We are a Minneapolis-based company providing aircraft management and pilot services for Pilatus PC12, Piper Meridian, and Cirrus SR22 aircraft. Our customers rely on us to get them to meetings and family vacations safely and efficiently, and we pride ourselves on contracting and employing professional pilots. We fly almost exclusively single-pilot IFR, through various airspace environments and weather conditions around North America. We work in a very relationship-based sector of the aviation industry, and focus on building strong trust between aircraft operators, passengers, and pilots.
We are seeking a full-time, experienced pilot with a passion for private/corporate aviation to serve as one of our regular PICs in company-managed aircraft. We value building long-lasting relationships with our customers, and they value having regular pilots that they trust and are familiar with. We view this as a long-term position within the company. The vast majority of our flights are day trips, so pilots are home most nights.
8 Blade Aero offers a small-company culture that includes:
Set your own schedule
Unlimited PTO
Be home with your family most nights (most of our trips are day trips)
Additional pay for long days (over 10 hours duty time)
Flexible retirement savings
Training and professional development opportunities
All travel-related expenses covered when you are away from home
All our aircraft are based at airports in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. While we are open to applicants from anywhere, we cannot offer monetary relocation assistance. However, we are happy to share tips and resources for relocating to the Twin Cities.
Act as sole pilot-in-command of company-managed aircraft
Carry out the duties of pilot-in-command in compliance with FAA regulations and ensure safety of flight
Perform all preflight planning, including weight and balance and filing flight plans
Communicate with lead passenger prior to flight
Coordinate aircraft services with FBO personnel
Light cleaning of the aircraft pre- and post-flight
Comply with regulatory currency and annual insurance training requirements
Assist with aircraft management and other duties as assigned
Be available for flights at least 16 - 18 days / month
Requirements
The underwriters for our aircraft are most interested in flying experience that demonstrates sound decision-making ability while flying a retractable-gear turbine aircraft in a single-pilot environment.
To that end, the underwriters heavily discount PIC time logged while giving dual, receiving dual, performing the duties of a safety pilot, and time spent flying as part of a two-pilot crew (even if you are at the controls).
When applying, please highlight and emphasize that portion of your experience where you were the sole qualified pilot aboard the plane, at the controls, and had sole responsibility for the conduct of the flight.
FAA Commercial or ATP pilot certificate with ASEL and instrument ratings, high-performance and complex endorsements
FAA Second- or First-Class Medical
At least 2000 hours pilot-in-command (PIC) time to include:
1000 hours cross-country
1000 hours fixed-wing PIC
1500 hours retractable gear
500 hours turbine time
200 hours actual instrument (not simulated instrument or simulator)
Authorization to work in the US
Must have a valid passport and be able to travel internationally without restrictions
Must have a valid state driver’s license
Willing to work varying hours, including day and night, weekdays, weekends, and holidays
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Must pass a criminal background check
3000 hours total time
2000 hours retractable gear
1000 hours turbine time
Previous corporate/private aviation experience
Previous experience in SR22, Piper Meridian, or PC12