The Director of Maintenance (DOM) is responsible for the overall airworthiness, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of Windward Aviation’s helicopter fleet. This role ensures all aircraft are maintained in accordance with FAA regulations, OAS certification standards, manufacturer requirements, and company policies—supporting safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
The DOM is a key member of the leadership team and works closely with the President, Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, and Safety Manager. This position leads and continuously improves our maintenance operation. The ideal candidate is highly organized, capable of managing multiple aircraft events simultaneously, and experienced in building efficient systems while maintaining full compliance.
Windward Aviation operates primarily within Maui County, supporting Hawaii’s conservation efforts, county Police and Fire, and other utility missions. We offer a unique opportunity in the utility helicopter industry: year-round, consistent operations based in a single location, with a stable schedule, and the ability to be home daily. We are seeking a strong A&P leader from the utility sector who values both operational excellence and quality of life.
Fleet & Operating Environment
- Fleet: 5 × MD500D, 2 × BK117 B2 (850D2)
- Base: Maui, Hawaii (1 aircraft on contract on Oahu)
- Operations: Part 135, Part 133, Part 137, Public Use, and Part 91
- Centralized operation with limited field deployment
Key Responsibilities
- Regulatory Compliance & Airworthiness
- Ensure compliance with 14 CFR Part 135 and applicable Parts 91, 43, 65, 133, and 137
- Maintain manufacturer approved maintenance and OAS certification standards
- Serve as primary liaison with FAA PMI and OAS auditors
- Ensure aircraft airworthiness
Maintenance Control & Planning
- Direct all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance
- Oversee manufacturer inspection criteria and component tracking (LLPs, TBOs)
- Manage downtime and coordinate AOG response
Team Leadership
- Lead and manage maintenance personnel (A&P mechanics, helpers, support staff)
- Ensure proper staffing, training, and current qualifications
- Foster a strong, accountable safety culture
- Records, QA & SMS
- Maintain accurate, audit-ready records (logbooks, ADs, SBs, CHR, maintenance tracking system)
- Oversee quality control and support SMS participation
- Identify trends and proactively mitigate maintenance risk
Vendors & Inventory
- Manage OEMs, repair stations, and overhaul vendors
- Oversee procurement, inventory, and cost control
- Ensure full traceability and regulatory compliance of parts
Operational Coordination
- Coordinate daily with DOO, Chief Pilot, and scheduling
- Align maintenance with mission demands (fire standby, ag ops, utility work)
- Support rapid aircraft configuration changes across mission types
Minimum Qualifications
- FAA A&P Certificate
- 6+ years aviation maintenance experience
- 2+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
- Strong rotorcraft experience (MD500 and/or BK117 preferred)
- Proven knowledge of FAA compliance systems and inspector interaction
Preferred Qualifications
- Inspection Authorization (IA)
- Previous DOM or Assistant DOM experience
- Utility helicopter experience (external load, fire, ag)
- Familiarity with maintenance tracking systems
- Experience in multi-mission environments
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation: Competitive pay with cost of living considerations.
- Relocation Assistance: Provided for the right candidate
- Health Benefits: Full medical and dental coverage for employee and primary family
- Retirement: 401(k) with 4% company match
- Time Off: Generous PTO policy
Core Competencies
- Strong leadership and team development
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Detail-oriented with strong regulatory discipline
- Effective communicator across technical and operational teams
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
Work Environment
- Hangar and field-based work
- On-call availability for AOG situations
- Occasional inter-island day travel
