Deputy Chief Flight Instructor
Job Location: Crawley, West Sussex, UK
Job ID: 20408
L3Harris UK seeks a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as a Deputy Chief Flight Instructor (DCFI). This crucial role supports the Chief Flight Instructor in the effective management of all training activities within an EASA/UKCAA Approved Training Organisation (ATO). The DCFI ensures full compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering exceptional training that meets rigorous airline professional standards. This individual will act as a primary liaison between instructors, trainees, and management, maintaining safety, standardization, and operational efficiency across all flight training programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) in overseeing all flight and ground training activities, ensuring compliance with EASA/UKCAA regulations.
- Supervise instructors, guaranteeing the highest training standards aligned with the approved syllabus.
- Coordinate daily training operations, scheduling instructors, trainees, and aircraft/simulators.
- Serve as a key point of contact for operational and instructional queries in the CFI's absence.
- Provide subject matter expertise for type-specific compliance and mandatory flight activities using Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD).
- Ensure training programs align with EASA/UKCAA regulatory requirements, including the Approved Training Manual and Operations Manual.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes, assisting the CFI in implementing necessary amendments.
- Support internal and external audits, addressing findings as needed.
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, and continuous professional development of flight instructors.
- Conduct standardization checks and monitor instructor performance to ensure consistent training delivery.
- Mentor instructors, providing feedback to uphold high training and safety standards.
- Monitor trainee progress, offering guidance and interventions to support their success.
- Address trainee concerns and feedback professionally and promptly.
- Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring adherence to the ATO’s Safety Management System (SMS).
- Investigate and report safety-related incidents during training, implementing necessary corrective actions.
- Conduct flight and simulator instruction, 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 Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with a Class I Medical.
- Essential: Possess valid TRI/TRE qualifications on relevant aircraft types, including delivery of training within the last three months.
- Essential: Demonstrate proven knowledge of EASA/UKCAA regulations and ATO operations.
- Essential: Exhibit strong leadership and communication skills.
- Desirable: Previous experience in a similar leadership role within an ATO.
- Desirable: Experience with airline training programs such as MPL and APS MCC.
- Desirable: Working knowledge or experience in a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) or Evidence-Based Training (EBT) environment.
Key Competencies:
- Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to manage and mentor a diverse team of instructors and students.
- Strong interpersonal skills, fostering a positive and professional training environment.
- Unwavering commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Benefits:
L3Harris UK offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, with opportunities to increase through long service or buy/sell options.
- Private medical insurance, with optional family coverage.
- Pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution.
- Life assurance at 4x salary, flexible up to 10x.
- Group income protection.
- Flexible opt-in extras, including healthcare cash plans, dental insurance, gym memberships, critical illness cover, and cycle-to-work schemes.
- Employee assistance program providing mental health and wellbeing support.
- Subsidized staff restaurant.
- Staff car park with electric vehicle charging stations.
All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
L3Harris Technologies is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity, maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination.