mentegroup

Director of Aviation (Flying) - G700 - Bay Area, CA

Frisco, TX, United States (Onsite) - Posted August 28, 2026

Job description

Mente Group is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new Flight Department, based in the Southern Bay Area, CA, and operating a large-cabin Gulfstream (G700). We’re seeking an experienced Director of Aviation (Flying) to lead this department from the ground up — building the team, setting the standard, occasionally flying as an active member of the flight crew, and overseeing every aspect of a world-class private flight operation.   If you're driven by a passion for aviation and a dedication to client service, Mente offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team from the ground up. We're seeking a talented individual eager to contribute to our mission and grow with us. Ready to make your mark in private aviation? Apply today.     THE ROLE: The Director of Aviation will both lead the Flight Department and serve as a line pilot on the G700, splitting time between departmental oversight and active flight duties. This role will lead a team of pilots, a cabin attendant, and a maintenance manager, and ensure a seamless, safe, and discreet travel experience for the client.   Core responsibilities include: <ul> <li>Serving as Captain (PIC) on the assigned G700, flying scheduled trips as part of the regular crew rotation.</li> <li>Overseeing all flight operations for the assigned Gulfstream G700, from scheduling through completion of each trip.</li> <li>Hiring, training, and supervising pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance staff to Mente standards.</li> <li>Ensuring full FAA Part 91 compliance across all flight operations.</li> <li>Overseeing aircraft maintenance, inspections, and regulatory adherence in coordination with the Maintenance Manager.</li> <li>Developing and managing the flight department's operational budget, controlling costs, and driving efficiency.</li> <li>Serving as the primary point of contact between the aircraft owner, the client's team, and regulatory bodies — ensuring operations run safely, efficiently, and with complete discretion.</li> </ul>   QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS: <ul> <li>Pilot with extensive large-cabin jet experience; prior experience as a Chief Pilot, Aviation Manager, or Director of Flight Operations who also flew as line crew is ideal.</li> <li>FAA ATP certification; Gulfstream G700 type rating (or the ability to obtain one) strongly preferred. G650 or G500/G600 acceptable.</li> <li>Recent PIC experience in large-cabin, long-range aircraft.</li> <li>Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing multi-million-dollar aircraft budgets and vendor contracts.</li> <li>Deep knowledge of FAA Part 91 regulations and aviation safety standards.</li> <li>Proven crew leadership — experience hiring, training, and managing flight and support teams to a high standard of safety and service.</li> <li>Discretion and polish in managing a private client's travel arrangements with the highest level of professionalism.</li> <li>A degree in aviation management, business administration, or aeronautical engineering is a plus, though not required.</li> </ul>   OTHER REQUIREMENTS: <ul> <li>Must be accessible by phone or email 24/7 except when on scheduled time off.</li> <li>Must be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays as needed.</li> <li>Work hours can extend beyond normal office hours.</li> <li>Domestic and international travel may be required.</li> <li>Ability to lift items weighing up to 40lbs from floor to shoulder level.</li> <li>Physical ability to perform all required job functions must not be hindered.</li> <li>Must be able to work alone with minimal supervision.</li> </ul>