Head of Flying Operations

Aviation Logistics Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Link, part of the Aviation Logistics Group, invites applications for the Head of Flying Operations (HOFO). The role leads flying operations to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient service across Air Link's broad aviation activities.

The HOFO will mentor pilots and operations staff, work with CASA and internal teams, and drive continuous improvement in aviation safety and cost management, with potential for fleet development and expansion.

Qualifications

• Must hold an Australian ATPL, or qualifications and experience satisfying regulatory requirements for appointment.
• Experience in senior flying operations management, supervisory or operational leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead Air Link's flying operations to meet CASA regulatory requirements, company policies and objectives.
• Provide oversight across scheduled passenger, charter and aeromedical flying operations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and uphold high standards of operational discipline.
• Mentor and develop pilots and operational personnel, fostering a positive, accountable culture.
• Collaborate with Safety, Quality, Engineering and Operations to maintain regulatory compliance and reliability.
• Support aircraft fleet development, expansion and integration of new aircraft types and services.
• Contribute to strategic planning and growth of Air Link and Aviation Logistics Group.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Operations management

People management

Safety culture

Education

Australian ATPL

Job description

Aviation Services (Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics)

Full time

Salary negotiable on qualifications and experience

Flying

Regulatory Compliance

Flight Operations

Senior Aviation Leadership Opportunity | Bankstown Basing

Air Link, part of the Aviation Logistics Group, invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced aviation professionals for the position of Head of Flying Operations (HOFO).

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of Australia's leading general aviation groups in a senior leadership role, with responsibility for the safe, compliant and efficient delivery of Air Link's flying operations.

We are seeking an experienced aviation leader who combines strong technical and regulatory knowledge with sound commercial judgement, excellent people management skills and a genuine commitment to developing a positive safety culture.

The successful candidate will play a key role in leading our flying operations, supporting continued business growth and driving operational excellence across a diverse range of aviation activities

About Air Link and Aviation Logistics Group

Air Link is an established Australian aviation operator delivering scheduled passenger services, charter, aeromedical and specialist aviation solutions across the east coast of Australia.

As part of the Aviation Logistics Group, which includes Air Link, Chartair, AirMed and Air Link Engineering, we offer the opportunity to work within a substantial and growing aviation organisation.

Collectively, the Group operates approximately 60 aircraft across 10 operational bases, supported by more than 260 employees, including pilots, engineers, operations personnel and aviation management professionals.

Our operations encompass scheduled regional passenger services, passenger and freight charter, aeromedical transport, FIFO services and specialist aviation activities, supported by extensive in-house aircraft maintenance and engineering capabilities.

As a member of the Air Link leadership team, you will have access to operational resources, a diverse fleet and opportunities to contribute to the future direction of the organisation.

To learn more, visit www.airlinkairlines.com.au

About the Role

Reporting to the Accountable Manager, the Head of Flying Operations will be responsible for the leadership, oversight and ongoing development of Air Link's flying operations in accordance with CASA regulatory requirements, company policies and operational objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining regulatory compliance and fulfilling the responsibilities of a CASA-approved Head of Flying Operations.
• Providing leadership and operational oversight across scheduled passenger, charter and aeromedical flying operations.
• Promoting a strong, proactive safety culture and ensuring the highest standards of operational discipline.
• Leading, mentoring and developing pilots and operational personnel, fostering a positive and accountable workplace culture.
• Working closely with the Head of Training and Checking to ensure effective pilot training, checking, competency and standardisation programs.
• Overseeing flight operations policies, procedures, manuals and operational standards.
• Ensuring appropriate flight crew qualifications, currency, rostering and fatigue risk management arrangements.
• Working collaboratively with Safety, Quality, Engineering and Operations teams to maintain operational reliability and regulatory compliance.
• Supporting aircraft fleet development, operational expansion and the introduction of new aircraft types and services.
• Driving continuous improvement in operational efficiency, aircraft utilisation, service delivery and cost management.
• Maintaining productive working relationships with CASA, industry stakeholders and internal management teams.
• Contributing to the strategic planning and ongoing growth of Air Link and the wider Aviation Logistics Group.

About You

We are seeking a professional, approachable and commercially aware aviation leader with a proven record of successfully managing flying operations.

Eligibility to be appointed and approved by CASA as Head of Flying Operations under the applicable Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.

Hold an Australian Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), or qualifications and experience satisfying the applicable regulatory requirements for appointment.

The following experience is mandatory:

• Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating to 5 Renewals
• Minimum 3000 hours total time
• Minimum 2000 hours Pilot in Command (PIC)
• Minimum 500 hours Night PIC
• Minimum 1500 hours Jet
• Hold or be eligible to hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
• Valid Class 1 Aviation Medical
• Demonstrated experience in a senior flying operations management, supervisory or operational leadership position.
• Jet and turbo-prop experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of Australian aviation legislation, CASA regulatory requirements and operational safety standards.
• Comprehensive understanding of CASR 1998 Part 119, Part 135 and Part 121 regulatory requirements and associated operational obligations.
• Demonstrated experience managing flight crew performance, operational standards and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to positively influence organisational culture.
• A commitment to safety, accountability, continuous improvement and professional operational standards.
• Australian working rights and the ability to travel between operational bases as required.

Highly regarded experience and qualifications:

• Previous CASA approval as a Head of Flying Operations or Deputy Head of Flying Operations.
• Experience managing multi-base or geographically dispersed aviation operations.
• Experience with scheduled passenger services, charter and aeromedical operations.
• Experience in planning, managing and conducting international flight operations.
• Experience with CASA Part 121 operations, including regulatory transition or implementation activities.
• Training and Checking experience, including Check Pilot, Training Pilot or Head of Training and Checking appointments.
• Previous experience as a CASA-authorised Flight Examiner, with demonstrated capability in pilot assessment
• Operational experience on aircraft types including the King Air B200/B350, Cessna Citation or Cessna Caravan.
• Experience leading organisational change, implementing operational improvements or introducing new aircraft and services.
• A demonstrated understanding of the commercial drivers of aviation operations, including aircraft utilisation, productivity and operating costs.

Location and Remuneration

This is a full-time senior management position, preferably based at Bankstown Airport for suitably qualified candidates.

A remuneration package in line with current industry standards will be negotiated based on the successful candidate's qualifications, experience and location.

The role offers the opportunity to contribute to the leadership of an established and growing aviation group, with genuine scope to influence operational strategy, develop people and support future business growth.

Salary:Salary negotiable on qualifications and experience