About Jet Aviation
Since 1967, Jet Aviation has been perfecting the art of flight, crafting seamless aviation experiences in their smoothest form. Growing from a single hangar in Basel, Switzerland, to a global network with approximately 4,500 employees across some 50 locations worldwide, Jet Aviation offers a comprehensive suite of services including Aircraft Management, Aircraft Sales, Charter, Completions, Defence, FBO, Fixed and Rotary Wing Maintenance, and Staffing. Behind every flawless journey is a dedicated team of professionals – the artisans of aviation – who bring the customer's experience to life in the hangar, on the ground, and behind the scenes, enabling global flight with passion.
Lead Captain
The Role
Jet Aviation is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Captain to join its esteemed flight operations team. The Lead Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of assigned flights, prioritizing safety, security, and quality above all else. Operating with Pilot in Command authority, the Lead Captain serves as the ultimate authority for the safe execution of all assigned flight duties, reporting to the regional chief pilot regarding company operating policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
The Lead Captain is entrusted with a comprehensive range of duties, including but not limited to:
- Operating the aircraft safely, determining departure times and routes, and making decisions regarding flight cancellations based on prevailing conditions.
- Ensuring all flight operations fully comply with federal, local, and company regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinating aircraft scheduling and training requirements with the flight crew and CSR, utilizing supplemental crew as necessary.
- Collaborating with the Maintenance Manager on aircraft servicing, cleaning, and related tasks.
- Overseeing assigned crew members' submission and review of flight, duty, and other required records.
- Ensuring the currency of aircraft manuals, Jeppesen charts/EFBs, and delegating associated tasks.
- Coordinating crew member training and check rides with the Manager of Training based on the annual training calendar.
- Managing 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 fit for duty.
- Mentoring and coaching crew members to foster their professional development.
- Conducting annual performance reviews for assigned crew members.
- Attending Lead Captain meetings.
- Providing assistance to the Account Director as requested.
- Assisting in the recruitment and hiring of flight crew personnel.
- Instituting necessary changes during en route conditions to ensure flights continue under appropriate company policies and procedures.
- Conducting flights in a safe and prudent manner, adhering to industry and company standards.
- Ensuring the accurate completion of all trip paperwork according to current procedures.
- Establishing a thorough and complete understanding with the second in command regarding all flight aspects.
- Recording all aircraft discrepancies on the discrepancy log as they occur and promptly reporting them to the Director of Maintenance or designee. Determining, as directed, if inoperative items can be deferred per the MEL or require repair.
- Maintaining comprehensive working knowledge of all authorized aircraft systems, including emergency systems and procedures.
- Securing the aircraft after each flight, arranging hangar storage if deemed necessary or instructed by management.
- Obtaining the most current weather reports, forecasts, and NOTAMS from authorized agencies.
- Filing or ensuring the filing of a flight plan with the FAA or an ICAO state ATC facility.
- Analyzing area, enroute, and terminal charts for the destination and alternate airports.
- Performing the functions of the Inflight Security Coordinator (ISC) as applicable under relevant security programs.
- Conducting required passenger safety briefings or assigning the duty to the second in command.
- Imparting knowledge and skills to the second in command to prepare them for Pilot in Command duties during emergencies or future upgrades.
- Completing and sending the leg manifest to operations control prior to each departure.
- Completing and sending 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.
- May delegate duties but retains responsibility for them.
- Performs other duties as required.
- Represents Jet Aviation as one company internally and externally with industry groups, regulatory bodies, and the General Dynamics network.
Qualifications
- Must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with appropriate Aircraft Type Rating.
- Must obtain and maintain an FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
- Requires 4000 hours Total Fixed Wing flight time.
- Requires 1500 hours Multi-Engine Land flight time.
- Requires 2000 hours Pilot-in-Command flight time.
- Requires 1500 hours Turbojet flight time.
- Requires 1500 hours Turbine flight time.
- Requires 100 hours Night flight time.
- Requires 75 hours Actual or Simulated Instrument time.
- Requires a minimum of 5 years of aviation experience.
- Must be able to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Must be willing to travel worldwide extensively and without restrictions.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Desired Characteristics
- A College Degree is preferred.
- Demonstrated effective oral and written communication abilities.
- Strong project management experience is beneficial.
- Possesses a team-oriented approach, excellent interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to be proactive, efficient, and resourceful in seeking out information and solutions.
- Handles job responsibilities with integrity, discretion, and sensitivity to confidential company and employee information.
- Exhibits a pleasant, friendly, and helpful manner to provide an exceptional experience for customers and colleagues.
- Is quality-driven with a passion for excellence, serving as a Brand Ambassador for Jet Aviation.
- Demonstrates commitment to Jet Aviation's core values: Trust, Honesty, Alignment, and Transparency.
Physical Demands
The physical demands are representative of those an employee must meet to perform the essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. This role frequently requires the use of hands and fingers for handling, feeling, or reaching, as well as standing, walking, or sitting. 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 requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions. The employee must be capable of working in both a heavy maintenance environment and upscale customer areas. Noise levels are usually moderate with occasional high volume during aircraft arrivals/departures, and the employee is frequently exposed to vibration. Occasional fuel fumes may be present. The employee must be willing and able to work in all types of weather conditions. The noise level in the hangar environment is usually loud and temperatures can be extreme hot and cold depending on the season.
Benefits
Jet Aviation values its employees and offers a comprehensive package to eligible team members, fueling passions both inside and outside of work. Prioritizing health and well-being, the company provides a competitive benefits package including health, dental & 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.