Deputy Chief Flight Instructor

Job Description

About the Company Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) is a commercial pilot training academy - an Approved Training Organisation - delivering flight training across campuses in Oxford in the United Kingdom and Alhama in Spain. Role Overview The Deputy Chief Flight Instructor (Deputy CFI) supports the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) in the delivery, oversight and continuous improvement of flight training operations at Leading Edge Aviation. This includes maintaining instructional standards, supervising Flight Instructors (FIs) and ensuring efficient training delivery across LEAL's campuses in Oxford and Alhama, Spain. The Deputy CFI acts as the CFI's delegate in their absence and contributes to strategic training development in alignment with the Head of Training. This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, based mostly at the Oxford campus, with visits to the campus in Alhama, Spain. Key Responsibilities Operational support Assist the CFI in managing day-to-day flight training operations, including scheduling and resource optimisation of aircraft, simulators and instructors Monitor training progress and intervene early where performance or scheduling issues arise Instructor oversight Supervise, mentor and support flight instructors in maintaining instructional quality and adherence to SOPs Conduct lesson observations, provide feedback and recommend additional training or support as needed Support the CFI with all line management duties as required, 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 supervise flight assessments, progress checks and, where necessary, remedial training sessions Safety & standards Promote and reinforce LEAL's Safety Management System (SMS) and Threat & Error Management (TEM) principles Support incident and accident investigations and ensure effective dissemination of safety learnings Quality assurance Collaborate with the Head of Standards to ensure compliance with NAA regulations and LEAL documentation Assist in the development, review and revision of SOPs, training syllabi and instructional materials Leadership & development Lead by example, upholding and promoting a culture of professionalism, integrity and excellence Demonstrate and uphold the company's core values in all actions, decisions and interactions Represent the CFI in meetings and briefings and when liaising with national aviation authorities or external stakeholders Transition support and administration Liaise with the Chief TKI and the ground school team to ensure students are effectively prepared for flight training Support administrative functions including reporting, records maintenance and regulatory documentation Assist with course planning, instructor rostering and evaluation of training outcomes Licences & Qualifications Hold an EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence with valid Flight Instructor ratings relevant to LEAL's training courses Eligible to hold or obtain EASA/UK FCL.900(c) approval Desirable: dual licence holder (CAA and EASA) Desirable: Flight Examiner and FIC/FIE qualifications Experience Minimum of 1,000 hours PIC, with at least 500 hours instructional (including up to 200 hours instrument ground time) Proven experience in a professional flight training environment, with demonstrable instructional and supervisory capability Desirable: experience working across multiple training locations or international campuses Desirable: familiarity with LEAL's operational systems and learning environment Desirable: previous leadership or deputy role within an ATO Requirements Strong interpersonal, organisational and decision-making skills Commitment to safety, continuous improvement and student success Strong people skills with a proven ability to mentor and support individuals and teams Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a positive and enthusiastic outlook Demonstrable alignment with the company's core values in attitude, conduct and work ethic What We Offer Competitive salary up to GBP 65,000, plus bonus scheme (range GBP 63,000 - GBP 65,000 per year) Commitment to your personal and professional development Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing with service, plus public holidays An Airspace day for wellbeing and what is important to you Enhanced sick pay and leave Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions Life assurance scheme of 2x your annual salary Critical illness cover Access to the Individual Assistance Program and lifestyle discounts Cycle to work scheme Free on-site parking Employee referral scheme Additional Information Our culture: at Leading Edge Aviation, the company's vision, mission and values guide everything it does. The Deputy CFI is expected to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, regulatory compliance and instructional integrity. The role requires flexibility, the ability to work across campuses and a collaborative mindset to contribute to LEAL's vision of excellence in aviation training. Employment type: permanent, full time. Workplace type: on site. Compensation: GBP 63,000 - GBP 65,000 per year.

Requirements

• Assist the CFI in managing day-to-day flight training operations, including scheduling and resource optimisation of aircraft, simulators and instructors
• Monitor training progress and intervene early where performance or scheduling issues arise
• Supervise, mentor and support flight instructors in maintaining instructional quality and adherence to SOPs
• Conduct lesson observations, provide feedback and recommend additional training or support as needed
• Support the CFI with all line management duties as required, including day-to-day management tasks, annual reviews and performance management
• Review student progress and liaise with instructors to ensure timely completion of training phases
• Conduct or supervise flight assessments, progress checks and, where necessary, remedial training sessions
• Promote and reinforce LEAL's Safety Management System (SMS) and Threat & Error Management (TEM) principles
• Support incident and accident investigations and ensure effective dissemination of safety learnings
• Collaborate with the Head of Standards to ensure compliance with NAA regulations and LEAL documentation
• Assist in the development, review and revision of SOPs, training syllabi and instructional materials
• Lead by example, upholding and promoting a culture of professionalism, integrity and excellence
• Demonstrate and uphold the company's core values in all actions, decisions and interactions
• Represent the CFI in meetings and briefings and when liaising with national aviation authorities or external stakeholders
• Liaise with the Chief TKI and the ground school team to ensure students are effectively prepared for flight training
• Support administrative functions including reporting, records maintenance and regulatory documentation
• Assist with course planning, instructor rostering and evaluation of training outcomes
• Hold an EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence with valid Flight Instructor ratings relevant to LEAL's training courses
• Eligible to hold or obtain EASA/UK FCL.900(c) approval
• Desirable: dual licence holder (CAA and EASA)
• Desirable: Flight Examiner and FIC/FIE qualifications
• Minimum of 1,000 hours PIC, with at least 500 hours instructional (including up to 200 hours instrument ground time)
• Proven experience in a professional flight training environment, with demonstrable instructional and supervisory capability
• Desirable: experience working across multiple training locations or international campuses
• Desirable: familiarity with LEAL's operational systems and learning environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to GBP 65,000, plus bonus scheme (range GBP 63,000 - GBP 65,000 per year)
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions
• Life assurance scheme of 2x your annual salary