Job Title:  Chief Flight Instructor

Job Location:  UK – Crawley - West Sussex

Job ID: 19522

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 Chief Flight Instructor CFI (AT) is responsible for overseeing all flight training activities, particularly in the simulator environment. The CFI (AT) ensures compliance with aviation regulatory standards, oversees instructor qualifications and performance, manages training curriculum, and maintains required standards of safety and instruction within the simulator training programmes.The Chief Flight Instructor CFI (AT) is responsible for overseeing all flight training activities, particularly in the simulator environment. The CFI (AT) ensures compliance with aviation regulatory standards, oversees instructor qualifications and performance, manages training curriculum, and maintains required standards of safety and instruction within the simulator training programmes.

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:

1. Oversight of Simulator Training Programs

• Supervise and coordinate all simulator-based flight training programmes.
• Ensure that training syllabi, manuals, and lesson plans are up-to-date, in compliance with regulatory such as the UKCAA EASA plus other NAAs as required.
• Develop and implement improvements to simulator training processes, procedures, and curricula.
• Support the scheduling and usage of flight simulators to ensure optimal efficiency.

2. Instructor Management & Development

• Recruit, train, and manage simulator instructors, ensuring they meet all regulatory and company standards.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and ensure continuous professional development of instructors.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to instructors, ensuring instructional standards are maintained at the highest level.
• Ensure instructors stay current with the latest training methods, equipment, and industry regulations.

3. Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all National Aviation Authority regulations related to flight training and simulator use.
• Liaise with NAA and clients during audits and ensure any findings are resolved promptly.
• Ensure all training records and documentation are maintained and meet regulatory requirements.

4. Safety & Compliance Management

• Implement and enforce safety procedures within the simulator training environment.
• Regularly review safety protocols and update them in alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in Safety Management System (SMS) processes to monitor and mitigate risk in training operations.
• Oversee the compliance management processes related to training delivery and equipment (simulators).

5. Curriculum and Syllabus Development

• Lead the design and development of courseware, simulation exercises, and training modules in collaboration with the instructional design team.
• Regularly review and update the training syllabus to reflect changes in technology, regulations, and industry practices.
• Ensure that training programmes are aligned with airline and operator requirements, particularly for Type Rating and recurrent training.

6. Training Delivery and Evaluation

• Provide training to new and current instructors, ensuring they are proficient in using simulators for instruction.
• Conduct flight instructor standardisation sessions to ensure consistent and high-quality instruction across the organisation.
• Lead periodic simulator training assessments to monitor the effectiveness of training and ensure it meets industry standards.

7. Simulator Maintenance & Technology

• Work closely with technical teams to ensure simulators are well-maintained and meet certification requirements.
• Stay informed of technological advancements in flight simulation and recommend upgrades or improvements as necessary.

Qualifications:
• Licensing & Certifications:
• Valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Including Valid Qualifications at the highest level for the courses delivered by the ATO
• Type Rating on relevant aircraft for training.
• Meet regulatory requirements for a Chief Flight Instructor position as specified by the appropriate aviation authority

Experience:
• Extensive experience as a Type Rating Instructor, with a strong focus on simulator-based training.
• Experience managing or leading training operations in an ATO airline training department.
• Demonstrated experience in compliance with regulatory standards for flight training.

Skills:
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Deep understanding of simulator technology and its applications in flight training.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with regulatory authorities, instructors, and students.
• Ability to handle administrative tasks such as record-keeping, scheduling, and regulatory documentation.
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS).

Key Competencies:
• Leadership: Capable of leading and developing a team of instructors.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures training programs meet high standards of safety and quality.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address training issues, regulatory concerns, or simulator malfunctions effectively.
• Communication: Effectively communicates with staff, students, and regulatory bodies.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexibility to work varied hours and meet the operational needs of the training organisation.

• Availability for travel, if required, to simulator locations or for training and meetings.

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