Deputy Chief Flight Instructor

Position Summary

The Deputy Chief Flight Instructor supports Instruction operations through the oversight, delivery, and continuous improvement of professional flight training. The role supports the Chief Flight Instructor in maintaining instructional standards, supervising Flight Instructors, monitoring student progress, and ensuring regulatory compliance, while serving as the CFI's delegate when required.

Schedule

• Permanent, full-time position.
• 40 hours per week.
• Primarily based at the Oxford campus with travel to the Alhama, Spain campus as required.
• Onsite position.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day flight training operations, including scheduling and optimization of aircraft, simulators, and instructor resources.
• Monitor student training progress and address performance or scheduling issues.
• Supervise, mentor, and support Flight Instructors in maintaining instructional quality and adherence to established procedures.
• Conduct lesson observations and provide instructor feedback and additional training recommendations.
• Support instructor performance management, annual reviews, and other line-management responsibilities.
• Conduct or supervise flight assessments, progress checks, and remedial training.
• Promote Safety Management System and Threat and Error Management principles.
• Support aviation incident and accident investigations and dissemination of safety information.
• Support regulatory compliance and the development and revision of SOPs, training syllabi, and instructional materials.
• Represent the Chief Flight Instructor in meetings, briefings, and interactions with aviation authorities and external stakeholders when required.
• Coordinate with ground school personnel to support student transitions into flight training.
• Maintain required reports, training records, and regulatory documentation.
• Assist with course planning, instructor rostering, and evaluation of training outcomes.

Requirements

• EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with valid Flight Instructor ratings applicable to the training provided.
• Eligible to hold or obtain EASA/UK FCL.900(c) approval.
• Minimum 1,000 hours PIC.
• Minimum 500 hours Instructional, including up to 200 hours Instrument Ground Time.
• Professional flight training experience with demonstrated instructional and supervisory capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to mentor and support individual instructors and teams.
• Commitment to aviation safety, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and student development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Dual UK CAA and EASA licence holder.
• Flight Examiner qualification.
• FIC/FIE qualifications.
• Previous leadership or deputy leadership experience within an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).
• Experience working across multiple training locations or international campuses.

Benefits

• Bonus scheme.
• 25 days annual holiday, increasing with service, plus public holidays.
• Additional wellbeing day.
• Enhanced sick pay and leave.
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions.
• Life assurance equal to two times annual salary.
• Critical illness cover.
• Individual assistance program and lifestyle discounts.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Free onsite parking.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.

Compensation

• £63,000–£65,000 per year.