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

Advanced Air • Hawthorne, CA

17d

About The Position

Advanced Air, LLC is hiring a Challenger 300 Lead Pilot for a two-pilot account supported by a dedicated Maintenance Technician. The position is based out of Hawthorne, California, and is commutable for applicants residing within the Western United States. The Lead Pilot operates the aircraft as Pilot in Command under Part 135, leads a two-member crew, and supports Advanced Air’s management of the aircraft. The position reports to the Chief Pilot or, in the Chief Pilot’s absence, the Director of Operations.

The Lead Pilot works with Advanced Air’s VIP and Flight teams to coordinate owner flights, maintenance, and crew training. The role also includes substantial ground-based aircraft management and owner-service responsibilities, such as maintaining aircraft readiness, arranging cleaning and laundry, managing supplies and onboard systems, supporting aircraft logistics, and overseeing expenses. The employee may be assigned other tasks reasonably related to aircraft operation, presentation, service, and readiness, as directed by the owner or their representative.

The Lead Pilot is responsible for safe and secure aircraft operation, airworthiness checks, flight preparation, compliance with applicable regulations and company procedures, accurate flight and duty records, and reporting maintenance discrepancies. The role also contributes to safety management and quality processes. Employees must devote their full working time and attention exclusively to the account and may not work for another aircraft or employer without written permission from the Chief Pilot or Director of Operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
• Challenger 300 PIC type rating.
• At least 3,000 total flight hours.
• At least 1,000 hours PIC turbine.
• High-level working knowledge of FAR Part 91, Part 61, and AIM Part Sections 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 execute flights of up to 4.5 hours and up to 10 total flight hours per day during a 14-hour duty period.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including frequent stooping, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting a minimum of 50 pounds, and operating machinery with repetitive motions.
• Residence within the Western United States.

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 on owner flights, maintenance, and flight-crew training.
• Attend to the aircraft for non-flight matters as directed, including vendor meetings, accepting deliveries, supervising service providers, and preparing the aircraft for trips.
• Manage the assigned crew’s schedules and vacation requests and ensure availability for owner-related duties, aircraft operation, errands, and servicing requests.
• Keep the aircraft owner-ready by maintaining interior and galley cleanliness, organization, supplies, consumables, and passenger-facing electronics.
• Assist with aircraft stocking, loading, unloading, and other aircraft-related ground logistics.
• Arrange onboard laundry and dry cleaning, including handling linens, towels, uniforms, and other washable items.
• Maintain an accurate 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 development 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 and maintain responsibility for aircraft security during operation.
• Verify aircraft airworthiness through preflight inspection in accordance with the AFM and ensure required documents are onboard.
• Review flight briefs, including flight purpose, weather, operating procedures, notes, special instructions, plans, and assignments.
• Comply with Federal Aviation Regulations, the company operations manual, operations specifications, SOPs, and company policies and procedures.
• Update flight and duty records, determine eligibility for the next flight assignment, and report maintenance discrepancies in accordance with company procedures.
• Participate in and promote safety management systems by identifying, reporting, and mitigating hazards and quality issues, providing timely management input, and applying systems processes to address issues.
• Pass a pre-employment DOT drug test and submit to random drug screening.
• Devote full working time and attention exclusively to the account; obtain express written permission before operating, flying, or providing services for another aircraft or employer.

Benefits

• Competitive salary; industry-standard compensation.
• An average of 10 days off per month.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4%.
• 100% 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.
• Support from Advanced Air’s management team.

What This Job Offers

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