Director Flight Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

International Flight Coordinator | Part 135 | Remote (United States) | Full-time

Pacific Coast Jet is dedicated to delivering flexible and affordable private air travel, emphasizing exceptional personalized service. With a focus on exceeding client expectations, the company takes a customized approach to ensure each flight is tailored to individual needs. Pacific Coast Jet combines the convenience of private flying with a commitment to outstanding customer satisfaction, creating a premier travel experience for its clients.

The Flight Coordinator plans, coordinates, and monitors all aspects of company flight operations to ensure safe, efficient, and seamless execution of every mission — including complex international and long-range large-cabin trips. This role is the central point of communication between flight crews, clients, aircraft owners, maintenance, vendors, and internal teams, delivering high-quality service while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

Demonstrated hands-on international flight coordination experience is required for this position. Candidates without direct international operational experience will not be considered.

This position performs functions commonly associated with flight coordination and operational support. It is not an FAA-certificated Aircraft Dispatcher position and does not exercise operational control. Operational control remains with the individuals designated by the Company in accordance with its FAA-approved/accepted manuals and Operations Specifications.

This is a remote position supporting a 24/7 operation. Candidates must reside in the United States and be authorized to work in the U.S. The role requires flexibility to cover multiple shifts, including weekends and holidays. Because international operations routinely occur outside normal U.S. business hours, availability during nights and irregular hours is required. Candidates must have a reliable home workspace, dependable high-speed internet, and a quiet environment suitable for sustained voice communication with crews, clients, and international service providers. Reports to the Dispatch Manager.

• Coordinate daily flight schedules, crew assignments, and aircraft availability
• Prepare and review flight plans, routing, fuel stops, weather, and NOTAMs
• Plan and support international missions across Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Asia, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central/South America
• Coordinate long-range and oceanic operations, including tankering and alternate strategy for large-cabin aircraft
• Obtain and verify overflight and landing permits, airport slots, PPRs, and other governmental or airport approvals
• Coordinate international ground handling, fuel releases, parking, Customs, Immigration, agriculture, and security requirements
• Confirm airport operating hours, curfews, noise restrictions, slot and PPR requirements, and parking limitations at international destinations
• Manage Customs, Immigration, APIS, and crew/passenger documentation and entry requirements
• Monitor trips in real time and manage delays, diversions, and IROPS
• Monitor weather, airspace restrictions, TFRs, geopolitical developments, and runway/airport closures
• Verify runway lengths and enroute times against aircraft performance limits
• Track crew duty and rest data and provide it to crews and Company management in support of FAA and Part 91/135 compliance
• Track aircraft status including maintenance inspections and MELs
• Serve as primary contact for clients, brokers, and aircraft owners
• Coordinate catering, ground transport, FBOs, crew hotels, supervisory agents, and special requests
• Work directly with international trip-support providers — verifying arrangements, challenging incorrect information, and resolving issues independently
• Identify developing operational problems and escalate them to the Dispatch Manager, Director of Operations, or other Company management as appropriate
• Be on call during the week and weekends per the on-call schedule
• Seek out cost-saving opportunities for fuel, hotels, and rental cars
• Flight follow all trips and coordinate ground transport and client notifications
• Maintain professionalism and discretion with VIP clients
• Ensure flight crews submit and close all flight and duty logs

• Demonstrated hands-on experience coordinating international business aviation operations — required, no exceptions
• Working knowledge of international operating requirements: overflight and landing permits, airport slots, PPRs, cabotage, customs and immigration, APIS, and international security
• Experience working directly with international trip-support organizations, foreign handlers, airports, and governmental authorities
• Ability to independently manage complex, multi-leg international trips
• 2+ years in flight operations, dispatch, or charter operations; bachelor's degree in aviation, business, or a related field preferred
• Experience supporting large-cabin or long-range aircraft operations; specific type experience not required
• Understanding of the respective roles of the PIC, Director of Operations, and flight-coordination personnel in operational control
• Proficiency with flight planning software (e.g., ForeFlight)
• U.S. residency and authorization to work in the United States
• Proven ability to work independently in a remote environment with minimal direct supervision
• Excellent communication and multitasking skills
• Calm and decisive under time-sensitive pressure
• High attention to detail and customer service mindset

• Experience with transatlantic, North Atlantic, transpacific, Middle Eastern, and Asian operations
• Prior Part 135 or corporate flight department experience
• Experience with Gulfstream or comparable large-cabin aircraft; our long-range operation currently centers on a G450
• Familiarity with Eurocontrol, foreign CAAs, and airport slot coordinators
• JetInsight, SchedAero, or CTA FOS experience
• FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate or Pilot Certificate
• To apply, email jobs@pcjets.com