Job Description

Please note: Authorization to work in the United States is a precondition to employment in this position. Entergy will not sponsor candidates for work visas for this position.

Entergy Aviation began in 1927 with a 2-seat enclosed cabin modified biplane to a department today that manages the safe operation of all company-owned, contracted, and sub-contracted aviation equipment used for the expeditious business transport of Entergy personnel and for the operation, maintenance, and construction of the enterprise electric system. The five focus areas of the department are Aviation Corporate Jets, UAS Department, Safety & Governance, Maintenance, and Operations Control Center, comprising 26 team members. Entergy’s corporate jet division was the first corporate flight department in North America to achieve IS-BAO certification and the first flight department in the world to achieve Stage III in the IS-BAO system. The very heart of both the Aviation department and the enterprise of Entergy is the safety culture. Safety is a shared responsibility; and every team member always remains vigilant to assure a safe environment around aviation equipment and to ensure every passenger and employee returns home uninjured at the end of the day.

Job Summary:

The Lead Pilot will oversee all helicopter patrol operations, focusing on safe and efficient aerial inspection of transmission and distribution lines. This role requires an experienced professional skilled in the wire environment, with a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and team leadership. The Lead Pilot will manage daily operations, implement safety management practices, and support the training and development of our pilot team to meet the company’s high standards for quality and safety.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises the development, maintenance, and submission to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of written guiding principles and procedures for documents necessary for the continuation of privileges authorized and/or approved by the FAA.
• Prepares annual operating budgets that include operating expenses, facilities, supplies, outside services, personnel, training, and capital expenses.
• Monitor and report on budget variances.
• Submit or review, as appropriate, requests for payment to vendors for flight related services as well as direct report employee expense reimbursement forms and approve those that follow company policies and procedures.
• Oversees crew scheduling and aircraft dispatching and ensure that all schedules are following the intent of company flight and duty time guidelines.
• Provide leadership and direction to flight personnel to ensure personal performance, growth, and competence.
• Establish standardization programs for pilots that include proficiency reviews, initial training, recurrent training, and upgrade training.

Required Qualifications for Position

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• At least five years commercial aviation experience with at least two years in a leadership position.
• FAA Commercial Pilot License with commercial rotorcraft-helicopter and instrument rating; ATP preferred.
• Minimum of 2500 flight hours, with significant experience flying in wire environments or over transmission and distribution lines.
• Previous experience in a chief pilot, safety management, or similar leadership role is highly desirable.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of transmission and distribution infrastructure, including knowledge of power line inspection techniques, hazards, and FAA regulations specific to low-level utility operations.
• Navigation and Situational Awareness: Proficiency in using GPS navigation, mapping software, and real-time communication systems. High situational awareness in challenging flight environments with potential obstacles.
• Safety and Compliance: Strong knowledge of aviation safety procedures, emergency protocols, and regulatory compliance (FAA and OSHA), with a commitment to adhering to company safety standards.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with ground teams, inspectors, and air traffic control. Skilled at providing detailed verbal reports and completing required documentation.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to handle the physical demands of long flight hours in potentially adverse weather and environmental conditions.
• Problem Solving and Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to identify potential infrastructure issues and act quickly in identifying solutions or coordinating maintenance responses. Able to manage a diverse group of employees.
• Able to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Proficient with technology and PC applications, including but not limited to: iPad, Foreflight, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and other forms of electronic communication.

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Possesses Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate privileges in helicopters and/or jets.
• Extensive Flight Experience: Over 3,000 total flight hours with 1,000+ hours in low-level operations and aerial inspections, specifically in utility or power line patrol.
• Formal training in Flight in the Wire and Obstacle Environment (FIWOE)
• Familiarity with power line inspection techniques, obstacle avoidance, and emergency procedures related to transmission and distribution infrastructure.
• Experience with Specialized Aircraft: Proficiency with helicopters typically used for power line patrols, such as Bell 429.
• Knowledge of Utility Industry Standards: Familiarity with NERC/FERC standards, as well as OSHA and utility industry safety standards specific to aerial inspections of critical infrastructure.
• Strong Safety Record: Proven track record of safety and adherence to protocols, with experience in safety audits or contributions to safety program development in aerial operations.
• Technical Skills in Inspection Technology: Experience with FLIR, LIDAR, or other aerial imaging and diagnostic technologies to identify infrastructure defects and potential hazards.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving in Adverse Conditions: Demonstrated ability to handle unexpected weather changes, terrain challenges, or maintenance issues, with a calm and solution-oriented approach.
• Strong Communication and Collaboration Skills: Experience working in a team environment with utility personnel, ground crews, and technical inspectors, and providing detailed, accurate inspection reports.
• Flexibility with Travel and Scheduling: Willingness to accommodate irregular schedules, extended shifts, and travel as required for patrol assignments across diverse regions.

Primary Location:  Louisiana-Kenner Louisiana : Kenner 

Job Function : All Other Jobs

FLSA Status : Professional 

Relocation Option:  Level II

Union description/code : NON-Bargaining Unit 

Number of Openings : 1

Req ID:  119783

Travel Percentage : Travel: More than 75%

An Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Vets. Please click  here   to view the EEI page, or see statements below.

EEO Statement:  The Entergy System of Companies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Entergy System of Companies complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

The Entergy System of Companies expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the Entergy System of Company employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Accessibility:  Entergy provides reasonable accommodations for online applicants. Requests for a reasonable accommodation may be made orally or in writing by an applicant, employee, or third party on his or her behalf. If you are an individual with a disability and you are in need of an accommodation for the recruiting process please click  here and provide your name, contact number, the accommodation requested and the requisition number that you are requesting the accommodation for. Employee Services will contact you regarding your request.

Additional Responsibilities: As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.

The non-confidential portions of the affirmative action program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans shall be available for inspection upon request by any employee or applicant for employment. Please contact HRCompliance@entergy.com to schedule a time to review the affirmative action plan during regular office hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.

Please note:  Authorization to work in the United States is a precondition to employment in this position. Entergy will not sponsor candidates for work visas for this position.

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