Surf Air Mobility | C208 Captain

Job Summary

Surf Air Mobility is actively seeking a highly skilled and profoundly experienced aviation professional to join its dynamic team as the Chief Pilot. This pivotal management role within Flight Operations requires close collaboration with the Director of Operations and other key aviation personnel to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the company's entire fleet. The Chief Pilot is instrumental in upholding Surf Air Mobility's stringent standards for flight safety, operational excellence, and unwavering regulatory adherence, directly contributing to the company's vision of advanced air mobility.

This position is primarily based at the Dallas Headquarters in Addison, TX. Due to the demands of flight operations, the role may require frequent travel and irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, to support continuous operational demands and maintain peak efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Pilot will be entrusted with a comprehensive range of duties critical to successful flight operations, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operational Leadership and Compliance: Assisting the Director of Operations / Vice President of Flight Operations in ensuring safe, cost-effective, and reliable flight operations in strict accordance with established company policies, all Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and consistent with customer expectations. This includes serving as Assistant Director of Operations when formally delegated, fulfilling the specific requirements outlined in the Surf Flight Operations Manual 1.1.1, FAR 119.65, and FAR 119.69.
• Flight Operations Oversight: Providing robust oversight for all flight operations, encompassing detailed scheduling and strategic crew assignments, to guarantee strict adherence to safety regulations and company policies. The Chief Pilot will serve as the designated manual owner of the Flight Operations Manual (FOM).
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all flight operations rigorously comply with relevant aviation regulations and robust safety standards. This responsibility includes conducting thorough safety briefings and providing essential support to the Aviation Safety Manager during incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Crew Training and Development: Collaborating closely with the Director of Training and Standards to develop, implement, and continuously refine comprehensive training programs for all flight crews. This ensures that all pilots receive the necessary instruction and maintain all required certifications and proficiencies.
• Crew Management: Exercising expert oversight and leadership for Regional Chief Pilots and Assistant Chief Pilots, actively supporting the entire pilot team through the judicious development and implementation of company and departmental operational policies.
• Flight Planning Optimization: Actively participating in advanced flight planning processes, including strategic route selection, meticulous weather analysis, and precise fuel planning, to achieve optimal operational efficiency and uncompromising safety across all flights.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Maintaining a high state of readiness to effectively respond to emergency situations and serving as a critical company representative within the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), demonstrating leadership and decisive action.
• Records and Documentation Management: Ensuring the meticulous maintenance of accurate and up-to-date records for all flight operations, crew certifications, and aircraft maintenance documentation, alongside the timely update of all required operational documentation.
• Interdepartmental Communication: Fostering and maintaining effective and transparent communication channels between flight crews, ground personnel, maintenance teams, and other pertinent departments to ensure seamless and efficient daily operations.
• Continuous Operational Improvement: Proactively identifying areas for operational enhancement and efficiency gains throughout the flight department, and collaborating strategically with the Director of Operations to implement these vital improvements.
• Regulatory Acuity: Staying comprehensively informed about the latest aviation regulations, evolving industry trends, and emerging best practices. The Chief Pilot will ensure that the company consistently remains in full compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and operational guidelines.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful Chief Pilot candidate will demonstrate qualifications through comprehensive training, extensive experience, and proven expertise, possessing a thorough understanding of aviation operations, specifically pertaining to:

• Aviation standards, safe operating practices, and commercial pilot rating requirements.
• Full comprehension of 14 CFR Chapter 1 and Operations Specifications.
• Deep understanding of all appropriate maintenance and airworthiness requirements as outlined in 14 CFR Parts 1, 21, 23, 25, 43, 45, 47, 65, 91, and 135.

Position Requirements:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as Pilot in Command (PIC) of an aircraft operated under 14 CFR Part 135.
• Demonstrated previous leadership or management experience within the aviation industry, showcasing an ability to guide and develop teams.
• Strong, in-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, essential for leadership and crisis management.
• Proficiency in aviation software and relevant technologies pertinent to flight operations and management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a Chief Pilot, Assistant or Regional Chief Pilot, Instructor, and/or Check Pilot, indicating advanced leadership and instructional capabilities.
• Possession of an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with appropriate type ratings.
• Previous experience as a PIC in the Cessna 208 Caravan.
• Highly knowledgeable of Operations Manuals, FAA Regulations, Operations Specifications, flight manuals, and other instructions pertinent to the duties of a Chief Pilot, demonstrating a robust command of aviation documentation.

Work Environment & Additional Requirements

Candidates must meet the following general requirements to be considered for this critical role:

• Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Proficient with computer systems, standard office equipment, and professional phone communications.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively and fluently.
• Flexibility to work within a dynamic 24/7 operational environment, including holidays and irregular hours, as required to support flight schedules.
• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive 10-year background check and a pre-employment drug screen, as mandated by company and/or airline regulations.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. per the Immigration Act of 1986.

Benefits

Surf Air Mobility values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being, financial security, and professional growth:

• Competitive Salary: An attractive compensation package structured around extensive experience and qualifications within the aviation sector.
• Health & Wellness: Eligibility for comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, air ambulance coverage, short-term disability, pet insurance, health savings accounts, and company-paid life insurance, commencing on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Retirement Plans: Access to the company’s 401(k) plan for robust long-term financial planning and investment opportunities.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees accrue 1 day of PTO per month after completing the probationary period, in addition to paid holidays observed throughout the calendar year.
• Employee Travel Discounts: After the probationary period, employees gain exclusive access to the My ID Travel program, which extends valuable travel privileges to immediate family members. Benefits include significantly discounted flight tickets, standby space available on company aircraft, reduced rates on hotels and resorts, discounted car rentals, and discounted cruises.