Director of Aviation (Flying) - G700 - Bay Area, CA

Job description

Mente Group is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new Flight Department, based in the Southern Bay Area, CA, and operating a large-cabin Gulfstream (G700). We’re seeking an experienced **Director of Aviation (Flying)** to lead this department from the ground up — building the team, setting the standard, occasionally flying as an active member of the flight crew, and overseeing every aspect of a world-class private flight operation. *If you're driven by a passion for aviation and a dedication to client service, Mente offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team from the ground up. We're seeking a talented individual eager to contribute to our mission and grow with us.* ***Ready to make your mark in private aviation? Apply today.*** **THE ROLE:** The Director of Aviation will both lead the Flight Department and serve as a line pilot on the G700, splitting time between departmental oversight and active flight duties. This role will lead a team of pilots, a cabin attendant, and a maintenance manager, and ensure a seamless, safe, and discreet travel experience for the client. **Core responsibilities include:** - Serving as Captain (PIC) on the assigned G700, flying scheduled trips as part of the regular crew rotation. - Overseeing all flight operations for the assigned Gulfstream G700, from scheduling through completion of each trip. - Hiring, training, and supervising pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance staff to Mente standards. - Ensuring full FAA Part 91 compliance across all flight operations. - Overseeing aircraft maintenance, inspections, and regulatory adherence in coordination with the Maintenance Manager. - Developing and managing the flight department's operational budget, controlling costs, and driving efficiency. - Serving as the primary point of contact between the aircraft owner, the client's team, and regulatory bodies — ensuring operations run safely, efficiently, and with complete discretion. **QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:** - Pilot with extensive large-cabin jet experience; prior experience as a Chief Pilot, Aviation Manager, or Director of Flight Operations who also flew as line crew is ideal. - **FAA ATP certification; Gulfstream G700 type rating (or the ability to obtain one) strongly preferred. G650 or G500/G600 acceptable.** - Recent PIC experience in large-cabin, long-range aircraft. - Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing multi-million-dollar aircraft budgets and vendor contracts. - Deep knowledge of FAA Part 91 regulations and aviation safety standards. - Proven crew leadership — experience hiring, training, and managing flight and support teams to a high standard of safety and service. - Discretion and polish in managing a private client's travel arrangements with the highest level of professionalism. - A degree in aviation management, business administration, or aeronautical engineering is a plus, though not required. **OTHER REQUIREMENTS:** - Must be accessible by phone or email 24/7 except when on scheduled time off. - Must be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays as needed. - Work hours can extend beyond normal office hours. - Domestic and international travel may be required. - Ability to lift items weighing up to 40lbs from floor to shoulder level. - Physical ability to perform all required job functions must not be hindered. - Must be able to work alone with minimal supervision.