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Southern Airways Express · 13 hours ago

Senior Vice President Flight Operations

Addison, TX, US

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Surf Air Mobility is a growing airline that provides route services throughout the United States and Hawaiian Islands. They are seeking a Senior Vice President of Flight Operations to lead the Flight Operations department, ensure compliance with regulations, and oversee daily operations to enhance safety and efficiency.

Air Transportation

Responsibilities

Provide direction and resources for the Flight Operations department (Chief Pilot, Director of Flight Standards & Training, Safety, System Operating Center, and Pilot workforce)

Serve as the Director of Operations on the Part 135 certificate. Maintain Operational Control of flight operations and the delegation of such in accordance with FAR 135.77, company manuals, and policies

Partner with operational leaders to oversee the airline’s daily operations and system performance. Collaborate with the pilot workforce through established reporting relationships to drive safe, compliant, cost-effective execution of scheduled flights across the network. Monitor system metrics and provide strategic guidance while respecting functional reporting lines

Ensure the compliance of daily flight operations with the Federal Aviation Regulations, company manuals, policies, and standards

Ensure the compliance and maintenance of the Company’s FAR Part 135 Operations Specifications

Ensure the accuracy of daily flight operations regulatory record keeping by FAR 135.63

Identify issues in Flight Operations that may contribute to recurring operational reliability challenges in the business and proactively address them. Intervene to help address problems operating as they occur

Monitor and strive to improve safety and quality policy effectiveness by communicating the importance of meeting statutory and regulatory requirements and conducting periodic management of safety and quality reviews. Implement the company’s operational safety policy and ensure the airline operates at the highest possible safety standards

Establish and maintain a reporting and safety data system. Receive and act on any aeronautical information that may affect the safety of flight operations. In conjunction with the safety management system, aircraft safety information, both internal and external, must be disseminated

Ensure that all flight operations meet or exceed the standards required by the FAA and any additional standards established by other authorities

Ensure arrangements are made for producing and revising manuals and other documentation for flight operations, flight crew, dispatch, and training

Develop, syndicate, and implement the key strategies and objectives of the flight operations area, including base management, standards and training, and crew resources. Utilize resources according to company objectives for growth and profitability

Ensure that a valid AOC is maintained at all times, that the formal requirements for retaining the AOC are fulfilled, and that the formal requirements for retaining the AOC are fulfilled

Ensure sufficient flight crew, dispatch, and training staff are available for the intended operations. Oversee key flight operations support functions, including standards, training, and performance engineering, while liaising effectively with crew planning and scheduling

Provide exceptional control of operations and operational standards. Identify and act on operational issues that impact operational control

Provide regular reporting on the operating and financial performance of the flight operations organization

Deploy continuous process improvement and ensure that all operations and projects are carried out in a timely, financially sound manner consistent with the airline’s goals

Champion operational integrity and efficiency at the airline, ensuring that the airline strictly focuses on operating as effectively and efficiently as possible

Provide strong and inspired leadership in the flight operations organization, ensuring the function is appropriately organized, staffed, developed, motivated, and compensated. Develop strong, open, honest working relationships with employee groups and associations

Develop and lead the flight operations management team, measuring performance by setting financial and operational goals and objectives and conducting periodic performance evaluations. Invest time in the Flight Operations leadership team to ensure their support so they can thrive as leaders

Connect with Regional Chief Pilots and the GOC team. Address current and future issues related to employee relations within the flight operations workforce

Provide effective liaison with other external agencies that may affect company operations

Contribute to the overall operational leadership of the airline in partnership with the President of Air Mobility and other key operating executives

Support the Safety Management System (SMS) as a member of the Safety Committee and Emergency Response Committee

Coordinate with aircraft OEM, major equipment manufacturers, or other sources of information unique to the safe operations of current or proposed aircraft operating under the Company’s Flight Certificate

Serve as the primary liaison with the FAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI). Establish and maintain a close working relationship with the FAA Principal Inspectors, who have certificate responsibility for the company’s air carrier operations. Ensure prompt reporting, filing, and follow-up action on accident reports to the appropriate FAA agencies

Ensure flight operations compliance with new aircraft conformities

Responsible for all recordkeeping requirements and the proper maintenance and disposition of records. Maintain strong knowledge of and assist with company electronic media and ensure the submission of documents to records

Remain informed of the latest developments within the aviation community, the FARs, and other federal, state, local, and foreign regulations affecting operations

Oversee all Flight Operations budgetary matters

Ensure the consistent and continuous maintenance of Flight Operations Key Performance Indicators

Oversee and ensure Part 135 compliance

Monitor and promote Company safety standards, initiatives, protocols, and standard operating procedures

Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department and company

Qualification

Flight operations managementFederal Aviation RegulationsAirline Transport Pilot CertificateBudget managementProject ManagementTeam-buildingAviation regulationsOffice softwareLeadershipCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsAttention to detailCollaboration

Required

At least ten years of experience in the aviation industry, including military, government, and regulatory Part 121/135 experience

Valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

Able to work with leaders throughout the organization collaboratively. Able to delegate as needed

Extensive knowledge of flight operations, flight standards, and Federal Aviation Regulations

Ability to manage a large budget

Demonstrated Project Management skills

Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

Proficiency in Google standard office suite software (MS Office, Google Docs, Teams/Zoom, etc)

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A proven achiever with strong team-building and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work in a team and collaborate with various departments

Knowledge of data security and privacy regulations

Must be proficient with modern technology and applications and be an advocate of SurfOS as it is woven into the operation

Possess the ability to work in a fast-paced aviation environment, maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail

Able to handle several responsibilities simultaneously; very organized and able to ensure all details of ongoing projects are followed through and managed correctly

Results-oriented while maintaining a positive, motivated relationship with leadership and team

Able to be the voice of the Flight Operations Unit and work with the unit to achieve optimal outcomes for Customers and the Company at all times

Assess situations with political sensitivity and respond appropriately

Present professionally and courteously with company management, employees, vendors, and regulators

Able to resolve issues between management and pilots as needed

Able to develop short-term and long-term goals and objectives and manage those goals

Highly organized, with a strong ability to multi-task and excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Maintain a strong presence and reputation in the Aviation industry, including among potential employees, competitors, and regulatory organizations

Bring industry credibility to the Surf Air management team

Ability to establish trust and credibility with team members, senior management, regulators, and customers

Self-motivated, willing, and eager to expand knowledge of Management in general, specifically of Flight Operations management, technology, and related business and operational issues affecting the Aviation industry, the company, and the position

Have the personal stability to make a long-term career commitment

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Computer, office equipment, phone skills

Ability to read, write and speak English effectively

Ability to work within a 24/7 operation including holidays

Ability to pass 10-year background check and pre-employment drug screen as required by company and/or airline regulations

Authorized to work in the U.S. per the Immigration Act of 1986

Available for moderate overnight travel (30%)

Preferred

A bachelor's degree in aviation management, business management, or a related field, including military experience, is preferred. A master's degree is highly preferred

Flight operations management experience at a FAR 135/121 Air Carrier, including a regional, major, or low-cost airline or a fractional, business, or corporate aviation operator, is preferred

Approximately ten years of leadership experience with the demonstrated ability to lead a sizeable diverse workgroup

Pilot-In-Command under Parts 135 & 121 strongly desired

Successful demonstration of experience and knowledge in methods and accepted industry standards