Challenger 300 - Lead Pilot (Home Based/ Western U.S.)

ADVANCED AIR LLC • Hawthorne, CA

17d • $200,000 - $300,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Advanced Air, LLC is seeking a Challenger 300 Lead Pilot for a two-pilot account based out of Hawthorne, California. The aircraft operates under Part 135 and is supported by a dedicated Maintenance Technician. The Lead Pilot operates the aircraft as Pilot in Command, leads a two-member crew, and supports Advanced Air’s management of the aircraft. The role reports to the Chief Pilot and, in the Chief Pilot’s absence, the Director of Operations. Applicants must reside in the Western United States and be able to commute to Hawthorne.

The position combines flight operations with aircraft management, owner service, crew coordination, and ground-based readiness tasks. The Lead Pilot works with Advanced Air’s VIP and Flight teams to schedule owner flights, maintenance, and crew training; manages crew schedules and vacation requests; and handles owner-related tasks and aircraft logistics as directed. Responsibilities also include ensuring the aircraft is owner-ready, maintaining onboard supplies and electronics, coordinating cleaning and laundry, and overseeing aircraft expenses within budget.

As PIC, the Lead Pilot has final authority for safe aircraft operation and is responsible for aircraft security, airworthiness checks, flight briefings, regulatory and company-policy compliance, flight and duty records, maintenance discrepancy reporting, and active participation in safety management processes. The position also leads development of Challenger 300 SOPs, checklists, and LOA approvals as instructed by the Chief Pilot and Director of Operations. Duties may change and may include other tasks related to aircraft operation, presentation, service, and readiness, both in flight and on the ground.

Employees must devote their full working time and attention exclusively to the account and may not provide services for another aircraft or employer without written permission from the Chief Pilot or Director of Operations. The role requires the ability to perform flights up to 4.5 hours, with total flight time up to 10 hours within a 14-hour duty period.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
• Challenger 300 PIC type rating.
• At least 3,000 hours total flight time.
• At least 1,000 hours PIC turbine time.
• High-level working knowledge of FAR Parts 91 and 61 and AIM Parts 4 and 5.
• Digital dexterity for aircraft preflight and post-flight tasks.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and manipulate, push, pull, and lift objects weighing more than 150 pounds.
• Ability to climb onto and off an airplane wing during preflight, post-flight, or an over-wing emergency exit.
• Ability to fly up to 4.5 hours per flight and up to 10 total flight hours during a 14-hour duty period.
• Ability to reside within the Western United States and commute to Hawthorne, California.
• Exclusive dedication of full working time and attention to the account; outside aircraft or employer work requires written permission from the Chief Pilot or Director of Operations.

Nice To Haves

• CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Lead Pilot and coordinate with Advanced Air’s VIP and Flight teams to schedule owner flights, aircraft maintenance, and crew training.
• Attend to the aircraft for non-flight matters as directed, including vendor meetings, deliveries, supervising service providers, and preparing the aircraft for trips.
• Manage assigned crew schedules and vacation requests and ensure crew availability for owner-related duties, aircraft operations, errands, and servicing requests.
• Maintain the aircraft in an owner-ready condition, including stocking, cleanliness, organization, and checking supplies and consumables for availability and expiration.
• Ensure passenger-facing electronics and entertainment systems are maintained and operational before each flight.
• Assist with aircraft readiness and owner service, including stocking, loading, unloading, and other aircraft-related logistics.
• Oversee aircraft cleaning and stocking in conjunction with Advanced Air.
• Arrange onboard laundry and dry cleaning, including handling linens, towels, uniforms, and other washable items.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of galley items, linens, bedding, and other supplies; restock as needed and communicate special requests with the owner or representative.
• Maintain Part 135 pilot qualification on the assigned aircraft.
• Oversee aircraft expenses and keep them within budget.
• Lead the production of SOPs, checklists, LOA approvals, and other Challenger 300 materials as instructed by the Chief Pilot and Director of Operations.
• Retain final authority for safe aircraft operation as PIC and maintain responsibility for aircraft security during operation.
• Verify aircraft airworthiness through a preflight inspection according to the AFM and confirm required documents are onboard.
• Review flight briefs, including flight purpose, weather, operating procedures, notes, special instructions, plans, and assignments.
• Comply with federal aviation regulations, company manuals, operations specifications, SOPs, and company policies and procedures.
• Update flight and duty records, determine eligibility for the next flight assignment, and report maintenance discrepancies according to company procedures.
• Participate in and promote safety management systems by identifying, reporting, and mitigating hazards and quality issues and providing timely input to management.
• Pass a pre-employment DOT drug test and be subject to random drug screening.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Average of 10 days off per month.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4%.
• Company-paid health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and $15,000 in life insurance.
• KCM for personal travel.
• Per diem pay for all hours associated with Flight Duty: $3.12 domestic and $4.16 international.
• Flight and travel benefits; current contracts include Delta, Alaska, and Southwest.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED