Head of Flight Operations

Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 260,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous salary packaging options

Competitive remuneration

Employee Assistance Program

Reward and recognition programs

Learning and development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Job summary

The Royal Flying Doctor Service South Australia (RFDS SA/NT) seeks a strategic Head of Flight Operations to lead safety, regulatory compliance and operational performance across SA and the Northern Territory. Based at Adelaide, Port Augusta, Alice Springs or Darwin, you will guide aviation activities and ensure high-quality aeromedical services.

You will provide leadership for flight operations personnel, manage workforce planning, and reinforce a strong safety culture while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Senior aviation leadership experience required.
• Proven track record in safety, quality and fatigue management.
• Experience in aero-medical operations or health-related aviation preferred.
• Experience operating in remote/ rural aviation environments.
• Experience training and checking air crew.

Responsibilities

• Oversee flight operations across SA and NT.
• Ensure CASA compliance and internal standards.
• Lead pilot workforce planning, recruitment, training and performance management.
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders to sustain aeromedical services.
• Participate in line flying to maintain currency.

Skills

Aviation leadership

Safety management

Staff coaching

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical decision-making

Operational planning

Learning culture

Training & checking air crew

Remote/ rural operations

Tools

Aviation systems

CASA regulations

Job description

About the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Australia / Northern Territory (RFDS SA/NT)

We are trusted leaders in providing aeromedical and primary health care services to people in remote, rural and regional locations across South Australia and the Northern Territory. Our strategic direction places patients and communities at the heart of everything we do, supporting healthier and happier Australians no matter where they live.

Our values of Care, Integrity, Collaboration, and Innovation guide how we work, ensuring we deliver the highest standard of service and continue to improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive General Manager Aviation, the Head of Flight Operations is a critical leadership role responsible for the safety, compliance, and operational performance of RFDS SA/NT Flight Operations. This position provides strategic leadership across the aviation function while ensuring compliance with CASA regulations and RFDS operational standards.

This role can be based at one of our Adelaide, Port Augusta, Alice Springs or Darwin bases.

You will:

• Lead and oversee all flight operations activities across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
• Maintain operational safety and regulatory compliance in accordance with CASA requirements and internal procedures.
• Provide leadership and support to flight operations personnel, including pilot workforce planning, recruitment, training and performance management.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the continued delivery of safe and effective aeromedical services.
• Participate in line flying duties to maintain operational currency and support aviation operations when required.

About You

You are an experienced aviation leader with a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence and people leadership. You thrive in complex operational environments and are passionate about supporting services that make a meaningful difference to remote and regional communities.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience in senior aviation management, with demonstrated leadership, coaching and staff performance management capabilities.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in aviation safety, quality and fatigue management systems.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent listening, counselling and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on initiative, continuous improvement and sound judgement.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain a strong learning and safety culture within the RFDS.
• Demonstrated experience operating in remote aviation environments and understanding the operational considerations of aircraft operations in remote areas.
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary Management Team and contribute to a collaborative, team-focused environment.
• Excellent prioritisation, organisation and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing operational demands.
• Competent computer skills and the ability to effectively use relevant systems and technology.
• A minimum of 3,500 hours flight time.
• A minimum of 3,000 hours command time.
• A minimum of 500 hours turbine time.
• A minimum of 500 hours multi-engine time.
• A minimum of 200 hours night flight time.
• Command Instrument Rating with a minimum of three Instrument Proficiency Checks.
• Current Australian Driver's Licence.
• Ability to obtain CASA approval to act as Head of Flight Operations within RFDS SA/NT operations.
• Management experience in a health related or aviation organisation.
• Comprehensive experience in aero-medical operations.
• Experience in rural/remote operations.
• Extensive experience in training and checking of air crew, and/or instructing.

As part of our team, you will be supported to achieve your best while contributing to meaningful work that makes a real difference.

We offer:

• Generous salary packaging options (up to $15,899 + $2,650 meal & entertainment)
• Competitive remuneration
• Employee Assistance Program
• Reward and recognition programs
• Learning and development opportunities
• Free onsite parking

Applications close at 11:59pm on 23 September 2026.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a positive culture and offers a diverse, safe and supportive work environment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants are encouraged to apply.