Pafford Air One — Jackson, Mississippi
Estimated salary for Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025): $82,440–$146,770 per year, median $107,230. The employer did not provide a pay range for this listing.
Director of Operations – Air Medical Services Location: Mississippi (Travel Required) About Us Pafford Air One is a leading provider of critical care air medical transportation, operating a growing fleet of rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft throughout the Mid-South. Our mission is simple—deliver exceptional patient care through safe, reliable aviation operations while supporting the communities and healthcare partners we serve. As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced aviation leader to oversee our multi-base Part 135 operation. Position Summary The Director of Operations will provide executive leadership for all flight operations, ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient management of our helicopter and fixed-wing programs. This individual will oversee multiple rotor-wing bases and King Air 200 operations while serving as the operational leader responsible for maintaining and enhancing our FAA Part 135 certificate. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience exercising operational control under Part 135, developing aviation programs, leading multi-base teams, and working directly with the FAA on certification, operations specifications (OpSpecs), manuals, inspections, and regulatory compliance. This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
Primary Responsibilities • Provide strategic leadership for all flight operations across multiple helicopter and fixed-wing bases.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, Part 119 and Part 135 requirements, Operations Specifications (OpSpecs), General Operations Manual (GOM), training programs, and company policies.
• Serve as the operational leader responsible for maintaining and advancing the company’s FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate.
• Partner with FAA Flight Standards personnel during audits, inspections, surveillance activities, and certificate amendments.
• Lead operational growth initiatives including new aircraft, new bases, and certificate modifications.
• Exercise operational control while promoting sound aeronautical decision making throughout the organization.
• Develop operational policies and procedures that improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and customer service.
• Work closely with the Chief Pilot, Director of Maintenance, Safety Department, Communications Center, and Clinical Leadership.
• Provide leadership and accountability for Base Managers and operational leadership personnel.
• Monitor key operational metrics including aircraft utilization, response times, completion rates, staffing, scheduling, and financial performance.
• Develop annual operating budgets and manage departmental expenses.
• Lead emergency response efforts during operational disruptions, weather events, and disaster deployments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hospital systems, EMS agencies, aviation partners, and regulatory authorities.
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