Description

Art Country Air Captain & Director of Flight Operations

Based in North Adams, Massachusetts (KAQW)

Employment Type: Salary, Full-time, Exempt

Art Country Air is a new, intentionally small aviation company being formed in North Adams, Massachusetts, directly across the street from Harriman and West Airport (KAQW).

This new company will be an extension of our nascent hospitality brand, Tourists Welcome, rooted in the Berkshires, centered around a single hotel that has recently earned Two Michelin Keys, and located between two internationally recognized art museums. Art Country Air is envisioned as an aviation expression of that same ethos. 

Art Country Air will operate one Piaggio P.180 Avanti, and will be built around one exceptional Captain who will act as the center of the operation. We love flying and want to build a new brand, Art Country Air, with that contagious love of flight at the core. The Piaggio has been selected because we feel we can carve a unique niche to serve passengers prioritizing economy, climate, aesthetic, aviation intrigue, within a reliably refined brand family.

The ideal candidate will be a brand ambassador for TOURISTS Welcome and Art Country Air, embodying our guiding principles and an inherent love for hospitality, flying, leisure, and travel. 

They will act as an extension of our hotel experience and build a new following through passion for flight. An ability to speak eloquently in front of groups and willingness to be featured on our marketing channels is strongly preferred.

The Avanti will be used primarily to move the Founder & managers of the company between our motel in North Adams and a current project on-the-boards in Palm Springs, CA. Additionally, the company is actively seeking additional development sites throughout the US and these wings will enable the executive team to explore possibilities throughout the country. - envisioned approximately 200 hrs/yr. 

Additionally, we will create a new, strong brand seeking to charter up to 200 hrs per year within a niche market. Upon meeting success, it’s possible that our fleet could grow slightly and span into a new geography over time. 

This is not a stepping-stone job, a time-building role, or a charter grind. It is a long-term stewardship role for a pilot who wants to build a new business carefully with a team of committed entrepreneurs & hospitality folks thoughtfully, quietly seeking to set a new standard for hospitality-led private air service.

The Role

We are seeking a Captain & Director of Flight Operations to lead all aspects of a single-aircraft operation.

This individual will be entrusted with:

Acting as PIC for Art Country Air flights (Part 91 initially, with selective charter activity)
Setting the operational tone, standards, and culture of the company
Serving as the primary decision-maker for go / no-go, safety, and dispatch philosophy
Overseeing maintenance coordination and aircraft care
Managing training, currency, and the small supporting pilot bench
Acting as a trusted partner to ownership in building the Art Country Air vision
This role combines the responsibilities of Captain, Chief Pilot, and light Director of Operations

Aircraft

Piaggio P.180 Avanti EVO - Primary
Cessna 208 Caravan - possible longterm secondary (if/as expansion into peak season summer weekend service to hotels from NYC/LA, not initially)
Operated with a strong emphasis on smoothness, sound, and passenger comfort
Maintained to a “tip-top” standard with proactive, not reactive, philosophy

Predictable, humane schedule

Thoughtful on-call expectations, designed collaboratively
Based at KAQW in North Adams, MA
Relocation assistance available if desired
This role is ideal for a Captain who values quality of life, judgment, and pride of craft over maximizing flight hours.

Compensation & Benefits: 

Highly competitive compensation, commensurate with experience and responsibility
Paid initial and recurrent training - medical, dental, 401k, paid vacation, more, excellent employee culture at Tourists Welcome
Real authority and autonomy — not just responsibility without agency
Based upon fluctuating demands of the operation, it may be necessary to perform a multitude of different functions not specifically related to this position. This role is expected to perform other tasks and duties as needed or as directed. Furthermore, employee responsibilities and job descriptions are subject to review and revision.TOURISTS is committed to offering a safe, kind, and supportive work environment for people from all walks of life. TOURISTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

TOURISTS WELCOME: Guiding Principles

COME AS YOU ARE

Our team, our guests, and our community create the energy of this place. All are welcome.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Take the time, pay attention, and be consistent – we take pride in our craft and care that our spaces are pleasing, artful, and treated with respect.

WE STEP UP

We make an effort to listen, be direct, and find solutions, even (and especially) when challenged.  Integrity and good communication move mountains. 

FUN IS FUEL

We are a place where enthusiasm, camaraderie, and enjoyment can be a part of the everyday.

WE’RE ALWAYS EVOLVING  

Adventure, curiosity, and vitality are core to our spirit. We make space for awe, reflection, revision, and growth. 

WE TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER

We actively look for ways to preserve nature and generate economic opportunities that enhance our community. The wellbeing of our business, environment, and people are one and the same.

Security/Confidentiality

Maintain an increased awareness of safety issues. Ensure all security policies and procedures are observed in areas such as computer security, keys, locks, inventory, property and employee information.

Working Conditions/Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
The person in this position may have to lift up to fifty (50) pounds on a daily basis; anything over fifty (50) pounds is considered a minimum two (2) person lift
The person having this position may have to sit for eight (8) hours, stand and/or walk, push, kneel, bend, balance, squat, reach and stretch for eight (8) hours per day
Extended time utilizing computer systems and screen time are expected in this position.
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee typically encounters while performing the essential functions of the position.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is an experienced turboprop or light jet Captain
Demonstrates excellent aeronautical judgment and calm command presence
Has strong interpersonal skills and understands passenger experience
Takes deep pride in aircraft care and standardization
Is comfortable being trusted with authority — and worthy of that trust
Is interested in building a long-term role, not chasing the next upgrade
Previous Piaggio Avanti experience is a plus.
Minimum Qualifications (Guideline)

ATP (or ability to obtain)
3,000+ TT preferred
1,000+ turbine preferred
Prior PIC experience in complex aircraft
Clean training and safety record
Ability to pass insurance and training requirements