Job Descriptions

The following flight department employee job categories are used in NBAA’s Compensation Survey. Job titles vary widely, so when determining which job category to use when entering or evaluating a particular employee, you should use the job descriptions below to determine the most appropriate match.

Chief Pilot

Pilots aircraft majority of time; supervises pilot training and selection; responsible for maintaining proficiency of pilots; may fulfill manager responsibilities when needed. In department where no manager exists, reports to company officer and may be responsible for overall operation of aviation unit. (BDO Code 100)

Senior Captain

The senior captain may have a limited supervisory role of other flight crew in similar makes and models and may be qualified in multiple company aircraft. This position might be responsible for flight operation standardization in assigned makes and models. The senior captain may also have a role as mentor within the flight department. (BDO Code 115)

Captain

The captain (pilot in command) is responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which they are assigned while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign regulations, as well as the policies and procedures specified in the company operations manual. When assigned to a flight, the captain has the final authority in the operation of the aircraft. Captains report directly to the chief pilot. (BDO Code 120)

Copilot

The copilot (first officer) reports to the chief pilot and is responsible to the captain of the flight for the conduct and execution of assigned duties. Assists the captain with discharging safety responsibilities and being prepared to assume the duties of the pilot in command. (BDO Code 125)

Aviation Dept. Mgr. I (does not fly)

Reports to company officer and is responsible for overall operation of aviation unit. Does not pilot aircraft and spends all time in non-flying managerial activities. (BDO Code 200)

Aviation Dept. Mgr. II (does some flying)

Reports to company officer and is responsible for overall operation of aviation unit. Spends some or a major portion of time piloting aircraft. (BDO Code 210)

Director of Maintenance

A licensed A&P who works with or reports directly to the aviation department manager. This position usually includes more administrative duties than actual maintenance and repair. Responsible for maintaining department aircraft, flight department planning and budget issues. (BDO Code 300)

Manager of Maintenance

A licensed A&P who supervises other A&P maintenance technicians and helpers directly or through a lead maintenance technician or maintenance foreman. Reports directly to the director of maintenance for all maintenance performed on all aircraft. (BDO Code 310)

Maintenance Foreman

A licensed A&P who supervises activities of A&P maintenance technicians and helpers. Reports to the manager of maintenance. (BDO Code 320)

A&P Maintenance Technician

Licensed by FAA to perform airframe and power plant maintenance. Duties may include: performing inspections, preventive maintenance, maintaining shop and hangar tools and equipment, and ensuring compliance with ADs. (BDO Code 325)

Maintenance Technician Helper

Assists an A&P maintenance technician with maintenance of the aircraft, excluding avionics and communications equipment. (BDO Code 330)

Avionics Technician

A licensed FCC Avionics Repairman. Reports to the manager or maintenance or the maintenance foreman. (BDO Code 400)

Flight Technician

Flies on the aircraft and provides flight attendant services as well as technician services as needed (combination flight attendant and technician). Typically a licensed FCC Avionics Repairman. (BDO Code 440)

Flight Coordinator/Office Manager

Schedules aircraft and records flight times, maintains aircraft schedule changes as well as manages the day-to-day administrative duties of the departmental office. (BDO Code 500)

Flight Coordinator/Scheduler

Schedules aircraft and records flight times, maintains aircraft schedule changes as well as other administrative duties. (BDO Code 520)

Licensed Dispatcher

Schedules aircraft and aircraft maintenance, records flight times and related information. Maintains inventory, aircraft schedule changes and purchased supplies and equipment. May provide flight crew with flight plans, weather information, permits, etc. Reports to aviation department manager. (BDO Code 550)

Senior Flight Attendant

Most seasoned member of flight attendant staff. May manage flight attendants schedule and/or supervise other flight attendants. Provides safety assurance as well as ensuring a cabin environment that is conducive to passenger needs. Professional flight attendants should be trained and qualified in cabin safety and equipment specific to the aircraft. (BDO Code 600)

Flight Attendant

Provides safety assurance as well as ensuring a cabin environment that is conducive to passenger needs. Professional flight attendants should be trained and qualified in cabin safety and equipment specific to the aircraft. (BDO Code 620)

Line Service Personnel

Responsible for refueling, moving aircraft in and out of hangar, cleans and restocks aircraft. Assists in routine maintenance, pre-flights, meeting of arriving and dispatching departing aircraft, etc. Reports to a maintenance foreman or manager of maintenance. (BDO Code 700)