Deputy Chief Flight Instructor
Location: Crawley, West Sussex, UK
Job ID: 19527
About the Opportunity:
A distinguished opportunity exists to join a team of over 1,400 professionals delivering cutting-edge solutions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains for military, security, and commercial clients worldwide.
The Deputy Chief Flight Instructor (DCFI) plays a crucial role in supporting the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) in the effective management of training operations within a reputable EASA/UKCAA Approved Training Organisation (ATO). This position ensures strict compliance with all regulatory mandates while delivering superior training that aligns with the highest airline professional standards. The DCFI acts as a vital conduit between instructors, trainees, and management, assuming responsibility for upholding safety protocols, maintaining standardization, and promoting operational excellence throughout all flight training programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Management: Assist the CFI in overseeing all flight and ground training activities, ensuring adherence to EASA/UKCAA regulations. Supervise flight instructors and guarantee training is delivered to the highest standards in accordance with the approved training syllabus. Coordinate the daily training schedule, encompassing instructors, trainees, and aircraft/simulator allocations. Serve as a primary point of contact for operational and instructional inquiries in the CFI's absence.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all training programs are in strict compliance with EASA/UKCAA regulatory requirements, as detailed in the Approved Training Manual and Operations Manual. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of regulatory updates and support the CFI in implementing essential amendments. Assist with internal and external audits and ensure that any identified findings are addressed appropriately.
- Instructor Development: Support the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing professional development of all flight instructors. Perform standardisation assessments and monitor instructor performance to maintain consistency of training. Mentor instructors and provide regular feedback to uphold rigorous training and safety standards.
- Student Support: Monitor trainee progress, offering guidance and intervention as necessary to promote successful training outcomes. Address any student concerns and feedback in a professional and timely manner.
- Safety Management: Champion a robust safety culture, ensuring strict adherence to the ATO’s Safety Management System (SMS). Investigate and report all safety-related incidents during training and implement corrective actions as required.
- Instructional Duties: Conduct flight and simulator instruction when necessary, including initial, recurrent, and advanced training courses. Deliver theoretical knowledge instruction and participate in student assessments.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Essential:
- Hold or have held a valid EASA/UKCAA ATPL, including a Class I Medical certificate.
- Possess valid TRI/TRE qualifications on relevant aircraft types and have delivered training within the last 3 months.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of EASA/UKCAA regulations and ATO operations.
- Exhibit strong leadership and communication capabilities.
- Desirable:
- Prior experience in a similar leadership role within an ATO.
- Experience with airline training programs, including MPL and APS MCC.
- Working knowledge of and practical experience with CBTA/EBT training environments.
Key Competencies:
- Exceptional organizational and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficiency in managing and mentoring a diverse team of instructors and students.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, fostering a positive and professional learning environment.
- An unwavering commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday per year, with increases for long service and the option to buy/sell up to 5 days.
- Private medical insurance, with optional family cover.
- Pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution.
- Life Assurance, 4x salary, flexible up to 10x.
- Group income protection.
- Flexible opt-in extras, including health care cash plan, dental insurance, gym membership, critical illness cover, and cycle to work scheme.
- Employee assistance program providing mental health and wellbeing support.
- Subsidised staff restaurant.
- Staff car park, including electric vehicle charging stations.
Additional Information:
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. L3Harris Technologies is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other protected characteristic. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, as permitted by law.