Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
Department: Flight Training
Location: Alhama Campus
Compensation: €55,000 - €60,000 / year
Description
The Deputy Chief Flight Instructor (Deputy CFI) supports the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) in the delivery, oversight, and continuous improvement of flight training operations at Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL). This includes maintaining instructional standards, supervising Flight Instructors (FIs), and ensuring efficient training delivery across LEAL’s campuses, with particular focus on Alhama, Spain. The Deputy CFI acts as the CFI’s delegate in their absence and contributes to strategic training development in alignment with the Head of Training.
The Deputy CFI based in Alhama will work closely with the counterpart Deputy CFI based in Oxford.
This is a full‑time role working 37.5 hours per week, mostly based at our Alhama campus, with visits to our Oxford base.
Operational Support
* Assist the CFI in managing day‑to‑day flight training operations, including scheduling and resource optimisation (aircraft, simulators, instructors).
* Monitor training progress and intervene early where performance or scheduling issues arise.
Instructor Oversight
* Supervise, mentor, and support FIs in maintaining instructional quality and adherence to SOPs.
* Conduct lesson observations, provide feedback, and recommend additional training or support as needed.
* Support the CFI with all Line Management duties as required, including day‑to‑day management tasks conducting annual reviews and performance management.
Student Training
* Review student progress and liaise with instructors to ensure timely completion of training phases.
* Conduct or supervise flight assessments, progress checks, and where necessary, remedial training sessions.
Safety & Standards
* Promote and reinforce LEAL’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Threat & Error Management (TEM) principles.
* Support incident/accident investigations and ensure effective dissemination of safety learnings.
Quality Assurance
* Collaborate with the Head of Standards to ensure compliance with NAA regulations and LEAL documentation.
* Assist in the development, review, and revision of SOPs, training syllabi, and instructional materials.
Leadership & Development
* Lead by example, upholding and promoting a culture of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.
* Represent the CFI in meetings, briefings, and when liaising with national aviation authorities or external stakeholders.
Administrative Duties
* Support administrative functions including reporting, records maintenance, and regulatory documentation.
* Assist with course planning, instructor rostering, and evaluation of training outcomes.
Transition Support
* Liaise with the Chief TKI and ground school team to ensure students are effectively prepared for flight training.
Administration
* Accurately maintain your own logbook as per Company/National Regulations.
* Complete student training records appropriately and in a timely manner, checking student logbooks as required.
* Attend all administrative, standardisation and Instructor development meetings and in‑service training as programmed.
* Play a part in wider company life, such as attending open days and events when requested.
* Demonstrate and uphold the company’s core values in all actions, decisions, and interactions.
OUR CULTURE
At Leading Edge Aviation, our Vision, Mission and Values guide everything that we do. The Deputy CFI is expected to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, regulatory compliance and instructional integrity. This role requires flexibility, the ability to work across campuses, and a collaborative mindset to contribute to LEAL’s vision of excellence in aviation training.
Core Competencies
* Hold an EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence with valid Flight Instructor ratings relevant to LEAL’s training courses.
* Eligible to hold or obtain EASA/UK FCL.900(c) approval.
* Minimum of 1,000 hours PIC, with at least 500 hours instructional (including up to 200 hours instrument ground time).
* Proven experience in a professional flight training environment, with demonstrable instructional and supervisory capability.
* Maintain your licence, ratings and medical in line with company requirements and applicable aviation authority regulations (with either 6 months current validity, or ability to renew prior to start).
* Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and student success.
* Ability to work independently and on your own initiative when appropriate.
* Strong report writing, systems and IT skills.
* A flexible approach, with the ability to work shifts as per the established rota.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a positive and enthusiastic outlook.
* Demonstrable alignment with the company’s core values in attitude, conduct, and work ethic.
Beneficial competencies include
* Experience working across multiple training locations or international campuses.
* Familiarity with LEAL’s operational systems and learning environment.
* Previous leadership or deputy role within an ATO.
* Dual Licence (CAA and EASA) holder.
* Flight Examiner and FIC/FIE qualifications.
We know a great pilot—or instructor is more than a checklist. If you have the skills, passion, and commitment to develop future aviators, we’d like to hear from you, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement.
What We Offer
* Salary up to €60,000 per annum subject to qualifications, reviewed annually.
* Commitment to your career progression, including upskilling to next level of flight instructor.
* Generous holiday entitlement of 30 calendar days plus public holidays.
* Employee referral scheme.
* Relocation assistance up to €1,500.
* Loss of licence insurance.
* Reimbursement of all rating and medical renewals and revalidations.
* Free on‑site parking.
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