Aviation Search Group is partnered with an Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individual to recruit a Director of Aviation to lead and manage all aspects of a private Part 91 aviation department for a single-family office. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, discreet, and world-class aviation operations that align with the principal’s travel requirements and preferences.

The ideal candidate is both a strategic and a hands-on aviation leader, with extensive experience in Part 91 environments, a strong commitment to safety, and a dedication to exceptional service. This individual will oversee team management, flight operations, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and long-term planning, while upholding the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide Strategic direction and day-to-day leadership of the aviation department, including pilots, flight attendants, maintenance personnel, and support staff.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Develop staffing plans, oversee hiring, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the aviation department and the principal, family office leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure operations are conducted in full compliance with FAA Part 91 regulations and applicable international requirements.
• Oversee flight scheduling, dispatch, and operational readiness to meet dynamic travel needs.
• Promote a proactive safety culture, including risk assessment, incident reporting, and mitigation strategies.
• Manage all aspects of aircraft maintenance, inspections, and airworthiness in coordination with internal staff and third-party vendors.
• Oversee relationships with OEMs, maintenance providers, FBOs, and other aviation partners.
• Lead aircraft acquisition, disposition, and upgrade projects as needed.
• Manage annual aviation budget, including operating expenses, capital planning, and cost controls.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for efficiency without compromising safety or service.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts and service agreements.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate records, reporting, and documentation.
• Deliver a seamless, high-touch travel experience tailored to the principal’s preferences.
• Anticipate needs and ensure flexibility, discretion, and responsiveness in all operations.
• Maintain audit readiness and manage internal/external audits and inspections.
• Oversee insurance coverage, risk assessments, and crisis management planning.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree required; aviation, engineering, or business-related field preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive aviation experience, including leadership in a Part 91 flight department.
• Strong understanding of FAR Part 135 regulations.
• Prior experience supporting UHNW individuals or family offices strongly preferred.
• Extensive regulatory knowledge of regulations, international operations, maintenance, and aviation safety standards as they pertain to a 14 CFR Part 91 operation.
• Proven experience managing aircraft maintenance programs and vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting and cost management.
• Solid knowledge of both corporate jets and rotary-wing aircraft.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel on short notice and maintain a flexible schedule.
• Valid passport and ability to travel internationally without restrictions.