Are you ready to take your career to new heights? Join Southern Airways, the biggest little airline in the industry, and be part of a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your excellent customer service skills will shine! As a wholly owned subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility, we provide route services throughout the contiguous United States and the Hawaiian Islands.
Our company mantra, "Every Passenger, Every Day, Every Flight," is at the heart of everything we do. By joining our team, youll have the opportunity to make a real difference in peoples lives while contributing to our mission of providing exceptional service and prioritizing passenger safety.
Southern Airways is experiencing tremendous growth, offering endless opportunities for learning and career advancement. Whether youre new to the airline industry or looking to enhance your skills, youll receive comprehensive training and support to excel in your role.
Put your talents to work and join the Southern Airways team today! Be part of the biggest little airline where every passenger, every day, and every flight matters – and so do you!
Provide direction and resources for the Flight Operations department (Chief Pilot, Director of Flight Standards & Training, Safety, System Operating Center, and Pilot workforce).
Serve as the Director of Operations on the Part 135 certificate. Maintain Operational Control of flight operations and the delegation of such in accordance with FAR 135.77, company manuals, and policies
Partner with operational leaders to oversee the airline’s daily operations and system performance. Collaborate with the pilot workforce through established reporting relationships to drive safe, compliant, cost-effective execution of scheduled flights across the network. Monitor system metrics and provide strategic guidance while respecting functional reporting lines.
Ensure the compliance of daily flight operations with the Federal Aviation Regulations, company manuals, policies, and standards.
Ensure the compliance and maintenance of the Company’s FAR Part 135 Operations Specifications.
Ensure the accuracy of daily flight operations regulatory record keeping by FAR 135.63.
Identify issues in Flight Operations that may contribute to recurring operational reliability challenges in the business and proactively address them. Intervene to help address problems operating as they occur.
Monitor and strive to improve safety and quality policy effectiveness by communicating the importance of meeting statutory and regulatory requirements and conducting periodic management of safety and quality reviews. Implement the company’s operational safety policy and ensure the airline operates at the highest possible safety standards.
Establish and maintain a reporting and safety data system. Receive and act on any aeronautical information that may affect the safety of flight operations. In conjunction with the safety management system, aircraft safety information, both internal and external, must be disseminated.
Ensure that all flight operations meet or exceed the standards required by the FAA and any additional standards established by other authorities.
Ensure arrangements are made for producing and revising manuals and other documentation for flight operations, flight crew, dispatch, and training.
Develop, syndicate, and implement the key strategies and objectives of the flight operations area, including base management, standards and training, and crew resources. Utilize resources according to company objectives for growth and profitability.
Ensure that a valid AOC is maintained at all times, that the formal requirements for retaining the AOC are fulfilled, and that the formal requirements for retaining the AOC are fulfilled.
Ensure sufficient flight crew, dispatch, and training staff are available for the intended operations. Oversee key flight operations support functions, including standards, training, and performance engineering, while liaising effectively with crew planning and scheduling.
Provide exceptional control of operations and operational standards. Identify and act on operational issues that impact operational control.
Provide regular reporting on the operating and financial performance of the flight operations organization.
Deploy continuous process improvement and ensure that all operations and projects are carried out in a timely, financially sound manner consistent with the airline’s goals.
Champion operational integrity and efficiency at the airline, ensuring that the airline strictly focuses on operating as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Provide strong and inspired leadership in the flight operations organization, ensuring the function is appropriately organized, staffed, developed, motivated, and compensated. Develop strong, open, honest working relationships with employee groups and associations.
Develop and lead the flight operations management team, measuring performance by setting financial and operational goals and objectives and conducting periodic performance evaluations. Invest time in the Flight Operations leadership team to ensure their support so they can thrive as leaders.
Connect with Regional Chief Pilots and the GOC team. Address current and future issues related to employee relations within the flight operations workforce.
Provide effective liaison with other external agencies that may affect company operations.
Contribute to the overall operational leadership of the airline in partnership with the President of Air Mobility and other key operating executives.
Support the Safety Management System (SMS) as a member of the Safety Committee and Emergency Response Committee.
Coordinate with aircraft OEM, major equipment manufacturers, or other sources of information unique to the safe operations of current or proposed aircraft operating under the Company’s Flight Certificate.
Serve as the primary liaison with the FAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI). Establish and maintain a close working relationship with the FAA Principal Inspectors, who have certificate responsibility for the company’s air carrier operations. Ensure prompt reporting, filing, and follow-up action on accident reports to the appropriate FAA agencies.
Ensure flight operations compliance with new aircraft conformities.
Responsible for all recordkeeping requirements and the proper maintenance and disposition of records. Maintain strong knowledge of and assist with company electronic media and ensure the submission of documents to records.
Remain informed of the latest developments within the aviation community, the FARs, and other federal, state, local, and foreign regulations affecting operations.
Oversee all Flight Operations budgetary matters.
Ensure the consistent and continuous maintenance of Flight Operations Key Performance Indicators.
Oversee and ensure Part 135 compliance.
Monitor and promote Company safety standards, initiatives, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
At least ten years of experience in the aviation industry, including military, government, and regulatory Part 121/135 experience.
A bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business management, or a related field, including military experience, is preferred. A master’s degree is highly preferred.
Flight operations management experience at a FAR 135/121 Air Carrier, including a regional, major, or low-cost airline or a fractional, business, or corporate aviation operator, is preferred.
Approximately ten years of leadership experience with the demonstrated ability to lead a sizeable diverse workgroup.
Valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Able to work with leaders throughout the organization collaboratively. Able to delegate as needed.
Extensive knowledge of flight operations, flight standards, and Federal Aviation Regulations.
Ability to manage a large budget.
Demonstrated Project Management skills.
Pilot-In-Command under Parts 135 & 121 strongly desired.
Knowledge of aviation regulations and processes.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Proficiency in Google standard office suite software (MS Office, Google Docs, Teams/Zoom, etc).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A proven achiever with strong team-building and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work in a team and collaborate with various departments.
- Knowledge of data security and privacy regulations.
Successful demonstration of experience and knowledge in methods and accepted industry standards.
Must be proficient with modern technology and applications and be an advocate of SurfOS as it is woven into the operation..
Possess the ability to work in a fast-paced aviation environment, maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
Able to handle several responsibilities simultaneously; very organized and able to ensure all details of ongoing projects are followed through and managed correctly.
Results-oriented while maintaining a positive, motivated relationship with leadership and team.
Able to be the voice of the Flight Operations Unit and work with the unit to achieve optimal outcomes for Customers and the Company at all times.
Assess situations with political sensitivity and respond appropriately.
Present professionally and courteously with company management, employees, vendors, and regulators.
Able to resolve issues between management and pilots as needed.
Able to develop short-term and long-term goals and objectives and manage those goals.
Highly organized, with a strong ability to multi-task and excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Maintain a strong presence and reputation in the Aviation industry, including among potential employees, competitors, and regulatory organizations.
Bring industry credibility to the Surf Air management team.
Ability to establish trust and credibility with team members, senior management, regulators, and customers.
Self-motivated, willing, and eager to expand knowledge of Management in general, specifically of Flight Operations management, technology, and related business and operational issues affecting the Aviation industry, the company, and the position.
Have the personal stability to make a long-term career commitment.