Chief Flight Instructor (Simulator Training)

Job Location: UK – Crawley, West Sussex

Job ID: 19522

L3Harris UK is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to serve as the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) for their simulator training programs. This critical role oversees all aspects of flight training activities within the simulator environment, ensuring the highest standards of safety, instruction, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will lead a team of instructors and contribute to the development of world-class aviation training programs.

About L3Harris UK:
L3Harris UK's team of over 1,400 professionals delivers exceptional capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains for military, security, and commercial clients worldwide. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge aviation training solutions within a dynamic and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversight of Simulator Training Programs: Supervises and coordinates all simulator-based flight training programs, ensuring the training syllabus, manuals, and lesson plans adhere to UKCAA EASA and other relevant National Aviation Authority (NAA) regulations. Develops and implements improvements to simulator training processes, procedures, and curricula. Optimizes simulator scheduling and usage for efficiency.
Instructor Management and Development: Recruits, trains, and manages simulator instructors, ensuring all instructors meet regulatory and company standards. Conducts regular performance evaluations and supports the continuous professional development of instructors. Provides mentorship and guidance, ensuring instructional standards remain at the highest levels. Ensures instructors are up to date with the latest training methods, equipment, and industry regulations.
Regulatory Compliance: Maintains full compliance with all National Aviation Authority regulations concerning flight training and simulator usage. Liaises with NAA and clients during audits, promptly resolving any findings. Ensures all training records and documentation are meticulously maintained to meet regulatory requirements.
Safety and Compliance Management: Implements and enforces rigorous safety procedures within the simulator training environment. Regularly reviews and updates safety protocols in line with best practices and regulatory demands. Actively participates in Safety Management System (SMS) processes to monitor and mitigate risks in training operations. Oversees compliance processes related to training delivery and simulator equipment.
Curriculum and Syllabus Development: Leads the design and development of courseware, simulation exercises, and training modules, collaborating with the instructional design team. Regularly reviews and updates the training syllabus to reflect changes in technology, regulations, and industry practices. Ensures training programs are aligned with airline and operator requirements, particularly for Type Rating and recurrent training.
Training Delivery and Evaluation: Provides training to new and current instructors, ensuring proficiency in using simulators for instruction. Conducts flight instructor standardization sessions to guarantee consistent, high-quality instruction throughout the organization. Leads periodic simulator training assessments to monitor training effectiveness and adherence to industry standards.
Simulator Maintenance and Technology: Works closely with technical teams to ensure simulators are well-maintained and meet all certification requirements. Stays informed of technological advancements in flight simulation, recommending upgrades or improvements as needed.

Qualifications:

Licensing and Certifications: Valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Valid qualifications at the highest level for the courses delivered by the ATO. Type Rating on relevant aircraft for training. Meets all regulatory requirements for a Chief Flight Instructor position as specified by the appropriate aviation authority.
Experience: Extensive experience as a Type Rating Instructor, with a strong emphasis on simulator-based training. Experience managing or leading training operations in an Approved Training Organization (ATO) airline training department. Demonstrated experience in complying with regulatory standards for flight training.
Skills: Exceptional leadership and management capabilities. In-depth understanding of simulator technology and its application to flight training. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, necessary for effective interaction with regulatory authorities, instructors, and students. Ability to handle administrative tasks related to record-keeping, scheduling, and regulatory documentation. Familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS).

Key Competencies:

Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team of instructors, fostering a culture of excellence.
Attention to Detail: Ensures all training programs meet the highest standards of safety and quality through meticulous attention to detail.
Problem-Solving: Capable of effectively addressing training issues, regulatory concerns, or simulator malfunctions.
Communication: Communicates effectively with staff, students, and regulatory bodies, ensuring clarity and precision in all interactions.

Additional Requirements:

Flexibility to work varied hours to meet the operational needs of the training organization.
Availability for travel, as required, to simulator locations or for training and meetings.
Must have the right to work in the UK.

Benefits:

L3Harris UK offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

25 days of holiday per year, plus bank holidays, with increases for long service and the opportunity to buy/sell up to 5 days.
Private medical insurance with optional family coverage.
Pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution.
Life Assurance of 4x salary (flexible up to 10x).
Group income protection.
Flexible opt-in extras such as a healthcare cash plan, dental insurance, gym membership, critical illness cover, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
Employee Assistance Program providing mental health and wellbeing support.
Subsidized staff restaurant.
Staff car park including electric vehicle charging stations.

L3Harris Technologies is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a leader in aviation training and make a significant contribution to the development of the next generation of aviation professionals.