Director of Operations

Director of Operations – Air Medical Services

Location: Mississippi (Travel Required)

About Us

Pafford Air One is a leading provider of critical care air medical transportation, operating a growing fleet of rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft throughout the Mid-South. Our mission is simple—deliver exceptional patient care through safe, reliable aviation operations while supporting the communities and healthcare partners we serve.

As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced aviation leader to oversee our multi-base Part 135 operation.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations will provide executive leadership for all flight operations, ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient management of our helicopter and fixed-wing programs. This individual will oversee multiple rotor-wing bases and King Air 200 operations while serving as the operational leader responsible for maintaining and enhancing our FAA Part 135 certificate.

The successful candidate will possess extensive experience exercising operational control under Part 135, developing aviation programs, leading multi-base teams, and working directly with the FAA on certification, operations specifications (OpSpecs), manuals, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all flight operations across multiple helicopter and fixed-wing bases.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, Part 119 and Part 135 requirements, Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), General Operations Manual (GOM), training programs, and company policies.
• Serve as the operational leader responsible for maintaining and advancing the company’s FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate.
• Partner with FAA Flight Standards personnel during audits, inspections, surveillance activities, and certificate amendments.
• Lead operational growth initiatives including new aircraft, new bases, and certificate modifications.
• Exercise operational control while promoting sound aeronautical decision making throughout the organization.
• Develop operational policies and procedures that improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and customer service.
• Work closely with the Chief Pilot, Director of Maintenance, Safety Department, Communications Center, and Clinical Leadership.
• Provide leadership and accountability for Base Managers and operational leadership personnel.
• Monitor key operational metrics including aircraft utilization, response times, completion rates, staffing, scheduling, and financial performance.
• Develop annual operating budgets and manage departmental expenses.
• Lead emergency response efforts during operational disruptions, weather events, and disaster deployments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hospital systems, EMS agencies, aviation partners, and regulatory authorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meets all FAA qualifications to serve as Director of Operations under 14 CFR Part 119 for a Part 135 certificate holder. 
• ATP Certificate required (or otherwise fully qualified under applicable FAA regulations for the operation). 
• Minimum 10 years of progressive aviation leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years of Part 135 management experience exercising operational control.
• Demonstrated experience building, obtaining, managing, or significantly expanding a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate.
• Extensive knowledge of FAA regulations, Part 91, Part 119, Part 135, Operations Specifications, and FAA certification processes.
• Experience leading multi-base rotor-wing and fixed-wing flight operations.
• Strong knowledge of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operations.
• Experience managing aviation budgets, operational performance, and personnel.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous FAA-approved Director of Operations for a Part 135 certificate holder.
• Experience with helicopter air ambulance operations.
• Experience operating King Air aircraft within a Part 135 environment.
• Previous experience leading certificate amendments, new aircraft additions, or base expansions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field.

Core Physical Abilities

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–35 lbs Needed for occasional movement of medical equipment, charts, or supplies during aircraft or base inspections.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods (2–4 hours) Required during clinical rounds, training sessions, or operational audits.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods (up to 8 hours) Essential for administrative work, meetings, documentation, and regulatory review.
• Full range of motion in upper and lower extremities Necessary for performing limited hands‑on clinical demonstrations, equipment checks, or emergency procedures during training.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a proven aviation executive—not simply someone who has managed flight operations, but someone who has successfully built and led a Part 135 operation, understands how to work with the FAA, develops strong operational leaders, and can position our aviation program for long-term growth.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the region’s premier air medical programs while leading an organization committed to operational excellence, safety, and exceptional patient care.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Pafford Emergency Medical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We believe in creating a supportive environment where every employee is valued and has the opportunity to grow and contribute to our collective success.