At Silver Air, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and ensuring every detail aligns with our mission of excellence. As we continue to grow, we seek a dedicated, innovative, and resourceful Lead Pilot Recruiter/Sourcer to join our People and Culture team on a part-time, contract basis for the next 3 to 6 months. The Lead Pilot Recruiter/Sourcer will be pivotal in sourcing, screening, and managing the recruiting pipeline for Part 135 Pilots. This individual will bring a deep understanding of the pilot profession, a sharp eye for talent, and the creativity to find and engage candidates through unconventional channels. This role demands someone with deep aviation knowledge, particularly regarding the operational and regulatory requirements of Part 135, combined with an understanding of pilot psychology, behavior, and professional dynamics.
Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Sourcing & Recruitment Expertise:
- Leverage knowledge of FAA Part 135 regulations to identify and evaluate pilot qualifications, including operational hours, aircraft type ratings, training history, and compliance with PRD (Pilot Records Database) standards.
- Conduct technical resume reviews and pre-screenings, assessing key metrics such as time-in-type, recency of flight experience, and regulatory compliance.
- Develop and maintain candidate pipelines through applicant tracking systems (e.g., Pinpoint), external aviation job boards, and internal referrals.
- Perform advanced sourcing techniques, including Boolean searches, deep web research, and targeted outreach across industry networks, forums, and professional organizations.
Behavioral and Physical Assessment:
- Utilize industry-specific frameworks to assess pilot behavioral traits, including decision-making under pressure, situational awareness, leadership capabilities, and communication skills.
- Understand physical demands and restrictions of the profession to evaluate candidates for readiness and fitness to perform duties in compliance with FAA medical standards.
- Conduct initial candidate screenings to assess cultural fit, commitment, and alignment with Silver Air’s values and operational standards.
Stakeholder and Process Management:
- Collaborate closely with hiring managers, HR, and compliance teams to ensure alignment in candidate evaluation and selection criteria.
- Streamline pre-hiring workflows, including PRD checks, medical certificate verifications, and coordination with training teams for simulator evaluations.
- Manage candidate progression through a structured and thorough multi-step interview process, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned.
Industry Knowledge and Networking:
- Build and maintain relationships within the Part 135 pilot community to establish Silver Air as an employer of choice.
- Stay current on industry trends, competitor hiring practices, and pilot employment preferences, utilizing this knowledge to refine recruitment strategies.
- Tap into non-traditional sourcing methods such as direct outreach to aviation schools, pilot forums, and industry-specific networks like NBAA (National Business Aviation Association).
Mitigating Recruitment Challenges:
- Address candidate behaviors such as “ghosting” or mid-process drop-offs by implementing strong follow-up practices, expectation-setting, and relationship-building techniques.
- Screen for commitment and reliability through strategic questioning and scenario-based evaluations that simulate real-world operational challenges pilots face.
- Use insights from pilot behavior studies to understand motivations and career priorities, ensuring a better fit with Silver Air’s culture and mission.
Skills, Knowledge, Expertise & Other DetailsRequirements:
- Deep understanding of Part 135 operations and FAA regulatory requirements for pilots.
- Proven experience recruiting Part 135 or Part 91 pilots, with technical knowledge of flight operations and qualifications.
- Experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and digital recruitment tools.
- Strong knowledge of pilot behavioral traits and the physical requirements of the profession, including FAA medical standards.
- Preferably holds a Private Pilot License (PPL) or has direct aviation industry experience.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills to handle complex, multi-stakeholder processes.
- Proactive and persistent approach to sourcing and prospecting, incorporating principles from books like Fanatical Prospecting.
- Creative sourcing strategies beyond LinkedIn, including networking within pilot communities and leveraging niche resources.
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with aircraft types commonly used in Part 135 operations, including Gulfstream, Citation, and Phenom.
- Experience conducting technical or simulator-based assessments in coordination with flight operations teams.
- Knowledge of pilot compensation structures, schedule preferences, and lifestyle priorities to attract top talent effectively.
Contract Details:
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Duration: 3 to 6 months (potential for extension based on needs).
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Type: Part-time, contract (remote).
Why Join Silver Air Private Jets?
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Flexible & Remote: Work part-time from anywhere while making a big impact.
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High-Impact Role: Help shape our Part 135 pilot team and contribute directly to Silver Air’s success.
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Short-Term Contract: 3 to 6 months, with potential for extension.
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Competitive Pay: We value your expertise with a competitive compensation package.
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Innovative Culture: Join a team driven by excellence, respect, and collaboration.
If you’re passionate about aviation recruitment, bring deep industry expertise, and enjoy using creative sourcing techniques, this role is your chance to excel while helping Silver Air maintain its status as a leader in private aviation. Join us and make a difference!
About Silver Air Private Jets
Company Culture:
Silver Air Private Jets is driven to be the best in our industry – to change our industry by creating an environment where our team members can be their absolute best individually and collectively. We've built a culture based on core values like Drive, Own It, Respect, and Discipline. Silver Air fosters an environment of safety-first flight operations and service-first client relations. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we encourage contribution and collaboration.
