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

Mente Group; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mente Group is launching a brand-new Flight Department in the Bay Area operating a Gulfstream G700. We seek a Director of Aviation (Flying) to build the team, set the standards, and occasionally fly as part of the active crew, overseeing every aspect of the operation.

The role blends senior leadership with hands-on flying as Captain on the G700, managing pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance staff while ensuring safety, discretion, and exceptional client service.

Qualifications

• Pilot with extensive large-cabin jet experience.
• FAA ATP certification and G700 rating preferred.
• Recent PIC experience on large-cabin jets.
• Strong financial and vendor-contracts experience.
• FAA Part 91 regulations knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Captain (PIC) on the G700 in regular rotation.
• Oversee flight operations from scheduling through trip completion.
• Hire, train, and supervise pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance staff.
• Ensure FAA Part 91 compliance across all flight operations.
• Oversee aircraft maintenance and regulatory adherence with Maintenance Manager.
• Develop and manage the flight department's operational budget.
• Primary point of contact between aircraft owner, client team, and regulators.

Skills

ATP certification

G700 type rating

PIC experience

Leadership

Part 91 knowledge

Budget management

Education

Degree in aviation management

Job description

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

Bay Area, CA

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.

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.