Company Overview
Tradewind Aviation is recognized as a premier Part 135 commuter and on-demand private charter operator, committed to delivering personalized air travel across North America and the Caribbean. Founded in 2001, the company maintains operational excellence and the highest standards of safety, utilizing superior aircraft and flight crew. Operational bases include the Waterbury/Oxford, CT (OXC), Westchester, NY (HPN), San Juan, PR (SJU), and Stuart, FL (SUA) airports.
For additional company details, interested candidates are encouraged to visit the official company resources.
Role Summary and Essential Functions
The Pilatus PC-12 Pilot (SIC/First Officer) is entrusted with ensuring the utmost safety and efficiency of all flight operations within a formal two-pilot crew environment. This aviation professional is expected to uphold Tradewind Aviation's stringent standards for professionalism, safety, and exceptional customer service across all flight duties.
Compensation and Professional Benefits
Tradewind Aviation offers a highly competitive compensation package designed to reward aviation professionals, with most pilots earning substantially above the starting salary due to performance and longevity.
Compensation Details
- Starting Salary: $50,000 per year.
- Salary Structure: Established pay scale featuring yearly increases and performance bonuses.
- Volunteer Pay (SIC): $450 per day.
- Per Diem: $3.21 per duty hour (Domestic and International).
- Overnight Pay: $20 (Domestic) and $35 (International).
- Flight Duty Pay: An additional $125 per leg for flights exceeding six legs per duty period.
Comprehensive Team Member Benefits
- United Healthcare Three-tier Medical PPO, Prescription, Vision, and Dental coverage (effective after 30 days of employment).
- Available Flexible Spending Healthcare Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care).
- Global Emergency Services coverage.
- 401K Plan featuring company matching team member contributions.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 18 vacation days and 6 sick days per year, starting in the first year, with a vacation sell-back option.
- Professional Travel Perks: Standby travel on select Tradewind scheduled flights and ZED fair travel availability on major airlines (e.g., Delta, JetBlue, United) after six months of service.
Position-Specific Perks
- Company paid uniforms.
- Paid housing when required to relocate away from the designated base.
- Access to Cockpit Access Security System (CASS).
- Pilots retain all earned hotel and frequent flyer points.
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
Certificates, Licenses, and Documentation
Candidates must possess the following non-conditional and current qualifications:
- Valid, unrestricted FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) rating.
- Valid FAA Instrument Rating.
- Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
- Valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver’s License.
- Valid, unrestricted Passport (required for international travel to assigned territories).
- FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
- High School Diploma or GED (Aviation-related college degree is preferred but not mandatory).
- Successful completion of a Part 61 or 141 Flight Training Program.
Flight Experience
The following flight time is preferred for standard applicants:
- 800 hours total flight time.
- 75 hours night flight time.
- CFI, CFII certifications are preferred.
- Thorough knowledge of Garmin 430 Avionics is preferred.
- Previous customer service experience.
Reduced Hour Requirements for Partner Program Participants
- United Aviate Program Participants: 600 hours total time.
- United Aviate Academy Graduates: 500 hours total time.
- United Aviate Academy Graduates with Recommendation: 300 hours total time.
- JetBlue Participants: 600 hours total time.
Operational Environment and Logistics
Professional and Cultural Expectations
The successful applicant must be reliable, punctual, and possess a service-oriented attitude, capable of managing stress and handling problematic issues effectively. Pilots must be capable of effective communication within a team-focused environment, demonstrating an outgoing personality and respect for diverse populations and cultures.
Applicants must pass a DOT/FAA compliant pre-employment drug screen and comprehensive background check, demonstrating good moral character.
Physical Demands
The role requires specific physical demands necessary for the essential functions of the job, including moderate to heavy lifting (up to 70lbs) for loading and unloading aircraft, and specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
Scheduling and Location Requirements
This position is NOT commutable and requires the pilot to relocate within 90 minutes of the assigned base location (OXC, HPN, SJU, or SUA).
- Schedules are released up to 30 days in advance.
- Pilots are guaranteed 13 days off per month (any shortfall is compensated as a Volunteer Day).
- Availability is required for assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- The pilot must be prepared to work extended hours and report to duty with short notice when operational needs dictate.
- Relocation to other Company bases may be required for seasonal business needs.
Additional Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- International Candidates must hold a non-conditional, non-expired green card and a valid, unrestricted foreign passport with appropriate visas to work and travel freely within and outside the United States and assigned territories.