Lead Captain – Pilatus PC-24

Jet Aviation, a distinguished leader in aviation since 1967, seeks a highly skilled and experienced Lead Captain to join its team in Chicago, Illinois. This is an onsite position within the Flight Services job category, requiring a dedicated professional with a passion for aviation excellence.

The Lead Captain reports directly to the Regional Chief Pilot and assumes responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of all assigned flights, upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and quality. As Pilot-in-Command, the Lead Captain holds final authority for the safe conduct of each flight.

Responsibilities:

Safely operate the Pilatus PC-24 aircraft, making critical decisions regarding departure times, routes, and flight cancellations due to weather or other conditions.
Ensure absolute compliance with all federal, local, and company regulations, policies, and procedures.
Coordinate aircraft schedules and crew training with flight crew and customer service representatives (CSR), utilizing supplemental crew as necessary.
Liaise with the Maintenance Manager regarding aircraft servicing and cleaning.
Ensure timely submission and review of all flight and duty records by assigned crew members.
Maintain currency of aircraft manuals, Jeppesen charts, and electronic flight bags (EFBs), delegating responsibilities as needed.
Coordinate crew training and check rides in conjunction with the Manager of Training, adhering to the annual training calendar.
Manage crew member time off and training events while maintaining optimal aircraft coverage.
Verify that all flight crew members report for duty in proper attire and are mentally and physically fit for flight operations.
Mentor and coach crew members to facilitate their professional development and conduct annual performance reviews.
Attend Lead Captain meetings and provide support to the Account Director as required.
Assist in the flight crew recruitment process.
Adapt flight plans to en-route conditions while adhering to company policies and procedures.
Conduct flights in a prudent manner, aligned with industry and company safety standards.
Complete all trip paperwork accurately and in accordance with current procedures.
Ensure comprehensive communication with the second-in-command regarding all flight aspects.
Record aircraft discrepancies and report them to the Director of Maintenance, determining necessary repairs or deferrals using the Minimum Equipment List (MEL).
Maintain in-depth knowledge of all aircraft systems, including emergency procedures.
Secure the aircraft after each flight, arranging hangar storage as needed or instructed.
Obtain current weather reports, forecasts, and NOTAMS from authorized agencies.
File or ensure the filing of flight plans with the FAA or an ICAO state ATC facility.
Analyze charts for intended landing airports and alternates.
Perform the functions of the In TSA Flight Security Coordinator (ISC) as required.
Conduct passenger safety briefings or delegate this task to the second-in-command.
Impart knowledge and skills to the second-in-command to prepare them for Pilot-in-Command duties in emergency situations or upon upgrade.
Complete and send leg manifests and end-of-day (EOD) reports to operations control.
Actively promote safety, report all hazards, and report any hazardous actions to the Chief Pilot and Director of Safety.

Minimum Requirements:

Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with appropriate Aircraft Type Rating.
Valid 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 flight time.
100 hours night flight time.
75 hours actual or simulated instrument flight time.
Five years of aviation experience.
Ability to work flexible schedules.
Willingness to travel worldwide extensively without restrictions.
Minimum 18 years of age.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Desired Characteristics:

College degree preferred.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Proven project management experience.
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal, organizational, and detail-oriented skills.
Proactive and efficient problem-solver with strong resourcefulness.
Ability to maintain integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
Pleasant, friendly, and helpful demeanor to deliver exceptional experiences to customers and colleagues.
Quality-driven with a passion for excellence, representing Jet Aviation as a Brand Ambassador.
Demonstrated commitment to Jet Aviation values (Trust, Honesty, Alignment, Transparency).

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to use hands and fingers to handle objects, stand, walk, sit, and occasionally climb, balance, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds above their head. Specific vision capabilities required include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The employee will work in both a heavy maintenance environment and upscale customer areas. The noise level is usually moderate, with occasional high volume when aircraft arrive and depart. The employee may be exposed to vibrations and occasional fuel fumes. This position requires willingness and ability to work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.

Jet Aviation is an equal opportunity employer and provides affirmative action opportunities to all applicants and employees.