Senior Base Pilot - BN2T Islander

Job Description

About the Company Draken provides critical aviation services to military and government customers worldwide, with a focus on safety, regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Whether adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, Draken delivers readiness training using a large, differentiated fleet, advanced hardware and experienced instructors, operating in the UK, the US and across NATO countries. Role Overview Draken offers careers that matter, believing that mission success begins with its people. The company is seeking an experienced BN2T Islander Captain to join as Senior Base Pilot, providing authoritative operational leadership and local accountability for the safe, compliant and effective delivery of contracted flying operations in Northern Ireland. This senior role combines command experience with structured operational oversight, safety leadership and people management, aligned with Draken's leadership and Safety Management System (SMS) expectations. As Senior Base Pilot you will hold delegated responsibility for BN2T operations at your assigned base, acting as the principal operational authority and single point of accountability for flight operations delivery. You will ensure operations are conducted in full compliance with CAA and MAA regulations, company approvals and Operations Manuals, and contractual and customer requirements. Working closely with the Fleet Captain and senior leadership team, you will support operational assurance, risk management and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Operational and Safety Leadership Provide day-to-day leadership of BN2T flying operations Act as the accountable lead for contracted service delivery at base level Maintain operational standards in line with company manuals, regulatory approvals and the SMS Operate as a BN2T Commander, demonstrating sound judgement and calm decision-making Promote effective Threat and Error Management, Crew Resource Management and professional airmanship Lead hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation activities Foster a Just Culture, encouraging open reporting and learning Ensure audit and inspection readiness, including timely closure of findings Collaboration and Assurance Liaise closely with Operations and Engineering to ensure aircraft serviceability and readiness Contribute to operational reviews, improvement initiatives and bid support as required People Leadership Lead, mentor and develop base pilots Support recruitment, onboarding, supervision and succession planning Ensure pilots are briefed, supported and competent within regulatory and contractual constraints Act as a visible role model for professionalism, compliance and safety leadership Requirements Strong safety leadership and regulatory awareness Confidence in accepting accountability and making defensible decisions Clear, professional communication with aircrew, engineers, customers and leadership Ability to operate effectively in complex, time-critical environments A balanced approach to mission delivery and risk management Licences & Qualifications Valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A) Class 1 medical certificate Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (AUPRT) and Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) Experience Desirable: 1,000 or more hours as pilot-in-command on the BN2 Islander Practical experience of CAA and/or MAA regulatory frameworks Background in commercial, government or military aviation operations What We Offer Genuine operational authority and clear accountability as a senior pilot The opportunity to influence operational standards, safety culture and outcomes in a complex, highly regulated environment while continuing to fly A measurable impact on aviation safety, leadership and operational excellence Additional Information Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. To Draken, diversity means bringing your own perspective to the conversation, inclusion means having a voice, and equality means that your voice is heard. Every member of the team, at all international sites, is accountable for ensuring everyone is treated fairly and with respect; intolerance has no place in the company, which strives for a culture where everyone who joins has the opportunity to succeed, grow and be themselves. Draken is an Armed Forces friendly organisation and, under the Armed Forces Covenant, welcomes applications from veterans and from spouses and partners of service personnel who meet the job criteria. In line with its Disability Confident commitments, reasonable adjustments to the interview process are available on request.

Requirements

• Provide day-to-day leadership of BN2T flying operations
• Act as the accountable lead for contracted service delivery at base level
• Maintain operational standards in line with company manuals, regulatory approvals and the SMS
• Operate as a BN2T Commander, demonstrating sound judgement and calm decision-making
• Promote effective Threat and Error Management, Crew Resource Management and professional airmanship
• Lead hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation activities
• Foster a Just Culture, encouraging open reporting and learning
• Ensure audit and inspection readiness, including timely closure of findings
• Liaise closely with Operations and Engineering to ensure aircraft serviceability and readiness
• Contribute to operational reviews, improvement initiatives and bid support as required
• Lead, mentor and develop base pilots
• Support recruitment, onboarding, supervision and succession planning
• Ensure pilots are briefed, supported and competent within regulatory and contractual constraints
• Act as a visible role model for professionalism, compliance and safety leadership
• Strong safety leadership and regulatory awareness
• Confidence in accepting accountability and making defensible decisions
• Clear, professional communication with aircrew, engineers, customers and leadership
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, time-critical environments
• A balanced approach to mission delivery and risk management
• Valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A)
• Class 1 medical certificate
• Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (AUPRT) and Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)
• 1,000 or more hours as pilot-in-command on the BN2 Islander
• Practical experience of CAA and/or MAA regulatory frameworks
• Background in commercial, government or military aviation operations