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Lead Captain (PIC), Challenger 300 — Advanced Air | Hawthorne, CA
✈️ Lead Captain (PIC), Challenger 300 at Advanced Air
Advanced Air, LLC is an innovative, service-driven Part 135 air carrier headquartered in Hawthorne, California, operating a diverse fleet of 30+ turboprop, business jet, and regional jet aircraft. We are seeking a meticulous, customer-obsessed Lead Pilot to captain a Challenger 300 on a two-pilot, owner/VIP-focused account supported by a dedicated Maintenance Technician. You will lead a tight-knit crew, deliver flawless trips, and ensure the aircraft is mission-ready at all times.
🧭 What You’ll Lead
- Serve as PIC and Lead Pilot on a Challenger 300 under Part 135, reporting to the Chief Pilot or Director of Operations.
- Coordinate seamlessly with VIP/Owner representatives, Flight Ops, and Maintenance to schedule owner flights, maintenance events, and training.
- Lead and manage a two-pilot crew, including scheduling, vacation requests, and owner-related ground/flight support tasks.
- Own aircraft readiness: cabin presentation, galley stock, amenity rotation, consumables, and cleanliness—always owner-ready.
- Keep passenger-facing tech flight-ready: iPads (movies), iPod/music, AirShow, Wi‑Fi, and entertainment systems.
- Oversee vendors and providers: accept deliveries, supervise services, coordinate laundry/dry cleaning for linens, towels, crew/owner uniforms.
- Maintain accurate inventories (galley, linens, bedding, supplies); restock and handle special requests with the owner’s team.
- Assist with ground logistics: stocking, loading/unloading, and aircraft-related errands (e.g., catering, amenities, personal effects).
- Uphold operational control: retain final authority for safe operation (FAR 91.3), aircraft security, AFM preflight, airworthiness, and required documents.
- Execute thorough flight briefs: weather, procedures, special instructions, roles, and assignments; update flight/duty records and maintenance discrepancies.
- Champion safety: actively engage in SMS, identify/mitigate hazards, and provide timely feedback on quality and safety issues.
- Help build the program: lead SOPs, checklists, LOA approvals, and other Challenger 300 documentation as directed.
Note: Duties may include other reasonable tasks in support of aircraft operation, presentation, service, and readiness—both in-flight and on the ground.
🧰 What You’ll Bring
- Certificates: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) — unrestricted; Challenger 300 PIC Type Rating required. CFI/CFII/MEI preferred.
- Experience: 3,000+ hours Total Time; 1,000+ PIC Turbine.
- Knowledge: High-level working knowledge of FAR Parts 91 & 61 and AIM Sections 4 & 5; strong digital dexterity for pre/post-flight ops.
- Physical capabilities: Work in confined spaces; climb onto/off wings; manipulate, push, pull, and lift heavy objects (including 50+ lbs., and in excess of 150 lbs. as required); frequent stooping, bending, kneeling; operate equipment with repetitive motions; work outdoors in all weather; tolerate ramp noise, fumes, and dust. Reasonable accommodations may be available.
- Compliance: Pass pre-employment DOT drug test; participate in random screening; maintain Part 135 qualification.
- Professionalism: Owner/VIP service mindset, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to lead a small, high-performing crew.
- Exclusivity: Devote full working time to this account; no other flying/services without written approval from the Chief Pilot or Director of Operations.
- Education: High school diploma or GED.
- Relocation: This is not a commutable position; must live in or relocate to Hawthorne/Greater Los Angeles.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Flying with Advanced Air
- Compensation: $250,000 – $350,000 plus per diem ($3.12 domestic / $4.16 international) for all hours associated with flight duty.
- Benefits: 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, Vision, plus $15,000 life insurance.
- 401(k): Dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4%.
- KCM access for personal travel.
- Flight/travel privileges with current partner contracts (including Delta, Alaska, Southwest).
- Strong leadership support: Management team committed to your success and program excellence.
📨 Ready to Captain This Program?
Bring your Challenger 300 expertise, leadership, and five-star service mindset to a premier owner program based in Los Angeles. If you’re ready to lead from the front and keep a world-class aircraft owner-ready, we’d love to meet you.
Selection may include application review, education/experience rating, interviews, reference checks, and job-related testing.

