Aviation Operations Specialist

About the Role

The Aviation Specialist will serve as the primary point of communication and coordination for UAS, helicopter, and fixed-wing aircraft pilots and managers regarding utility patrol flights released into the national airspace system. This role coordinates all schedule changes, updates, and travel needs between managers, Lines of Business (LOB), and the aviation team, acting as the central coordination hub for all aviation operations across the enterprise. The dispatcher ensures safe operations among all aircraft operating by or on behalf of the company.

Responsibilities

• Release and deconflict aviation assets, including helicopters, UAS, and fixed-wing aircraft, to ensure safe and efficient operations for routine and non-routine patrols of utility transmission lines.
• Communicate directly with pilots to confirm flight details such as weather conditions, flight paths, and mission objectives, providing flight release for scheduled time blocks.
• Share joint responsibility with the Pilot in Command (PIC) for the safety and operational control of flights.
• Oversee, manage, and direct flight operations in compliance with government and company regulations to ensure flight safety.
• Delay or cancel flights if unsafe conditions threaten aircraft or passenger safety.
• Analyze and evaluate meteorological information to determine potential hazards and select the safest, most economical flight routes.
• Prepare flight plans and determine fuel requirements, considering aircraft type, flight dispatch, maintenance limits, weather, and operational conditions.
• Monitor aircraft position reports for airspace deconfliction and evaluate flight progress.
• Adhere to all company standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Line-of-Business teams to align flight schedules with operational priorities and mission objectives.
• Support Aviation personnel with coordination of monthly metrics, budget reports, inputs, meetings, and deadlines.
• Provide backup support for the Dispatcher Lead and perform interim duties in their absence.
• Support the Aviation Operations Control Center and Aviation Personnel with administrative and scheduling duties as needed.
• Communicate with pilots, executive assistants, and support personnel to ensure accurate comprehension of Aviation Operations Control Center details.
• Manage dynamic aircraft operations, including scheduling and rerouting corporate business jets, chartered aircraft, fixed and helicopter patrols, and UAS solutions in response to changing utility needs.
• Uphold Entergy’s Code of Integrity and align with Entergy’s Employee Practices.
• Track personnel and assets assigned to the Operations Control Center (OCC) using tools such as MyAir, TracPlus, Google Earth, satellite phones, and handheld radios.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and propose strategies to improve OCC effectiveness for existing and future projects.
• Provide centralized, coordinated dispatch response to emergencies reported from the field.
• Contribute to daily, weekly, and scheduled communications briefings and tailboards to support efficiency.
• Exercise stop-work authority when necessary and practice just culture at all times.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3+ years’ experience in aviation operations, flight scheduling, or dispatch with multiple aircraft types (fixed-wing, rotorcraft, etc.).
• Experience coordinating with pilots, maintenance, or operational teams is preferred.
• Basic understanding of FAA regulations and aviation operations, including flight planning and dispatching processes.

Skills

• Familiarity with FAA Regulations, including:
  • Part 91 Fixed Base Operators
  • UAS Part 107
  • Helicopter/fixed-wing utility operations
• Knowledge of Bell 429 aircraft and Entergy’s Flight Operation Manual.
• Proficiency in aviation software programs, including:
  • MyAir Flight Scheduling Software
  • ForeFlight
  • Drone Logbooks
  • TracPlus
  • Concur Travel System
  • Amex GBT
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Power BI
• Understanding of aviation utility patrol operations.

Qualifications

• Licensed Dispatcher certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (preferred).
• UAS license (preferred).

Location: Kenner, Louisiana (Hybrid work flexibility). Travel up to 25%.