Lead Captain, Global 7500 - Aviation Management | Los Angeles, CA
Opportunity Overview
Jet Aviation Staffing, a premier leader in aviation talent acquisition, is actively seeking an accomplished and highly skilled Lead Captain for a Global 7500 aircraft. This full-time, management-level position is based in Los Angeles, California, requiring an onsite presence. The successful candidate will join an elite flight department operating under rigorous Part 91/135 regulations, with an anticipated annual flight schedule ranging from 100 to 150 hours. This pivotal role, identified with Requisition ID: 4580, is being recruited on behalf of one of our esteemed external customers, upholding the highest standards to ensure an exceptional match.
Position Summary
The Lead Captain assumes a critical leadership role, serving not only as a proficient flight crewmember (Pilot in Command or Second in Command) but also as a vital liaison. This role fosters effective communication between the aircraft account and various Company stakeholders, including the Account Manager (ACM), Director of Maintenance (DOM), Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. The Lead Captain is instrumental in upholding operational excellence, ensuring stringent crew compliance with all applicable regulations, directives, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Responsibilities extend to coordinating training events, meticulously reviewing expense reports and invoices, and strategically managing crew member schedules. This position is central to cultivating positive working relationships and perpetuating the company’s distinctive culture and ideals within the flight department.
Key Responsibilities:
- Flight Operations Leadership: Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the Global 7500. Ensures strict compliance with all flight and maintenance schedules, directives, and the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM). Monitors and ensures crew adherence to flight and duty time limitations, upholding Part 135 standards where applicable for both Part 91 and Part 135 operations. Conducts thorough pre-flight and post-flight duties and inspections in accordance with the AFM.
- Operational Management & Compliance: Facilitates effective communication between the account and various Company departments. Ensures crew compliance with all applicable regulations, SOPs, and company directives. Assists in coordinating essential crew training events and ensures ongoing currency with all operational and evaluation requirements. Conducts annual aircraft black book audits in conjunction with Flight Operations and the Assistant Chief Pilot. Ensures compliance with fleet requirements, including SOPs and essential paperwork. Maintains familiarity with installed aircraft equipment and all required regulatory operational authorizations and mandates.
- Financial & Administrative Oversight: Reviews and approves crew expense reports in strict adherence to Company policy. Scrutinizes monthly billing summaries, reporting any discrepancies to accounting and the Account Manager. Assists in gathering any required operationally related data for special projects or reporting as requested.
- Crew & Schedule Management: Coordinates and manages crew member schedules, including days off and vacation requests, collaborating with the Assistant Chief Pilot and Account Manager for necessary approvals. Monitors and assesses crew members' performance, providing valuable feedback to the Assistant Chief Pilot for annual reviews. Liaises effectively with the Assistant Chief Pilot and Director of Training.
- Maintenance Coordination: Remains aware of all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events. Assists the Company in the resolution and communication of mechanical Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations when required. Reviews monthly work order invoices. Coordinates and communicates all maintenance-related items and squawks with the Maintenance Controller (or DOM if assigned) to ensure effective scheduling and communication to all relevant parties.
- Stakeholder Relations & Culture: Mediates and facilitates strong working relationships within the flight department. Cultivates and maintains excellent relationships with all external stakeholders and Company personnel. Ensures the company culture is consistently perpetuated among members of the flight department. Provides constructive feedback to increase efficiency in processes and procedures within the Company, channeling through the Account Manager or the Safety Management System. Collaborates with the Company Account Manager in managing the overall aircraft owner experience.
- Strategic Collaboration: Ensures all trip-related requests or changes from the aircraft owner or charter client are promptly communicated to the Charter Department and Chief Pilot’s office. Coordinates with the Account Manager, Director of Maintenance, Scheduling Specialist, and managed billing for regular flight department meetings to discuss and manage activities, maintenance events, budgets, identify problems, answer questions, gather owner information, and create future improvement projects and goals. Participates in the interview process and selection of all flight department personnel in conjunction with the Assistant Chief Pilot/Chief Pilots. Communicates with the Account Manager for input and/or approval on all operational, personnel, and administrative issues. Makes recommendations for additional training for flight department members to the Account Manager and Assistant Chief Pilot.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must possess the comprehensive experience necessary to safely and proficiently operate the assigned Global 7500 aircraft in full compliance with Company Operational Specifications, the General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual, while also meeting stringent account management requirements.
Mandatory Requirements:
- Valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
- Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
- Demonstrable experience fulfilling applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 requirements for the Global 7500 aircraft type.
- Proficiency with installed aircraft equipment and familiarity with all required regulatory operational authorizations and mandates.
- Ability to reside within a two-hour drivable commute of Los Angeles, California, or willingness to relocate.
This position is classified as safety-sensitive under DOT/FAA drug and alcohol regulations. All applicants are required to undergo a pre-employment drug screen and comprehensive background check.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal Lead Captain will demonstrate a superior blend of technical expertise and strong leadership qualities, including:
- A proven ability to build strong customer relations and deliver customer-centric solutions.
- A proactive approach to new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
- Exceptional collaboration skills, working effectively with others to achieve shared objectives.
- Outstanding communication skills, capable of conveying clear understanding to diverse audiences through various modes.
- Unwavering honesty, integrity, and authenticity, inspiring trust and confidence.
- Superior pilot skills consistent with demanding operational requirements.
- Advanced ability to prioritize and meticulously organize complex workflows.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, fostering positive working environments.
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills for effective decision-making.
- Strong initiative, with the capability to execute assigned tasks promptly and flawlessly.
- Profound teamwork acumen, coupled with the ability to perform effectively under extreme pressure.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation:
The anticipated salary range for this distinguished position is $375,000 - $395,000 annually. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience, geographic location, and other pertinent requirements, and is not a guarantee of specific salary.
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Jet Aviation Staffing's external customer is deeply committed to supporting employees in their pursuit of a healthier and more active lifestyle. Recognizing the invaluable contribution each employee makes, a comprehensive program of competitive benefits is offered to attract and retain top talent. The benefits package is designed to be easy to understand, accessible, and affordable for all employees.
For employees in full-time assigned crew positions, fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance are provided. Key benefits include:
- Health Insurance (HMO and PPO options)
- Dental Insurance (HMO and PPO options)
- 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 (retailers, restaurants, and theme parks)
- Uber for Business
Equal Employment Opportunity
Jet Aviation Staffing and its external customers are committed to providing equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.