Head of Flying Operations - Air Link

Aviation Logistics Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Link, part of the Aviation Logistics Group, seeks a Head of Flying Operations (HOFO) to lead and develop flying operations across scheduled and charter activities. Responsible for regulatory compliance, safety culture and the performance of pilots and operational teams.

The role requires CASA approval, ATPL, and extensive flight experience. Based at Bankstown, the HOFO will drive operational excellence and collaboration with cross-functional teams to support growth and service quality.

Qualifications

• Eligible for CASA Head of Flying Operations appointment.
• Australian ATPL holder or equivalent.
• Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating – 5 renewals.
• Minimum 3000 hours total time.
• Minimum 2000 hours PIC.
• Minimum 500 hours Night PIC.
• Minimum 1500 hours Jet.
• ASIC holder or eligible.
• Valid Class 1 Aviation Medical.
• Experience in senior flying operations management.
• Jet and turbo-prop experience.
• Strong knowledge of Australian aviation law and CASA regs.
• Experience managing flight crew performance.
• Australian working rights and travel to bases.

Responsibilities

• Lead Air Link flying operations in compliance with CASA requirements.
• Oversee passenger, charter and aeromedical flight operations.
• Promote safety culture and operational discipline.
• Develop pilots and operational personnel.
• Coordinate with Training/Checking on training programs.
• Oversee flight operations policies, manuals and standards.
• Ensure flight crew qualifications, currency and fatigue risk management.
• Collaborate with Safety, Quality, Engineering and Operations teams.
• Support fleet development and new aircraft introductions.
• Drive efficiency, utilization and cost management.
• Maintain relationships with CASA and stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic planning and growth of Air Link and AG.

Skills

Leadership

CASA regulation

People management

ATPL

Flight operations

Safety culture

Education

Australian ATPL

Job description

Salary negotiable on qualifications and experience

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

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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

• 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 - 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.