Lead Captain

At Clay Lacy Aviation, we’ve built a legacy of excellence by combining innovation, safety, and exceptional service. We’re looking for people who share our passion for aviation and our commitment to doing the right thing. Here, curiosity and continuous learning are valued, and teamwork is essential. If you’re ready to contribute your skills in a supportive, high-performing environment where every detail matters, you’ll find opportunities to grow your career and be part of shaping the future of private aviation.

Position Summary

As a Lead Captain, in addition to acting as a flight crew member, you are responsible for ensuring effective communication between the account and Clay Lacy Aviation, including the Account Manager (ACM), DOM, Director of Training, Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP), and Trip Support Specialists. 

You will ensure crew compliance with applicable regulations, directives, and SOP’s, assist in coordinating training events, review expense reports and invoices, and assist in managing crew member schedules. You will facilitate good working relationships and perpetuate CLA company culture and ideals within your flight department.

• Position: Lead Captain

• Aircraft: Gulfstream G550

• Position Type: Full-time only; no contract

• Location: Santa Ana, CA (KSNA

• Mission: 91; approximately 150 - 200 hours annually

• Compensation/Benefits: $250,000.00 per annum; fully paid medical/healthcare premium.     

Duties and Responsibilities
•Act as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC) as designated
•Ensure compliance with flight and maintenance schedules and other directives governing the aircraft's operation
•Ensure crew compliance with flight & duty times limitations as outlined in the GOM if Part 135,or reasonably adhere to Part 135 standards as able if Part 91
•Ensure the accomplishment of pre-flight/post-flight duties & inspections IAW the AFM
•Coordinate with DOM & ACM to ensure aircraft is cleaned as necessary (or scheduled)
•Manage aircraft inventory to meet owner or user requirements (may be assigned to Cabin Attendant)
•Monitor crew members’ performance and communicate to Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) relative to annual performance reviews
•Complete & approve crew expense reports IAW CLA policy
•Review monthly billing summaries. Report discrepancies to accounting and ACM
•Coordinate/manage crewmember’s days off and vacation requests. Relay to ACP for inclusion on schedule. Communicate with ACM for owner approval if necessary
•Liaison with ACP and Director of Training
•Conduct monthly review of currency and upcoming training/evaluation requirements
•Conduct annual aircraft black book audits (work with Flight Ops and ACP)
•Ensure compliance with fleet requirements (SOPs, required paperwork, etc.)
•Be familiar with installed equipment on aircraft. Maintain all required regulatory aircraft operational authorizations and mandates.

Maintenance Related Responsibilities
• Be aware of scheduled/unscheduled maintenance events
• Assist CLA in the resolution and communication of mechanical AOG events when required
• Review monthly work orders invoices
• Coordinate/communicate with Maintenance Controller (or DOM if assigned) any maintenance-related items, squawks to ensure all maintenance related scheduling is communicated effectively (to include scheduling specialist & ACM

Additional Responsibilities
• Ensure all trip related requests or changes from aircraft owner (or charter client) are communicated to Charter Department and Chief Pilot’s office.
• Assist in gathering any required operationally related data for special projects or reporting as requested
• Mediate and facilitate good working relationships within your Flight Department
• Cultivate and maintain good working relationships with all external stakeholders and CLA
• Ensure CLA company culture is perpetuated among members of the Flight Department
• Provide constructive feedback to increase efficiency in process and procedure within CLA through the ACM or via Safety Management System if required.
• Work with CLA ACM in the Management of Aircraft Owners overall experience
• Other duties as required in support of CLA and the aircraft owner: - Update Scheduling Specialist regarding aircraft schedule changes and other matters that may affect the scheduling of aircraft, crews or contract pilots/contract cabin attendants.
• Coordinate with ACM, DOM, Scheduling Specialist and managed billing to have regular flight department meetings to discuss & manage activities, mx events, budget, identify problems, answer questions, pass information gathered from owner and create future improvement projects and goals.
• In conjunction with the ACP/Chief Pilots, participate in the interview process and selection of all flight department personnel.
• Communicate with ACM for input and/or approval for all operational, personnel and administrative issues.
• Make recommendations for additional training for flight department members to ACM & ACP (conferences, safety training, industry events, etc.)

Competencies and Skills
• Create strong customer relations and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• Take on new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
• Work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicate a clear understanding of the needs of varied audiences and modes.
• Gain the trust and confidence of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Pilot skills consistent with operational requirements
• Ability to prioritize and organize workflow
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills
• Able to take initiative and execute assigned tasks in a timely and flawless manner
• Strong teamwork acumen with a profound ability to work under extreme pressure

Required Education and Experience
CLA Lead Captains should have the minimum experience required to safely operate the assigned aircraft in compliance with the company Operational Specifications, General Operations Manual, and Flight Operations Manual while meeting account management requirements.

• Applicable FAA Part 91 and/or FAA Part 135 requirements for aircraft type assigned.

• Must remain current with flight requirements

• ATP certificate required.

• First Class Medical Required.

• G550 Rating Required 

• Unexpired and valid Driver's License

• Unexpired and valid passport

*Candidates are required to be type rated, and reside within a 2 hour drivable commuting distance to KSNA.

**Must pass Pre-Employment Drug Screening and Background Checks.

Benefits and Culture

Clay Lacy Aviation offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees’ health, well-being, and peace of mind. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; paid time off and paid holidays; loss of license insurance; pet insurance options; and additional wellness resources.

Our culture is service-driven and collaborative, grounded in excellence, care, accountability, and trust, while supporting our teams in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment. We foster teamwork, promote responsibility, and create an environment where employees can perform at their best while delivering consistently high standards of service.

Disclaimer Statement
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all assigned activities, duties, or responsibilities, and may be amended at any time. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Clay Lacy Aviation provides reasonable accommodation when requested by qualified individuals with disabilities unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. We encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with a representative of the Office of Human Resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statements
Clay Lacy Aviation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.