Aerial Firefighter Ground Instructor
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC)
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) is a highly respected name in the aerospace industry, recognized worldwide for its pioneering contributions to aviation and its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Headquartered in Calgary, AB, DHC has a rich history dating back to 1928, marked by the development of iconic and versatile aircraft celebrated for their rugged durability, operational versatility, and excellence in performance. Evolved to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry, De Havilland Canada is a comprehensive aerospace company spanning design, production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, supported by a dedicated team of skilled professionals.
Position Summary
The Aerial Firefighter Ground Instructor plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality theoretical and practical training to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada customers. This position focuses on the CL-215T, CL-415, and DHC-515 aircraft, encompassing Maintenance theoretical and practical training, as well as Pilot theoretical training covering aircraft systems and avionics. The instructor caters to maintenance personnel and pilots with diverse experience levels, ensuring all training adheres to De Havilland Aviation Training standards, meets client requirements, and complies with all relevant regulatory requirements. Operating within De Havilland Aviation Training, a significant global presence in aerial firefighter training, the successful candidate leverages resourcefulness and creativity to deliver training in classrooms, cockpit procedure trainers, and aircraft. This role requires adaptability to new and unexpected challenges in the training environment. Furthermore, the Aerial Firefighter Ground Instructor supports the Person Responsible for Training (PRT) and the Training Manager in the design and continuous development of existing and new aerial firefighter training curricula.
Key Responsibilities
- Executes daily training operations to meet internal and external customer expectations.
- Understands client mission requirements and develops creative training solutions to provide support.
- Demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness when addressing dynamic and challenging situations.
- Conducts training according to approved Policy Manual (PM) and Maintenance Training Organization Exposition (MTOE) procedures.
- Maintains current knowledge of Transport Canada and EASA aviation regulations relevant to instructor and maintenance certifying staff roles.
- Conducts risk analysis for training operations and participates in De Havilland Aviation Training Safety Management System (SMS) reviews.
- Maintains a focus on continuous improvement in training delivery and materials.
- Supports accident/incident/hazard investigations as required.
- Provides world-class training that aligns with De Havilland Aviation Training service standards.
- Performs other service-related duties for De Havilland Aviation Training/De Havilland Aircraft of Canada customers as needed.
- Ensures classroom and cockpit procedure trainer facilities are maintained in a state of readiness meeting De Havilland Aviation Training standards.
- Completes all required documentation accurately and on time, including ground school logs, tracking sheets, SMS reports, training records, and financial reports.
- Supports and implements De Havilland Aviation Training's strategic and business objectives.
- Contributes positively to the company culture, growth, and strategic direction.
- Attends and actively participates in professional and instructor development programs.
- Maintains all necessary professional certifications (licenses, ratings, etc.) to fulfill job duties.
- Assists the training team in the research and development of advanced training products.
- Contributes to the continuous development of aerial firefighter curricula.
- Assists in the development of new aerial firefighter curricula.
- Supports certification tasks for aerial firefighter curricula.
- Participates in a quality assurance program involving detailed record-keeping, survey delivery/participation, and continuous improvement for both students and staff.
- Willingly participates in training standards assessment reviews, following ICAO instructor competency guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the PRT, Training Manager or General Manager.
Qualifications
- Holds or previously held an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license.
- Possesses experience as a technician in a maintenance facility.
- Has previous experience with Aerial Firefighter aircraft, specifically the CL-215T and/or CL-415.
- Provides a verifiable history of work in an instructional capacity (e.g., maintenance type rating instruction, training department membership).
- Has experience with curriculum development and course design.
- Training in instructional techniques or adult education is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of EASA Part 66, 145, and 147 regulations is considered an asset.
Note: Candidates with specific extraordinary skill contributions may be considered for hiring even if a particular minimum requirement is not fully met.
Skills and Attributes
- Intermediate general computer operation skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrates a strong desire to work in an aviation training role within a classroom environment.
- Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
- Requires flexibility to accommodate shift work for international clients and work in a 24/7 operational facility.
Travel and Flexibility Requirements
Frequent travel and extended periods away from home (up to 30 days at a time) are necessary for this role.