About This Role
Leading Edge Aviation, a pilot training academy based in Oxford and Spain, is seeking a Deputy Chief Flight Instructor to support the Chief Flight Instructor in overseeing flight training operations across their campuses. This full-time role involves managing instructional standards, supervising flight instructors, and ensuring high-quality training delivery for piston aircraft. Candidates must hold an EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence with Flight Instructor ratings, minimum 1,000 hours PIC (500+ instructional), and proven experience in professional flight training environments. The position offers a competitive salary of £63,000-£65,000 with bonus, 25+ days holiday, pension scheme, and commitment to professional development in a collaborative, excellence-focused training organization.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist the Chief Flight Instructor in managing day-to-day flight training operations
- Schedule and optimize resources including aircraft, simulators, and instructors
- Monitor training progress and intervene where performance or scheduling issues arise
- Supervise, mentor, and support Flight Instructors in maintaining instructional quality
- Conduct lesson observations and provide feedback to instructors
- Review student progress and conduct flight assessments and progress checks
- Supervise remedial training sessions as needed
- Promote and reinforce the Safety Management System (SMS) and Threat & Error Management (TEM)
- Support incident and accident investigations
- Ensure compliance with NAA regulations and LEAL documentation
- Assist in development and review of SOPs and training syllabi
- Lead by example and uphold company values and professionalism
- Represent the CFI in meetings and liaison with aviation authorities
- Liaise with Chief TKI and ground school team for student preparation
- Support administrative functions including reporting and regulatory documentation
- Assist with course planning and instructor rostering
What We Offer
Competitive salary up to £65,000 with bonus schemeCommitment to personal and professional developmentGenerous holiday entitlement of 25 days (increases with service) plus public holidaysEnhanced sick pay and leavePension scheme with enhanced employer contributionsLife assurance scheme (2x annual salary)Critical illness coverIndividual Assistance ProgramLifestyle discountsCycle to work schemeFree on-site parkingEmployee referral scheme
Requirements
- EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- Valid Flight Instructor ratings relevant to LEAL's training courses
- Eligible to hold or obtain EASA/UK FCL.900(c) approval
- Minimum 1,000 hours PIC (Pilot in Command)
- At least 500 hours instructional experience (including up to 200 hours instrument ground time)
- Proven experience in a professional flight training environment
- Demonstrable instructional and supervisory capability
- Strong interpersonal, organisational, and decision-making skills
- Commitment to safety and continuous improvement
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Alignment with company core values
About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a firmly established pilot training academy based at London Oxford Airport and Alhama, Southern Spain, offering comprehensive integrated and modular training programmes with an emphasis on holistic pilot development through 'The Whole Pilot®' Approach.