Citation CJ3 Captain (Pilot in Command) – Hawthorne, CA

Pilot Assessments; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Day-off pay

Flight-hour bonus

Per diem

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision

Travel benefits

Known Crewmember access

Job summary

Advanced Air is seeking a Citation CJ3 Captain to serve as a standard-bearer for safety, service, and professionalism. You will execute trips with precision, deliver premium customer experiences, and ensure full regulatory compliance, collaborating with your crewmate and representing the company to clients and partners.

You will lead all flight phases, manage customer-service details end-to-end, and uphold safety programs while operating within on‑call and base proximity requirements.

Qualifications

• ATP (Multiengine; Unrestricted or Restricted) and at least 2,500 hours total time with 500 hours turbine.
• Citation CJ3 type rating preferred but not required.
• Residence within approximately two hours of Hawthorne base and ability to meet on‑call availability and fitness-to-fly requirements.
• Physical capability to work in confined spaces; lift objects exceeding 150 lbs; perform digital preflight/post-flight tasks; operate flights up to 4.5 hours.

Responsibilities

• Perform thorough visual preflight and post-flight walk‑around inspections.
• Lead and coordinate all phases of flight and be prepared to assume primary responsibility during two-pilot ops.
• Review, plan, and brief customer service details for each leg.
• Own the customer-service execution from end to end on each flight leg.
• Comply with FARs, OPS manuals, and company procedures.
• Update flight and duty records and report maintenance discrepancies.
• Identify and mitigate safety and quality hazards; participate in safety programs.
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned.

Skills

Safety-driven

Crew coordination

Regulatory compliance

On-call readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

ATP (Multiengine)

Job description

The Opportunity

As a Citation CJ3 Captain, you’ll be the standard-bearer for safety, service, and professionalism—executing trips with precision, delivering a premium customer experience, and ensuring full regulatory compliance. You’ll collaborate closely with your crewmate, represent Advanced Air with clients and partners, and contribute to a proactive safety and quality culture.

What You’ll Do

• Perform thorough visual preflight and post-flight walk-around inspections before and after each flight.
• Lead and coordinate all phases of flight in accordance with company policies and procedures; during two-pilot operations, work closely with your crewmate and be prepared to assume primary responsibility if the other pilot is unable to perform assigned duties.
• Review, plan, and brief customer-service details for each leg, including passenger pickup/drop-off, refueling, customs, private-hangar communications, and catering.
• Own the customer-service execution from end to end on each flight leg, ensuring a smooth, professional experience.
• Comply with all FARs, Company Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures, and company policies.
• Update flight and duty records, verify eligibility for subsequent assignments, and report aircraft maintenance discrepancies through required procedures.
• Proactively identify and mitigate safety and quality hazards; participate in safety and quality programs.
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned by company leadership or required during operations.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or GED.
• ATP (Multiengine; Unrestricted or Restricted) and at least 2,500 hours total time with 500 hours turbine.
• Citation CJ3 type rating preferred but not required.
• Current/valid checks as applicable: FAR 135.293(a) oral and written; FAR 135.293(b) competency check in type; FAR 135.297 six‑month IFR proficiency check; FAR 135.299 enroute check with an FAA inspector or approved company check airman within stated periods.
• Residence within approximately two hours of Hawthorne Municipal Airport (base) and ability to meet on‑call availability and fitness-to-fly requirements.
• Physical capability to work in confined spaces; manipulate, push, pull, and lift objects exceeding 150 lbs; climb onto/off an aircraft wing; perform digital preflight and post‑flight tasks; operate flights up to 4.5 hours within a maximum of 10 flight hours in a 14‑hour duty period.
• Comfort with frequent stooping, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting at least 50 lbs, repetitive machinery operation, outdoor work in all weather, and exposure to ramp noise, fumes, and dust.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism, and collaborative crew operations. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Day-off pay: $200–$800 (based on airframe qualification).
• Hourly bonus for flight hours above 65 in a month.
• $2.45 per diem for all hours associated with flight duty.
• Priority bid scheduling system.
• 401(k) with dollar‑for‑dollar employer match up to 4%.
• 100% company‑paid medical, dental, vision, and $15,000 life insurance.
• Flight and travel benefits through current Delta, Alaska, and Southwest contracts.
• Known Crewmember access for personal domestic travel.
• Retain hotel points and airline miles earned during business travel.

Schedule & Lifestyle

• Average ~30 flight hours and ~15 flying days per month.
• Approximately 8–12 nights away from base per month.
• Bid schedule published 14 days in advance; built from days on and days off, generating 12 days off per month.
• On‑call periods require availability within approximately two hours of the airport and fitness to fly.