06 January 2026

Fly Safair | First Officer

First Officer

Company: FlySafair (Safair Operations)

Department: Flight Deck Crew

Industry: Aviation

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 8

Salary: Market Related

Job Reference Number: FirstOfficer_03

Application Closing Date: 2025/12/08

About the Opportunity

Safair Operations, proudly operating as FlySafair, invites applications from highly skilled and professional First Officers to join its dynamic Flight Deck Crew. This permanent position is available across multiple key bases, including Johannesburg (JHB), Cape Town (CPT), Durban (DBN), and Lanseria (HLA). The successful candidates will be instrumental in ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely execution of commercial flights, contributing directly to FlySafair's unwavering commitment to operational excellence and outstanding customer service. First Officers report directly to the Fleet Captain.

Key Responsibilities

The First Officer will perform a comprehensive array of duties, collaborating closely with the Captain and upholding the highest standards of aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and professionalism. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Operational Excellence and Flight Safety:

  • Ensuring the paramount safety of all flights through meticulous adherence to procedures, continuous monitoring of aircraft systems, and precise management of the flight path.
  • Executing rigorous pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and procedures as precisely outlined in the Operations Manual (OM) and Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM).
  • Navigating and operating the aircraft in strict accordance with FlySafair Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), encompassing specific aircraft type limitations and performance parameters.
  • Maintaining a continuous and independent verification of the aircraft's geographical position and safe terrain clearance, providing critical cross-checking.
  • Assuming command of the aircraft and taking all necessary actions in the event of the Captain's incapacitation.

Compliance and Professionalism:

  • Ensuring stringent compliance with all applicable South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations, international aviation laws, and internal company policies and procedures.
  • Staying updated with and maintaining familiarity with the company's Operations Manual and all relevant regulatory provisions.
  • Upholding FlySafair's core competitive edge by consistently delivering excellent customer service.
  • Submitting accurate and complete legal administrative documentation and reports, such as IQSMS.
  • Adhering to an impeccable personal standard of discipline, conduct, and appearance as a proud representative of the Company.

Teamwork and Effective Communication:

  • Assisting the Captain with all operational and administrative duties pertinent to the flight, and capably carrying out any additional allocated duties as required.
  • Supporting the Captain in fostering a high standard of crew discipline, professional behaviour, expertise, and morale amongst the entire flight deck crew.
  • Proactively volunteering advice, information, and assistance to the Captain as may contribute favourably towards the safe and efficient conduct of the flight.
  • Engaging in clear, concise, and effective communication with internal departments, external service providers, and passengers, including conducting R/T communications as and when required.

Detailed Flight Phase Procedures:

Pre-Flight:

  • Thoroughly reviewing the planned flight route, briefing sheets, comprehensive weather forecasts, and assessing runway conditions at both destination and alternate aerodromes.
  • Completing all mandatory pre-flight checks and necessary documentation as specified in the Operations Manual.
  • Collaborating effectively with the Captain to evaluate all relevant information for informed decisions regarding fuel selection, alternate aerodromes, and any potential flight restrictions.

In-Flight:

  • Executing or meticulously monitoring the execution of all normal, abnormal, and emergency checklists according to specified procedures, ensuring proper completion.
  • Continuously monitoring all aspects of the flight, verifying correct procedures and techniques, cross-checking all flight instrument indications (especially altitude/height, speed, and heading), and immediately advising the Captain of any deviations from the planned flight path, onset of hazardous situations, or detection of abnormal instrument readings or warnings.

Post-Flight:

  • Completing all post-flight procedures as detailed in the Operations Manual and Flight Crew Operating Manual.
  • Ensuring the timely and accurate submission of all relevant documentation and reports.

Minimum Requirements

Prospective candidates must satisfy the following essential criteria to be considered for this vital role:

  • A Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent qualification.
  • Essential: Valid SACAA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
  • Preferred: Valid SACAA Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
  • Essential: A current Class 1 SACAA Medical Certificate.
  • Essential: A minimum of 1500 hours total flight time, which must include at least 500 hours Multi-Turbine time (applicable to both Non-Type Rated and Boeing Type Rated applicants).
  • Essential: Demonstrable Multi-Crew experience.
  • Advantageous: Type rated on Boeing aircraft.
  • Advantageous: Prior experience on Commercial Jets exceeding 20 Tons.
  • No existing medical conditions that would preclude holding a valid Class 1 medical certificate.
  • Willingness to sign applicable training bond/s.
  • A clean criminal record.
  • Willingness to undergo drug and alcohol testing as required.
  • Possession of own reliable transport and a valid South African Driver's License.
  • Must be a South African Citizen with valid proof of identity.
  • Holding a valid South African Passport.
  • Flexibility and willingness to work irregular hours on a roster basis.
  • Detailed knowledge and comprehensive understanding of National Aviation regulations, including SACAA and ICAO standards.
  • Essential: Sound knowledge of ICAO Doc 8186 (Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations, PANS-OPS).
  • Proficient knowledge of Commercial and Airline Transport Pilots licensing content.

Desired Personal Attributes

The ideal First Officer candidate will embody the following essential qualities:

  • Immaculate time-keeping and strong organizational skills.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
  • A highly professional, disciplined, and well-groomed demeanor.
  • Unwavering integrity and a profound sense of responsibility.
  • Excellent situational awareness and superior decision-making abilities.
  • Demonstrated leadership potential.
  • Ability to thrive gracefully under pressure and adapt seamlessly to irregular working hours.
  • A consistently positive attitude, actively fostering high morale and promoting effective teamwork within the crew.

Application Process

Prospective candidates who meet the stringent requirements are invited to apply via the designated application portal. Please take note of the following critical guidelines:

  • Email applications will not be accepted.
  • Preference will be accorded to members of under-represented designated groups.
  • Applicants who do not receive feedback within two (2) weeks from the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

FlySafair expressly reserves the right not to proceed with this vacancy or to appoint selected candidates based on its operational requirements and strategic discretion.

Apply