Flight Planning Specialist

UAS International Trip Support; Houston (TX); Sur place; USD 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

UAS International Trip Support is seeking a Flight Planning Specialist based in Houston, TX. The role is full-time and onsite, requiring coordination with flight crews, authorities, and global operations networks.

Responsibilities include international flight planning, weather analysis, regulatory compliance, permit coordination, and real-time flight monitoring. Strong dispatch experience and FAA certification are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years hands-on experience as Flight Dispatcher/Flight Planning Specialist.
• FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent mandatory for U.S. operations.
• Strong knowledge of FAA/ICAO regulations and international aviation requirements.
• Proficiency with flight planning platforms (PPS, ARINC, ForeFlight).
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.

Responsabilités

• Prepare and execute domestic and international flight plans per FAA/ICAO regulations.
• Validate ATC routes, airspace restrictions, and operational requirements.
• Conduct fuel planning, weather analysis, NOTAMs, and weather briefings.
• Coordinate permits, slots, and other overflight/landing approvals with CAAs and service providers.
• Monitor flights in real-time and manage disruptions with timely contingencies.
• Maintain accurate operational records and client reporting.

Connaissances

Flight planning

International routing

Weather analysis

ATC routing

PPS/ARINC/ForeFlight

Client communication

Formation

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate

Outils

PPS

ARINC

ForeFlight

Description du poste

The Flight Planning Specialist will be responsible for delivering accurate, efficient, and compliant flight planning and operational support services for international business aviation missions.

Based at the UAS Houston, Texas office, this is a full-time, onsite position requiring close coordination with flight crews, aviation authorities, Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), ground handling agents, and UAS's global operations network.

The successful candidate will manage complex international flight planning requirements, including route optimization, fuel calculations, weather analysis, regulatory compliance, permits, and flight monitoring.

The role requires strong technical flight dispatch expertise, sound operational judgment, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to respond effectively to time-sensitive operational challenges while maintaining UAS's high standards of client service.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Flight Planning & Dispatch Operations

• Prepare, analyze, and execute domestic and international flight plans for business aviation operations in accordance with FAA, ICAO, and applicable international aviation regulations.
• Analyze and validate Air Traffic Control (ATC) routes, including route feasibility, airspace restrictions, and operational requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive flight planning assessments, including fuel burn calculations, alternate airport selection, aircraft performance limitations, and route optimization.
• Review and interpret meteorological information, including METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, winds aloft, and relevant weather forecasts.
• Analyze NOTAMs, airport operating restrictions, curfews, runway limitations, airport rescue and firefighting categories, and other operational considerations.
• Prepare, validate, and file flight plans through applicable flight planning and ATC systems.
• Ensure flight plans are technically accurate, operationally feasible, and compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Provide flight crews with complete and accurate operational flight plans, weather briefings, and supporting documentation.

B. International Trip Support & Coordination

• Coordinate international overflight and landing permits, airport slots, Prior Permission Required (PPR), and other operational approvals.
• Liaise with Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs), FBOs, ground handling agents, fuel providers, and other aviation service providers worldwide.
• Coordinate ground handling, aircraft fueling, parking, and other operational support services based on client requirements.
• Ensure all selected service providers meet operational requirements, aircraft specifications, client preferences, and UAS policies.
• Verify the accuracy of permits, confirmations, approvals, and operational documentation before flight execution.
• Maintain proactive communication with vendors and relevant authorities to ensure timely service confirmations.

C. Flight Monitoring & Operational Support

• Conduct real-time flight monitoring and flight following for assigned client operations.
• Monitor operational developments, including weather disruptions, ATC restrictions, airport closures, and schedule changes.
• Identify potential operational risks and provide timely alternative routing or operational solutions.
• Coordinate with flight crews and relevant stakeholders to manage last-minute changes, diversions, delays, and other operational disruptions.
• Provide accurate flight status updates to clients and internal operations teams.
• Support contingency planning and operational decision-making during irregular operations.

D. Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as a key operational point of contact for flight crews, clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide professional and timely updates regarding flight planning, service confirmations, and operational approvals.
• Brief the Pilot in Command (PIC) on relevant flight planning considerations, routing decisions, weather conditions, and operational limitations.
• Respond to operational feasibility inquiries from clients and UAS Sales teams.
• Recommend practical alternatives when requested services or routes cannot be accommodated.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive trip briefing documents, operational reports, and supporting records.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, accuracy, and confidentiality in all client communications.

E. Operational Coordination & Compliance

• Collaborate closely with UAS operations teams across different geographical regions and time zones.
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive shift handovers, particularly for ongoing flight planning assignments and active client operations.
• Maintain complete and accurate operational records using UAS systems and approved procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable FAA, ICAO, international aviation regulations, and internal operational standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery.
• Support the wider Operations team with flight planning and trip support requirements as needed.

3. Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience as a Flight Dispatcher or Flight Planning Specialist, preferably within business aviation, private aviation, charter operations, or international flight support.
• Valid FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate or GCAA Flight Dispatcher License is mandatory.
• Strong practical experience in domestic and international flight planning, ATC routing, fuel planning, alternate selection, and aircraft performance considerations.
• Sound knowledge of FAA regulations, ICAO standards, international airspace requirements, and aviation operational procedures.
• Demonstrated experience in flight planning systems such as PPS, ARINC, ForeFlight, or equivalent professional flight planning platforms.
• Proficiency in aviation weather interpretation, NOTAM analysis, aeronautical charts, and flight briefing preparation.
• Strong understanding of international overflight and landing permit requirements, airport restrictions, and operational coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive flight operations simultaneously.
• Ability to work full-time onsite at the UAS Houston, Texas office.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, subject to the company's employment eligibility requirements.
• Previous experience supporting international business aviation, corporate jets, VIP flights, or charter operations.
• Experience coordinating flights across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
• Familiarity with FAA flight planning procedures, U.S. airspace, and international operational requirements.
• Experience working in a 24/7 flight operations environment.
• Previous exposure to global trip support providers, aviation service companies, or Flight Operations Control Centers (OCC).
• Flight Planning & Dispatch: Advanced understanding of ATC routing, flight plan preparation, fuel calculations, alternates, and operational flight requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of FAA, ICAO, and applicable international aviation regulations.
• Aviation Systems: Proficiency in PPS, ARINC, ForeFlight, or equivalent flight planning platforms.
• Technical Accuracy: Strong attention to detail in route validation, aircraft performance, weather analysis, and flight documentation.
• International Trip Support: Ability to coordinate permits, slots, handling, fuel, and other flight support services.
• Flight Monitoring: Effective flight following, operational tracking, and proactive response to disruptions.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to assess operational challenges and provide practical solutions under pressure.
• Client Communication: Professional and accurate communication with pilots, clients, aviation authorities, and vendors.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize multiple flight planning assignments and meet operational deadlines.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Effective coordination with Houston-based colleagues and UAS's global operations teams.
• Professionalism: High standards of accountability, service quality, confidentiality, and operational discipline.

5. Work Location & Employment Conditions

• Work Location: UAS International Trip Support – Houston, Texas, USA.
• Employment Type: Full-Time.
• Work Arrangement: 100% onsite; this is not a remote or hybrid position.
• Working Schedule: Rotational shifts based on a 3-days-on, 3-days-off schedule, covering both day and night shifts. Shift rotations will generally occur monthly or as required by operational and business needs. The role requires flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and outside standard business hours to ensure continuous operational coverage.
• Operational Environment: Fast-paced, time-sensitive international aviation operations requiring continuous coordination across multiple time zones.
• Reporting Line: Flight Planning Manager.

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