The Chief Aviation Officer (CAO) is a dual-role senior position that combines hands-on piloting excellence with executive-level business management. This officer is accountable for the safety and well-being of all passengers, the financial performance of the aviation department, and the strategic development of aviation as a productive business unit within the Redd FX family enterprise.

On the operational side, the CAO manages day-to-day flight operations across a diverse fleet, maintains FAA compliance, and communicates proactively regarding flight changes, maintenance, scheduling, and insurance. This role demands outstanding navigational skills — planning routes, reading charts, assessing challenging airstrips, interpreting flight data, and managing complex weather. Backcountry and agricultural aviation experience are a plus.

On the business side, the CAO owns the aviation department budget, identifies cost reduction and revenue generation opportunities, manages three hangars and their lease potential, and works directly with the Redd FX CEO and CFO to model new aviation ventures and optimize the efficiency of existing operations. Candidates must bring both a pilot's discipline and a business leader's mindset.

AVIATION DIVISION LEADERSHIP & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Role Context

This position functions as the Chief Aviation Officer (CAO) for Redd FX. While safe and proficient piloting remains a core requirement, this is equally a senior business management role. The CAO is expected to think and operate as an executive — owning the aviation department as a business unit, holding accountability for its financial performance, strategic direction, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation for the broader Redd FX enterprise.

Departmental Assessment & Effectiveness

• Conduct ongoing assessment of the aviation department's overall effectiveness — operational, financial, and strategic

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) across safety, utilization, cost efficiency, and revenue generation

• Produce regular reports for the CEO and CFO summarizing departmental performance, trends, and recommendations

• Benchmark internal operations against industry standards; identify gaps and drive continuous improvement

Financial Management & Budget Oversight

• Own the aviation department's annual budget — prepare, present, manage, and reconcile it in coordination with the CFO

• Monitor and control all aviation operating expenses including fuel, maintenance, insurance, crew costs, landing fees, and subscriptions

• Proactively identify and execute opportunities to reduce costs without compromising safety or service quality

• Maintain accurate financial records and forecasts; flag variances to the CFO in a timely manner

• Negotiate vendor contracts, fuel programs, maintenance agreements, and charter arrangements to maximize cost efficiency

Revenue Generation & Venture Development

• Actively seek and develop revenue opportunities within the aviation division — including charter operations, aircraft leasing, hangar leasing, and flight services

• Work closely with the CEO and CFO to model potential new aviation ventures; provide analysis of revenue projections, startup costs, regulatory requirements, and operational feasibility

• Explore and evaluate Part 135 charter certificate opportunities, dry/wet lease arrangements, and other structures that could monetize existing aircraft assets

• Identify opportunities to increase aircraft utilization and generate income during periods of low internal demand

• Present business cases and financial models to leadership for proposed ventures or strategic changes

Hangar Management & Facility Operations

• Manage and maintain all three Redd FX hangars — overseeing cleanliness, security, organization, maintenance, and access control

• Develop and execute a hangar leasing strategy to maximize revenue from available space; negotiate lease agreements with prospective tenants

• Maintain awareness of local hangar market rates and occupancy trends; adjust leasing approach accordingly

• Coordinate facility maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements; obtain bids and manage vendors

• Ensure all hangar operations comply with applicable airport authority rules, fire codes, and safety regulations

Executive Collaboration & Strategic Planning

• Serve as the primary aviation subject matter expert for the Redd FX executive team; provide guidance on aircraft acquisition, disposition, and fleet optimization

• Partner with the CFO on depreciation modeling, aircraft valuation, insurance structures, and tax considerations related to the aviation portfolio

• Collaborate with the CEO to align aviation capabilities with broader family and business travel needs, ranch operations, and long-term strategic goals

• Evaluate and present recommendations on new aircraft types, avionics upgrades, or technology investments that improve efficiency, safety, or revenue potential

• Participate in strategic planning discussions where aviation intersects with ranching, real estate, or other Redd FX business lines

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to FAA regulations, company policies, and procedures at all times

• Conduct thorough pre-flight checks on all assigned aircraft

• Maintain accurate records of flight details — flight times, fuel usage, maintenance intervals, and complete required paperwork including flight plans, logbooks, and accident/incident reports

• Demonstrate sound aeronautical decision-making ability

• Read and understand aviation weather charts; determine safety of planned flight based on aircraft type and conditions

• Follow rules and protocols for IFR and VFR operations; plan routes accounting for fuel requirements and potential delays due to weather or other factors; navigate using charts and instruments in IMC environments

• Complete and maintain up-to-date company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Communicate effectively via email, text, and phone in a timely manner

• Use Wrike for task management and communication with the Executive Assistant

• Use Flight Schedule Pro consistently to log and schedule all flights

• Keep all aircraft and the hangar orderly, clean, and well stocked

• Purchase and stock aircraft with beverages and snacks per the CEO's preferences

• Maintain physical and mental health in accordance with aviation medical certification requirements; complete regular drug and alcohol screenings and forward results to Redd Aviation administration

• Record all flights and maintenance activities on the shared calendar; keep records current

• Arrange ground transportation through FBOs and coordinate other travel logistics as needed

• Complete other administrative tasks and work-related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision

• Ability to organize and manage multiple competing priorities

• Proven ability to work effectively with mid- and senior-level executives; must also be a self-starter capable of independent work

• Strong professional demeanor and ability to maintain strict confidentiality

• 2,000 hours PIC time

• Second-Class Medical Certificate (current)

• FAA Commercial Airman Certificate — Single-Engine Land, with all of the following current:

◦ Minimum 200 hours flown in the preceding 12 months

◦ Current Flight Review (14 CFR 61.56)

◦ Instrument Currency — BFR or IPC (14 CFR 61.57)

◦ Complex aircraft endorsement (14 CFR 61.31(e))

◦ High-Performance aircraft endorsement (14 CFR 61.31(f))

◦ High-Altitude aircraft endorsement (14 CFR 61.31(g))

• MBA degree, or actively enrolled in an MBA program with anticipated completion within two years of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• ATP Certificate

• CFI / CFII Certificate

• Backcountry flying experience

• Agricultural aviation experience (landing and departing from fields)

• Experience managing an aviation department or FBO as a business unit

• Familiarity with Part 135 charter operations, certificate management, or dry/wet lease structures

• Financial modeling or business analysis experience — ability to build and present pro formas for aviation ventures

• Experience negotiating vendor contracts, fuel programs, or hangar leases

• Background working alongside C-suite executives in a family office, ranching, or multi-entity business environment

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Schedule

• On-call 24 hours a day; may be required to work at odd hours, on weekends, and on holidays

• Typical monthly flight hours: ~50 hours (September through January) / ~25 hours (remainder of year)

• Overnight travel is uncommon but required when necessary

Benefits

• 401(k) plan

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Company-provided iPad with ForeFlight subscription

• Meals provided while traveling

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

NOTE

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any authorized person. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.