Job Title:  Deputy Chief Flight Instructor

Job Location:  UK – Crawley - West Sussex

Job ID: 19527

About this opportunity and L3Harris UK

Our team of over 1,400 people deliver unique capabilities across air, land, sea, space and cyber for military, security and commercial customers, worldwide.

The Deputy Chief Flight Instructor (DCFI) supports the Chief Flight Instructor in the effective management of training activities within an EASA/UKCAA Approved Training Organisation (ATO). This role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering high-quality training to meet airline professional standards. The DCFI acts as a key liaison between instructors, trainees, and management, and is responsible for maintaining safety, standardisation, and operational efficiency across all flight training programs.

Our benefits include:

• 25 days holiday per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with long service and with the opportunity to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Private medical insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme of up to 7% employer contribution
• Life Assurance 4x salary (flexible up to 10x)
• Group income protection
• Flexible opt-in extras such as a health care cash plan, dental insurance, gym membership, critical illness cover and cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance program providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Subsidised staff restaurant  
• Staff car park incl. electric vehicle charging stations

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Management:
• Assist the CFI in overseeing all flight and ground training activities to ensure compliance with EASA/UKCAA regulations.
• Supervise instructors and ensure training is delivered to the highest standards in line with the approved training syllabus.
• Coordinate daily training operations, including scheduling instructors, trainees, and aircraft/simulators.
• Act as a point of contact for operational and instructional queries in the absence of the CFI.

Deliver SME support for type specific compliance and mandatory fly out activities on the appropriate FSTD(S)

Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure training programs align with EASA/UKCAA regulatory requirements, including the Approved Training Manual and Operations Manual.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and assist the CFI in implementing necessary amendments.
• Support internal and external audits and address findings as required.

Instructor Development:
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of flight instructors.
• Conduct standardisation checks and monitor instructor performance to ensure consistent delivery of training.
• Mentor and provide feedback to instructors to maintain high training and safety standards.

Student Support:
• Monitor trainee progress, providing guidance and interventions as needed to support their success.
• Address trainee concerns and feedback in a professional and timely manner.

Safety Management:
• Promote a culture of safety, ensuring adherence to the ATO’s Safety Management System (SMS).
• Investigate and report any safety-related incidents during training, implementing corrective actions as necessary.

Instructional Duties:
• Conduct flight and simulator instruction as needed, including initial, recurrent, and advanced training courses.
• Deliver theoretical knowledge instruction and participate in student assessments.

Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
Have or have held Hold a valid EASA/UKCAA ATPL including a Class I Medical

Valid TRI / TRE qualifications on the relevant types include delivery of training in the lats 3 months.

Proven knowledge of EASA/UKCAA regulations and ATO operations.
Strong leadership and communication skills.

Desirable:
Previous experience in a similar leadership role within an ATO.
Experience with airline training programs (e.g., MPL, APS MCC).

Working knowledge / experience in a CBTA / EBT training environment

Key Competencies:
• Exceptional organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage and mentor a diverse team of instructors and students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering a positive and professional training environment.
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Please note: All candidates who wish to be considered for this vacancy must have the right to work in the UK