Production Pilot - Dash 8

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in aviation is seeking a skilled Production Pilot to join its dynamic team. This role involves conducting production test flights, ensuring aircraft safety and compliance with certification standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in multi-crew aircraft operations and a strong technical background in flight testing. Join a company renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, where your expertise will contribute to the development of iconic aircraft. If you're passionate about aviation and ready for a challenging yet rewarding opportunity, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a pilot in multi-crew aircraft required.
• Current instrument rating and Class 1 medical certificate needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct production test flights to certify new aircraft.
• Generate detailed reports on aircraft discrepancies.
• Plan and execute international delivery flights.

Skills

Multi-crew aircraft piloting

Communication skills

Technical knowledge of aircraft design

Interpersonal skills

Flight test processes

Education

Canadian Airline Transport Pilot License

Class 1 medical certificate

5 years of piloting experience

Job description

Posted Monday, April 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a storied name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC currently has approximately 1,400 employees across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, as well as in markets and distribution hubs worldwide.

Established in 1928, De Havilland Canada has a rich history marked by the development of some of the most iconic and versatile aircraft ever built. These aircraft have served a variety of roles—from bush flying to commercial aviation—and are celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance.

Over the decades, De Havilland Canada has evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry. Today, we are more than just an aircraft manufacturer; we are a comprehensive aerospace company with capabilities that span design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Our operations are supported by a team of skilled engineers, technicians, and industry professionals who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.

Profile

Reporting to the Director, Flight Operations, the Production Pilot is responsible for the hangar, ground and flight tests to certify new aircraft on behalf of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, specifically for the Dash 8. The Production Pilot also provides technical expertise in the development of flight manuals and checklists and will be required to reposition aircraft to various bases or to customers. The successful incumbent will have familiarity and experience with TC, FAA or EASA-approved engineering flight test processes and procedures for Transport Canada aircraft.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Conduct production test flights to test and certify new aircraft to ensure they are safe, free of snags, and are equivalent to type certificate.
2. Perform acceptance flights with customer pilots on their new aircraft.
3. Fly the corporate Dash 8 under De Havilland’s internal 604 operation.
4. Execute engineering test flights to certify modified or new equipment for existing aircraft types.
5. Carry out International Sales and Marketing Demo Flights to showcase aircraft capabilities to potential customers.
6. Perform international delivery flights to transport aircraft to their designated destinations.
7. Entry into service pilot training to be delivered at the customers base (up to 30 days).
8. Generate detailed written reports for production and engineering to describe aircraft or system discrepancies.
9. Contribute to the development and maintenance of various technical manuals (SOP’s, FTP’s, QRH, etc.).
10. Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all applicable pre- and post-flight documentation.
11. Plan flights/trips as required, ensuring all logistical details are addressed.
12. Complete all post-flight duties, including notifying the company of the aircraft’s location when away from base, recording flight times, and reporting defects.
13. Conduct crew briefings.
14. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

1. Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a pilot in a multi-crew aircraft.
2. Current instrument rating and a valid Class 1 medical certificate.
3. Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
4. Extensive knowledge related to engineering flight testing of Transport Canada aircraft.
5. Proven ability to serve as an aircraft commander, while fostering a positive and cooperative relationship with crew, management, and customers.
6. International experience, and/or a training captain background.
7. Strong technical background in aircraft design, certification, or training an asset.
8. Current Canadian Airline Transport Pilot License with at least 3,000 hours of total flying time and a minimum of 500 hours of command time on a turboprop aircraft, type rated on Dash 8.
9. Ability and willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends, and travel at short notice. This role may require extensive travel at times.

At De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC), we are committed to protecting our people, customers, shareholders, and the public through Health & Safety Excellence. As such, it is expected that all employees maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety Policies and to perform key physical tasks of the position described in the job description and interview process. This may include but is not limited to the ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions including temperature extremes, confined spaces, working at heights, and with or around chemicals. Employees are expected to adhere to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work which must include but is not limited to the ability to maintain a positive fit test when mask use is required.

At De Havilland Canada, we aim to be inclusive and diverse and provide equal opportunity for employment. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, are encouraged to apply. De Havilland will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Talent Acquisition representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Any offer of employment is conditional on the completion of positive and satisfactory background checks, which may include proof that you are legally entitled to work in Canada, professional references, verification of employment history, verification of educational background, and criminal background checks.