L-159 Captain

Job Description

About the Company Draken offers exciting careers that matter. We believe mission success does not start with the mission itself; it begins with our people, so we invest in your skills, your growth and your future. Draken is redefining air combat training. Role Overview We are looking for exceptional fast-jet pilots to join our elite Red Air aggressor team flying the Aero L-159 'Honey Badger'. The role is based at Teesside International Airport, in one of the UK's most scenic regions, with the North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales close by. Relocation support is available, and our Draken Managed Path programme helps pilots navigate the UK CAA licensing process. Key Responsibilities Operate the Aero L-159 on Red Air aggressor air combat training missions. Provide proven airborne leadership and operational decision-making. Maintain a sharp focus on safety, compliance and mission delivery. Adapt to dynamic operating environments. Communicate clearly and confidently with internal and external stakeholders. Licences & Qualifications Essential: Valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A), or ICAO-compliant equivalent. Essential: UK CAA Class 1 medical certificate, or ICAO-compliant equivalent. Essential: AUPRT (advanced upset prevention and recovery training) course completed. Essential: NATO Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain it. Desirable: Qualified Weapons Instructor or Flying Instructor. Experience Essential: Military fast-jet experience, ideally within the last six years, with a strong military background. Desirable: 1,000+ hours on fast jets. Desirable: Experience with radar-equipped, single-seat platforms. Desirable: MCC (multi-crew co-operation) course. Deep understanding of customer mission requirements and experience in military or government aviation. Desirable: Civil aviation experience and competence with Microsoft Office tools. What We Offer Fly cutting-edge platforms in a high-impact role. Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of air combat training. Relocation support and the Draken Managed Path UK CAA licensing programme.

Requirements

• Operate the Aero L-159 on Red Air aggressor air combat training missions.
• Provide proven airborne leadership and operational decision-making.
• Maintain a sharp focus on safety, compliance and mission delivery.
• Adapt to dynamic operating environments.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with internal and external stakeholders.
• Essential: Valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A), or ICAO-compliant equivalent.
• Essential: UK CAA Class 1 medical certificate, or ICAO-compliant equivalent.
• Essential: AUPRT (advanced upset prevention and recovery training) course completed.
• Essential: NATO Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain it.
• Desirable: Qualified Weapons Instructor or Flying Instructor.
• Essential: Military fast-jet experience, ideally within the last six years, with a strong military background.
• Desirable: 1,000+ hours on fast jets.
• Desirable: Experience with radar-equipped, single-seat platforms.
• Desirable: MCC (multi-crew co-operation) course.
• Deep understanding of customer mission requirements and experience in military or government aviation.
• Desirable: Civil aviation experience and competence with Microsoft Office tools.
• Fly cutting-edge platforms in a high-impact role.
• Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of air combat training.
• Relocation support and the Draken Managed Path UK CAA licensing programme.