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.