Surf Air Mobility | C208 Captain

Chief Pilot - Captain

Job Overview

Surf Air Mobility is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced aviation professional to join its dynamic team as the Chief Pilot. In this crucial management role, the Chief Pilot will collaborate closely with the Director of Operations and other aviation personnel to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the company's fleet. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in maintaining our high standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. This position may require frequent travel and irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Pilot will be responsible for a comprehensive range of flight operations duties, including but not limited to:

• Assisting the Director of Operations / Vice President of Flight Operations to ensure a safe, cost-effective, and reliable operation, consistently adhering to established company policies, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), and customer expectations.
• Serving as Assistant Director of Operations, as delegated, fulfilling the specific requirements of the Surf Flight Operations Manual 1.1.1, FAR 119.65, and FAR 119.69.
• Providing comprehensive operational oversight for all flight activities, including scheduling and crew assignments, to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations and company policies. This includes serving as the manual owner of the Flight Operations Manual (FOM).
• Ensuring robust safety compliance across all flight operations, aligning with relevant aviation regulations and industry safety standards. This involves conducting safety briefings and providing support to the Aviation Safety Manager during incident investigations.
• Collaborating with the Director of Training and Standards to develop and implement effective training programs for flight crews, ensuring all pilots receive necessary training and maintain required certifications.
• Overseeing Regional Chief Pilots and Assistant Chief Pilots in supporting the pilot team by developing and implementing company and departmental policy.
• Actively participating in flight planning processes, including route selection, weather analysis, and fuel planning, to optimize both efficiency and safety.
• Serving as key company personnel within the Emergency Response Plan, prepared to lead and respond effectively to emergency situations.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of flight operations, crew certifications, and aircraft maintenance, ensuring all required documentation is complete.
• Fostering effective communication among flight crews, ground personnel, and other relevant departments to ensure seamless and smooth operations.
• Identifying and implementing areas for continuous operational improvement and efficiency gains in conjunction with the Director of Operations.
• Staying abreast of the latest aviation regulations and industry trends, ensuring continuous company compliance with all relevant requirements.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates for the Chief Pilot position must possess extensive training, experience, and expertise, demonstrating a full understanding of aviation operations, including:

• Aviation standards and safe operating practices.
• Commercial Pilot Rating.
• Thorough knowledge of 14 CFR Chapter 1, Operations Specifications, and all appropriate maintenance and airworthiness requirements from 14 CFR Parts 1, 21, 23, 25, 43, 45, 47, 65, 91, and 135.
• A minimum of three years as Pilot in Command (PIC) of an aircraft operated under 14 CFR Part 135.
• Previous leadership or management experience within the aviation industry.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with outstanding problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in aviation software and technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chief Pilot, Assistant or Regional Chief Pilot, Instructor, and/or Check Pilot.
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with appropriate type ratings.
• Previous experience as a PIC in the C208 Caravan.
• Highly knowledgeable of the Operations Manual, FAA Regulations, Operations Specifications, flight manuals, and other instructions pertinent to duties.

Miscellaneous Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Proficiency with computer, office equipment, and phone systems.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English effectively.
• Availability to work within a 24/7 operation, including holidays.
• Ability to successfully pass a 10-year background check and pre-employment drug screen, as required by company and/or airline regulations.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. per the Immigration Act of 1986.

Benefits

Surf Air Mobility offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its employees, including:

• Competitive Salary: An attractive compensation package structured around experience.
• Health & Wellness: Eligibility for medical, dental, and vision insurance, air ambulance coverage, short-term disability, pet insurance, health savings accounts, and company-paid life insurance beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Retirement Plans: Employees are eligible to enroll in the company’s 401(k) plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): After completing the probationary period, employees accrue 1 day of PTO per month, in addition to paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Employee Discounts: Upon completion of the probationary period, access to the My ID Travel program, which extends travel privileges to immediate family members, including significantly discounted flight tickets, standby space available on company planes, discounts on hotels and resorts, reduced car rental rates, and discounted cruises.