About This Role
Priester Aviation seeks a Pilot in Command (Captain) for a Praetor 500 based in Wheeling, IL (PWK), supporting a Part 135 operation. The PIC is the final authority for the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft, managing all aspects of flight preparation and execution, crew coordination, risk management, and passenger service while ensuring compliance with FARs and company procedures. The operation is crewed by three pilots, flies primarily domestic and North American charter missions, and averages approximately 400-450 flight hours per year.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Act as Pilot in Command with final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft on all assigned flights, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, company flight operations manuals, and standard operating procedures.
- Conduct thorough pre-flight planning including weather analysis, performance calculations, routing, fuel planning, and airworthiness checks.
- Maintain a high level of crew resource management, coordination, and communication across all phases of flight, and lead the crew professionally.
- Provide the highest level of passenger service as the primary point of contact for clients.
- Engage actively in the company's Safety Management System (SMS), identifying and mitigating risks and participating in safety audits and corrective action.
- Mentor and guide First Officers and other crew members.
- Complete all post-flight documentation including trip reports and logbook entries, and report safety or equipment issues to maintenance.
- Ensure ongoing regulatory compliance, currency, training, and medical certification.
What We Offer
A sign-on bonus is available for pilots with a Praetor 500 type rating.Competitive total rewards package including medical coverage (PPO and High Deductible plans) through Blue Cross Blue Shield, dental and vision coverage, company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, company-paid basic life and AD&D with optional supplemental coverage, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans.401(k) retirement plan with company match, annual company-funded profit-sharing contribution, HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care FSA options.Paid company holidays, Unlimited Paid Time Off (subject to scheduling guidelines), and sick leave.Tuition reimbursement, company-paid legal services and identity theft protection, company-paid pet insurance, and employee assistance resources.Typical schedule is 2 weeks on, 1 week off.
Requirements
- Minimum 5000 total flight hours, including 2500 hours as Pilot in Command, 2500 hours multi-engine land (of which 1500 hours as multi-engine PIC), 2000 hours in turbine aircraft, and 500 hours instrument time.
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine land rating required.
- Current First-Class Medical Certificate required.
- FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit preferred.
- Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, flight planning, and safety management systems, with excellent communication and leadership skills and proficiency in flight planning and aviation management software.
- Previous experience in Part 135 operations is highly desirable.