Lead Captain, Gulfstream G550/G450 – Burbank, CA

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) contributions

Disability coverage

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Job summary

Jet Aviation in Southern California seeks a Lead Captain to ensure safe, efficient, and professional Gulfstream G550/G450 operations. You will lead and develop a high-performing crew, uphold safety and service standards, and represent the brand with discretion and integrity.

The role requires 3,500+ hours fixed-wing, 1,500+ PIC, ATP and FAA medical. Global travel, mentoring, scheduling, and rigorous compliance are core. Youll drive a strong safety culture and customer-focused operations.

Qualifications

• Airline Transport Pilot certificate and current FAA First Class Medical.
• Total fixed-wing time 3,500+ hours with PIC and multi-engine experience.
• Minimum five years aviation leadership with customer-focused airmanship.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Pilot in Command on G550/G450 operations, ensuring safety and professionalism.
• Plan and execute missions end-to-end including inspections, planning, and weather analyses.
• Lead, mentor, and coordinate crew training, scheduling, and performance reviews.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Gulfstream procedures and safety culture.
• Represent Jet Aviation with integrity in all internal and external interactions.

Skills

Leadership

Airmanship

Safety culture

Crew mentorship

Communication

Education

High school diploma

College degree preferred

Tools

Gulfstream systems

Job description

The Opportunity

As Lead Captain, you will carry overall responsibility for the safe, efficient, secure, and professional conduct of every flight. You’ll lead and develop a high-performing crew, uphold Jet Aviation’s rigorous safety and service standards, and act as a trusted brand ambassador with discretion, integrity, and adaptability.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as Pilot in Command on G550/G450 operations, ensuring the highest levels of safety, compliance, and professionalism.
• Plan and execute missions end-to-end: pre-/post-flight inspections, performance calculations, flight plan filing, and weather/route analysis.
• Make sound, timely operational decisions and adapt to changing conditions across global operations.
• Lead, mentor, and guide crew members; support professional development; conduct performance reviews; coordinate schedules and training; and assist with hiring.
• Maintain deep, current knowledge of Gulfstream systems and procedures; operate with precision and a customer-first mindset.
• Champion a strong safety culture: conduct thorough passenger briefings, follow best practices, and promptly coordinate discrepancy resolution with maintenance.
• Manage trip documentation and aircraft manuals; ensure meticulous record-keeping and compliance.
• Represent Jet Aviation with professionalism in all internal and external interactions, exemplifying the values of trust, honesty, alignment, and transparency.

What You Bring

• Certificates & Medical: Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP Unrestricted or Restricted) and current FAA First Class Medical.
• Total Experience: 3,500+ hours total fixed-wing time; 1,500+ hours Pilot in Command; 1,500+ hours multi-engine; 500+ hours turbo-jet; 500+ hours turbine; 100+ hours night; 75+ hours simulated instrument.
• Professional Background: Minimum five years of aviation experience with demonstrated leadership and customer-focused airmanship.
• Education: High school diploma required; college degree preferred.
• Languages: Fluent Mandarin and English to support safe, effective communication with passengers, crew, and operational stakeholders.
• Additional Requirements: Valid driver's license with clean driving record; ability to travel globally without restrictions; willingness to work a variable schedule.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, communication, collaboration, and aviation-industry skills; attention to detail; pleasant, professional demeanor; proactive and resourceful problem-solving; integrity and discretion.

Why Join Jet Aviation

Elevate your career with a global private aviation leader while operating from Southern California and traveling the world. You’ll work across environments ranging from aircraft maintenance areas to upscale customer spaces, representing a brand known for uncompromising safety and service.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Matching 401(k) contributions
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance and Employee Assistance Programs
• Health and wellness awards
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts
• Global travel and the opportunity to represent a premier private aviation brand

Ready to Take the Lead?

If you’re a seasoned Gulfstream professional who leads by example and thrives in a high-touch, safety-first environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Jet Aviation is an equal opportunity employer. Eligibility for benefits may vary by role and employment status.