ABOUT THE COMPANY

A member of the Surack Enterprises family of companies, SWEET HELICOPTERS is a Part 135 operator in Fort Wayne, Indiana providing VIP charter service to the Midwest as well as helicopter air ambulance services in northern Indiana, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan. Experienced pilots, trained mechanics, and a state-of-the-art fleet help distinguish Sweet Helicopters as the premier charter organization in the region.

Sweet Helicopters belongs to the Surack Enterprises family of businesses, which includes Sweet Aviation, Enstrom Helicopter, and Aviation Specialty Insurance, among others. Each company represents a manifestation of owner Chuck Surack’s primary philosophy, to always do the right thing; this naturally fosters an inclusive, family-like atmosphere for all employees to grow and thrive.

OVERVIEW OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Director of Operations understands this responsibility to customers and patients and diligently works to uphold Sweet Helicopters’ sterling reputation for professionalism, convenience, and quality care. An ideal candidate will emulate company values, as presented in the “Five H’s.” Honor (always do the right thing), humility (selflessness), helpfulness (heart of a servant leader), hunger (ambition to improve), and happiness (positive attitude). The Director of Operations holds primary responsibility for maintaining FAA and Sweet Helicopters documentation, and therefore, must display an exquisite attention to detail and an innate flexibility to adapt at a moment’s notice, depending on the demands of the day.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Authority: Has authority to act for the Certificate holder:

• Revise and submit to the FAA: Company Operations and Training manuals, Operations Specifications, checklists, Minimum Equipment Lists and other pertinent documents, publications and manuals as necessary.
• Communicate with the Department of Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board and file all required reports and documents.
• Sign FAA correspondence and Operations Specifications.
• Authority to establish and revise the policies and procedures specified in the General Operations Manual (GOM).

● Recruit and terminate personnel as required for operational continuity.

● Participate in merit review and compensation of employees.

● Manage key personnel related to flight operations.

● Schedule flights, maintenance, inspections in concert with management personnel.

● Supervise Chief Pilot, Director of Maintenance, other employees as directed by corporate.

● Ensure flight operations are conducted safely, aircraft operated in compliance with manufacturer Rotorcraft Flight Manual, Federal Aviation Regulations, the GOM, & regulations of agencies with jurisdiction over flight operations.

● Reports accidents and incidents per Sweet Helicopters Emergency Response Procedures (ERP).

● Full and complete authority to initiate, change, or suspend operations of an aircraft.

● All other duties and responsibilities assigned but not limited to operational tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

● Qualify for FAA Part 119 – 135 Director of Operations

● Prior/Current FAA Part 119/135 Management Experience

● Rotorcraft commercial/instrument (minimum) w/ First Class medical certificate

● 2,500 hours – total aircraft flight time.

● 1,000 hours – total turbine helicopter

● Excellent communicator

● Proactive relationship builder

● Strong team player

● Preferred but not required

• Prior 135 VIP charter experience
• HAA experience beneficial
• Experience preferred in Agusta Westland A109 and Airbus Helicopter EC130T2

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

● Salary commensurate with knowledge and experience levels

● Generous and comprehensive benefits package

● Relocation assistance is negotiable for the right candidate

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Application Question(s):

• How many total hours in aircraft flight time do you have to date?
• How many total hours in turbine helicopter flight time do you have?
• Do you qualify for FAA Part 119 - 135 Director of Operations?
• Do you have HAA experience? If yes, how many years?
• Do you have any flight experience in an Augusta Westland A109? If yes, how many years?
• Do you have any flight experience in an Airbus Helicopter EC130T2? If yes, how many years?
• Do you possess Rotorcraft commercial/instrument (minimum) with First Class medical certificate?

Experience:

• FAA Part 119/135 Management: 3 years (Required)
• 135 VIP Charter: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Fort Wayne, IN 46804: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person