Location: Oxford (primarily) with travel to Alhama, Spain
Salary: £65k per annum + bonus (DOE)
Our client is seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Chief Flight Instructor to support the Chief Flight Instructor in the delivery, oversight, and continuous improvement of flight training operations.
This senior instructional role plays a key part in maintaining high training standards, supervising Flight Instructors, and ensuring effective and efficient training delivery across multiple campuses. The Deputy CFI will act as the CFI’s delegate when required and contribute to the strategic development of training programmes in collaboration with the wider training leadership team.
The position is primarily based onsite at the Oxford campus, with regular visits to the organisation’s international campus in Alhama, Spain. The position is full time - 40 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Support:
* Support the CFI with the day-to-day management of flight training operations, including scheduling and optimisation of aircraft, simulators, and instructor resources.
* Monitor student training progress and proactively address performance or scheduling issues.
Instructor Oversight:
* Supervise, mentor, and support Flight Instructors to ensure consistent instructional quality and adherence to SOPs.
* Conduct lesson observations, provide constructive feedback, and recommend further training or development where required.
* Assist with line management responsibilities, including day-to-day management tasks, annual reviews, and performance management.
Student Training:
* Review student progress and liaise with instructors to ensure timely completion of training phases.
* Conduct or oversee flight assessments, progress checks, and remedial training when necessary.
Safety & Standards
* Promote and embed the organisation’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Threat & Error Management (TEM) principles.
* Support incident and accident investigations and ensure safety lessons are effectively communicated.
Quality Assurance
* Work closely with the Head of Standards to ensure compliance with NAA regulations and internal documentation.
* Contribute to the development, review, and continuous improvement of SOPs, training syllabi, and instructional materials.
Leadership & Representation
* Lead by example, promoting a culture of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.
* Represent the CFI in meetings, briefings, and when liaising with national aviation authorities or external stakeholders.
Administration & Planning
* Support reporting, record keeping, and regulatory documentation.
* Assist with course planning, instructor rostering, and evaluation of training outcomes.
Transition Support
* Liaise with the Chief TKI and ground school teams to ensure students are well prepared for flight training.
Essential Requirements
* EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence with valid Flight Instructor ratings relevant to professional flight training.
* Eligible to hold or obtain EASA/UK FCL.900(c) approval.
* Minimum 1,000 hours PIC, including at least 500 hours of instructional experience (including up to 200 hours instrument ground instruction).
* Proven experience in a professional flight training environment with demonstrated supervisory capability.
* Strong interpersonal, organisational, and decision-making skills.
* A clear commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and student success.
* Excellent people skills with the ability to mentor and develop individuals and teams.
Desirable Experience
* Experience working across multiple training locations or international campuses.
* Previous leadership or deputy role within an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).
* Dual CAA and EASA licence holder.
* Flight Examiner and/or FIC/FIE qualifications.
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary with bonus scheme
* Generous holiday entitlement
* Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions
* Enhanced sick pay increasing with length of service
* Life assurance and loss of licence insurance
* Private medical insurance for senior management positions
* Full reimbursement of rating and medical renewals and revalidations
* Wellbeing benefits, including access to an Individual Assistance Programme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free on-site parking