimum of 1,500 hours Turbine flight time.
- A minimum of 100 hours Night flight time.
- A minimum of 75 hours Actual or Simulated Instrument flight time.
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive aviation experience.
- Ability and willingness to work flexible schedules, including irregular hours, weekends, and holidays.
- Willingness and ability to travel worldwide extensively without any restrictions.
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
Main Responsibilities
The Pilot in Command will be entrusted with, but not limited to, the following key duties:
- Safely operating the aircraft, making critical decisions regarding departure times, flight routes, and the cancellation of flights based on prevailing weather or other operational conditions.
- Ensuring that all flight operations adhere strictly to federal, local, and company regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Initiating and implementing all necessary operational changes required by en route conditions, guaranteeing continuous compliance with company protocols.
- Conducting all flights in a safe and prudent manner, in accordance with industry best practices and Jet Aviation standards.
- Accurately completing all required trip paperwork and documentation in adherence to current operational procedures.
- Ensuring a thorough and complete understanding and coordination with the Second in Command regarding all aspects of flight operations.
- Recording all aircraft discrepancies on the aircraft discrepancy log as they occur and promptly reporting these discrepancies to the Director of Maintenance (DOM) or their designated representative.
- Consulting the approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and, as directed by the DOM, determining if an inoperative item can be deferred or requires immediate repair, then completing the aircraft discrepancy log accordingly.
- Verifying that the flight crew reports for duty in proper attire and is mentally and physically fit for duty.
- Maintaining a comprehensive working knowledge of all aircraft systems authorized for operation, including all emergency systems and associated procedures.
- Securing the aircraft after each flight, including arranging hangar storage if deemed necessary or instructed by company management.
- Obtaining the most current weather reports, forecasts, and NOTAMs from authorized agencies such as an FAA flight service station.
- Filing or ensuring the filing of a flight plan with the FAA or an ICAO state Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility.
- Analyzing area, en route, and terminal charts for the intended landing airport and any designated alternates.
- Performing the functions of the In-Flight Security Coordinator (ISC) under the provisions of the relevant security program (e.g., twelve five standard security program or private charter standard security program), as applicable.
- Conducting required passenger safety briefings or delegating this duty to the Second in Command.
- Imparting essential knowledge and skills to the Second in Command, preparing them to assume Pilot in Command duties during emergencies or for future upgrade opportunities.
- Completing and transmitting the leg manifest to operations control prior to each departure.
- Completing and transmitting the End of Day (EOD) report to operations control upon the conclusion of each flight day.
- Taking an active and proactive role in supporting the open sharing of information on all safety issues and promptly reporting all safety hazards and concerns.
- Immediately reporting any hazardous action, conduct, or event to the Chief Pilot and Director of Safety.
- While the Pilot in Command may delegate certain duties, the ultimate responsibility for those delegated duties remains with the PIC.
- Representing Jet Aviation as a cohesive entity, both internally and externally with industry groups, regulatory bodies, and the broader General Dynamics network.
- Performing other duties as required to support operational excellence and company objectives.
Desired Characteristics
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following qualities:
- A College Degree is preferred.
- Proven ability to manage job responsibilities with the utmost integrity, discretion, and sensitivity regarding confidential company and employee information.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, allowing for clear, concise, and effective interactions.
- Demonstrated team-oriented approach with excellent interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and strong organizational capabilities.
- A proactive and efficient work ethic, coupled with the ability to independently seek out answers and resources as needed.
- Strong project management experience is highly desirable.
- Possession of a pleasant, friendly, and helpful demeanor, consistently committed to delivering the best possible experience for customers and colleagues.
- Quality-driven with an unwavering passion for excellence, consistently acting as a Brand Ambassador for Jet Aviation.
- Unyielding demonstration and commitment to Jet Aviation's core values: Trust, Honesty, Alignment, Transparency.
Physical Demands
The physical demands outlined below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to use their hands and fingers for handling, feeling, or reaching. Frequent standing, walking, or sitting is also required. Occasional climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, or crawling may be necessary. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds above their heads. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.
The employee must be capable of working effectively in both a heavy maintenance environment and in upscale customer areas. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate but can be high volume during aircraft arrivals and departures. The employee is frequently exposed to vibration, and occasional fuel fumes may permeate the workplace. Employees must be willing and able to work in all types of weather conditions. The hangar environment may experience extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, during certain seasons of the year, and the noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Benefits & Equal Opportunity
At Jet Aviation, eligible employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their passions both inside and outside of work. The company prioritizes employee health and well-being, offering a competitive benefits program that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a matching 401(k) plan, health savings and flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, employee assistance programs, health and wellness awards, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, and more.
Jet Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.