Jet Aviation | Captain

Lead Captain – Gulfstream 650 (G650)

Location: Van Nuys, CA, USA

Job Category: Flight Services | Career Level: Technicians / Crew | Work Arrangement: Onsite

About Jet Aviation

Since its inception in 1967, Jet Aviation has epitomized excellence in business aviation, consistently crafting flight in its smoothest and most sophisticated form. From a single hangar in Basel, Switzerland, Jet Aviation has grown into a global powerhouse, boasting over 4,500 dedicated employees across approximately 50 worldwide locations. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services including Aircraft Management, Aircraft Sales, Charter, Completions, Government Services, FBO operations, Fixed and Rotary Wing Maintenance, and Staffing solutions.

At Jet Aviation, every seamless experience is the result of a team of devoted professionals who perfect the art of flight. These artisans of aviation are the craftspeople who bring our customers’ journeys to life, whether in the hangar, on the ground, or behind the scenes, enabling global flight with unwavering passion and precision.

Position Summary

Jet Aviation is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Captain for its Gulfstream 650 (G650) fleet based in Van Nuys, CA. This pivotal role involves reporting directly to the regional Chief Pilot, ensuring strict adherence to all company operating policies and procedures. The Lead Captain is entrusted with the paramount responsibility for the safe and efficient conduct of all assigned flight operations, with an unwavering emphasis on safety, security, and quality.

Operating with full Pilot-in-Command (PIC) authority, the Lead Captain serves as the final arbiter for all decisions pertinent to the safe execution of flights, exemplifying leadership and expert judgment at all times.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Captain will perform a broad range of duties critical to the success of flight operations, including but not limited to:

• Exercising Pilot-in-Command authority to safely operate the Gulfstream 650, determining optimal departure times, routes, and making informed decisions to cancel flights based on prevailing weather or other operational conditions.
• Ensuring all flights are conducted in strict compliance with federal, local, and company regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinating aircraft schedules and training requirements with the flight crew and Customer Service Representative (CSR), utilizing supplemental crew members as necessary.
• Liaising effectively with the Maintenance Manager regarding aircraft servicing, cleaning, and other logistical requirements.
• Overseeing and reviewing the submission of flight and duty records, alongside all other mandatory documentation by assigned crew members.
• Ensuring the currency of aircraft manuals, Jeppesen charts, and Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), delegating tasks as appropriate.
• Collaborating with the Manager of Training to coordinate crew member training and check rides in alignment with the annual training calendar.
• Strategically coordinating crew member time off and training events to maintain maximum aircraft coverage.
• Verifying that the flight crew reports for duty in proper attire and is mentally and physically prepared for flight operations.
• Mentoring and coaching crew members to foster their professional development and growth.
• Conducting annual performance reviews for assigned crew members.
• Attending Lead Captain meetings to contribute to operational planning and improvements.
• Assisting the Account Director and participating in the hiring process for flight crew as requested.
• Implementing necessary changes during en route conditions to ensure flight continuity under appropriate company policies, procedures, and rules.
• Conducting all flights in a safe and prudent manner, adhering to industry and company standards.
• Ensuring accurate and complete submission of all trip paperwork in accordance with current procedures.
• Fostering a thorough and complete understanding with the Second-in-Command regarding all facets of the flight.
• Documenting all aircraft discrepancies on the discrepancy log as they occur, reporting them immediately to the Director of Maintenance (DOM) or designee, and determining deferral or repair actions based on the approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL).
• Maintaining a comprehensive working knowledge of all aircraft systems, including emergency procedures, for the Gulfstream 650.
• Securing the aircraft post-flight, including arranging hangar storage when deemed necessary or instructed by company management.
• Obtaining the most current weather reports, forecasts, and NOTAMS from authorized agencies.
• Filing, or ensuring the filing of, flight plans with the FAA or relevant ICAO state ATC facilities.
• Analyzing area, en route, and terminal charts for the intended destination and alternate airports.
• Performing the duties of the In-TSA Flight Security Coordinator (ISC) as mandated by applicable security programs.
• Conducting required passenger safety briefings or delegating this duty to the Second-in-Command.
• Imparting knowledge and skills to the Second-in-Command to prepare them for potential Pilot-in-Command duties during emergencies or future upgrades.
• 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.
• Actively supporting the open sharing of information on all safety issues and promptly reporting all safety hazards and concerns.
• Making immediate reports of any hazardous actions, conduct, or events to the Chief Pilot and Director of Safety.
• Delegating duties as necessary while retaining ultimate responsibility for their execution.
• Undertaking other duties as required to support operational excellence.
• Representing Jet Aviation as a cohesive entity internally and externally with industry groups, regulatory bodies, and the General Dynamics network.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates for this Lead Captain position must possess the following qualifications:

• Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with the appropriate Gulfstream 650 (G650) Aircraft Type Rating.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
• A minimum of 3500 hours Total Fixed Wing flight time.
• A minimum of 1500 hours Multi-Engine Land flight time.
• A minimum of 1500 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC) flight time.
• A minimum of 1500 hours Turbojet flight time.
• A minimum of 500 hours Turbine flight time.
• A minimum of 100 hours Night flight time.
• A minimum of 75 hours Actual or Simulated Instrument flight time.
• At least 5 years of professional aviation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexible schedules, including irregular hours and weekends.
• Willingness and ability to travel worldwide extensively, without any restrictions.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Desired Characteristics & Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will also exhibit the following attributes:

• A college degree is preferred.
• Exceptional oral and written communication abilities.
• Strong project management experience.
• A collaborative team-player approach coupled with excellent interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and strong organizational capabilities.
• Proactive and efficient work ethic, with the ability to independently seek out answers and resources.
• Ability to handle job responsibilities with the utmost integrity, discretion, and sensitivity to confidential company and employee information.
• A pleasant, friendly, and helpful demeanor, committed to delivering an outstanding experience to customers and colleagues alike.
• Quality-driven with an inherent passion for excellence, serving as a Brand Ambassador for Jet Aviation.
• Demonstrated commitment to Jet Aviation’s core values: Trust, Honesty, Alignment, and Transparency.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The successful applicant must meet the physical demands and adapt to the work environment characteristics described below, with reasonable accommodations made for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Demands:

The role requires frequent use of hands and fingers for handling, feeling, or reaching. Regular standing, walking, or sitting is expected. 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 head. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.

Work Environment:

The employee will operate in both heavy maintenance environments and upscale customer areas. The noise level is typically moderate, with occasional high volume during aircraft arrivals and departures. Frequent exposure to vibration and occasional fuel fumes may occur. The Lead Captain 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 different seasons of the year.

Compensation & Benefits

Jet Aviation offers eligible employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to fuel professional passions and support well-being both inside and outside of work. This includes:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Health and Wellness Awards
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• And more.

Jet Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Requisition ID: 4760.