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

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:

• Serving as Captain (PIC) on the assigned G700, flying scheduled trips as part of the regular crew rotation.
• Overseeing all flight operations for the assigned Gulfstream G700, from scheduling through completion of each trip.
• Hiring, training, and supervising pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance staff to Mente standards.
• Ensuring full FAA Part 91 compliance across all flight operations.
• Overseeing aircraft maintenance, inspections, and regulatory adherence in coordination with the Maintenance Manager.
• Developing and managing the flight department's operational budget, controlling costs, and driving efficiency.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• 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.
• FAA ATP certification; Gulfstream G700 type rating (or the ability to obtain one) strongly preferred. G650 or G500/G600 acceptable.
• Recent PIC experience in large-cabin, long-range aircraft.
• Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing multi-million-dollar aircraft budgets and vendor contracts.
• Deep knowledge of FAA Part 91 regulations and aviation safety standards.
• Proven crew leadership — experience hiring, training, and managing flight and support teams to a high standard of safety and service.
• Discretion and polish in managing a private client's travel arrangements with the highest level of professionalism.
• A degree in aviation management, business administration, or aeronautical engineering is a plus, though not required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be accessible by phone or email 24/7 except when on scheduled time off.
• Must be willing to work nights, weekends, holidays as needed.
• Work hours can extend beyond normal office hours.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Ability to lift items weighing up to 40lbs from floor to shoulder level.
• Physical ability to perform all required job functions must not be hindered.
• Must be able to work alone with minimal supervision.