Flight Operations Observer

Shape the Future of Aviation Safety from the Flight Deck

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a global leader in the aviation industry to hire experienced aviation professionals for an exciting Flight Operations Observer (FOO) opportunity. If you're a seasoned airline captain, instructor, or examiner with a passion for operational excellence and aviation safety, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to safety enhancement initiatives across the globe.

In this position, you will conduct flight deck and simulator observations, collect critical operational data, and provide valuable insights that help improve safety, compliance, and training effectiveness for airline customers worldwide.

Job Title: Flight Operations Observer (FOO)
Job Type: Contract (12 Months), On-Call
Location: Remote
Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift | 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Pay Rate: Starting at $67.78 per hour

As a member of the Airline Operations Safety Support (AOSS) Team
, you will play a critical role in observing and evaluating real-world airline operations and training environments.

• Prepare for customer deployments through comprehensive review of airline policies, procedures, and operational documentation
• Travel to customer locations worldwide to conduct flight deck jumpseat and full-flight simulator observations
• Collect, document, and analyze operational data supporting aviation safety and compliance initiatives
• Complete detailed observation checklists and provide supporting references from customer operations manuals
• Deliver accurate daily feedback and reporting to Company Leads and Co-Leads
• Participate in internal team discussions and contribute evidence-based operational assessments
• Maintain accurate records and complete Excel-based reporting requirements
• Represent yourself and the organization professionally while interacting with airline customers and aviation personnel
• Follow established procedures and direction from leadership throughout deployment activities
• Support ongoing efforts to enhance global aviation safety through objective operational observations

• Minimum 10 years of operational experience in commercial aviation
• Previous experience serving as:
  • Airline Captain
  • Pilot Instructor
  • Check Airman
  • Examiner
  • Or equivalent senior flight operations role
• Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License (current currency not required)
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications
  , including Excel
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work effectively with customers and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to procedural compliance
• Ability to travel globally for assignments lasting up to three weeks at a time
• Must reside within one hour of a major U.S. airport
• Commitment to following established policies, procedures, and safety standards

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related experience, or
• Master's degree and 3+ years of related experience, or
• PhD and related experience, or
• An equivalent combination of education and professional aviation experience

• Previous airline operational audit or safety observation experience
• Experience working with commercial airline training departments
• Background in flight standards, safety management systems (SMS), or regulatory compliance
• Experience working with global carriers and international flight operations
• Advanced Excel and data reporting skills
• OEM or aircraft manufacturer experience

Your expertise won't just support airline operations, it will help improve safety practices for flight crews around the world.

Collaborate with some of the most respected professionals in commercial aviation while supporting programs that influence operational excellence across multiple airlines and regions.

Gain unparalleled visibility into airline operations through direct flight deck and simulator observations, contributing to meaningful safety improvements across the industry.

• Starting pay of $67.78 per hour
• Remote-based position when not deployed
• Opportunity for global travel and industry exposure
• Valuable experience with a world-renowned aviation organization
• Professional networking with aviation leaders…