Aviation Operations Assistant - Oxford

Leading Edge Aviation; Cherwell District; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £27,000 per annum

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension scheme with enhanced employer

Life assurance 2x salary

Cycle to work scheme

Free on-site parking

Employee referral scheme

Job summary

Leading Edge Aviation is seeking an Operations Assistant to join our busy Operations team at the airside flight school. The role supports safe and efficient delivery of the daily Flying Programme, including liaising with instructors, students, and external agencies.

This permanent, full-time position offers 37.5 hours per week with a weekend shift pattern. You will be on a 12-month commitment and play a key part in maintaining schedules, records, and aviation compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in flight planning and coordinating aviation operations.
• Strong IT and aviation systems proficiency.
• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily Flying Programme and liaise with FI’s, students and agencies.
• Schedule aircraft, simulators and briefing sessions per regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of events and timings.
• Process instructor duty and rest records per Operations Manual.
• Coordinate aircraft movements with Ramp, ATC and engineering.

Skills

Flight planning

IT & systems

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Flexible hours

Problem solving

Job description

Leading Edge Aviation is a leading commercial pilot training school with a reputation for producing exceptional pilots. We're a tight-knit community, bustling with students and a dedicated training and support team. We use cutting-edge technology and training techniques to create an environment tailored to cultivate success for our students.

We are looking for a flexible and highly organised Operations Assistant to join our vibrant Operations team. The team are responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of our daily flight planning programme. This role is based in our busy, airside flight school, putting you right at the heart of an exciting airport environment. An Operations Assistant is crucial to the successful running of everything we do at Leading Edge Aviation

This is a permanent, full-time role working 37.5 hours per week. Operations Assistant work on a rota system which will include regular weekend shifts. Candidates must be able to commit to the role for a period of at least 12 months.

Role Duties

• Effectively managing the daily Flying Programme, liaising with FI’s, students and both internal and external agencies
• Assist in scheduling aircraft, simulator and briefing sessions on the Flying Programme, ensuring adherence to internal and external regulations and procedures.
• Ensure accurate records are maintained with all events and timings.
• Process Instructor duty and rest records in accordance the Operations Manual.
• Maintain a continuous and accurate picture of the position and technical status of all aircraft
• Maintain up-to-date awareness of the actual and forecast weather situation enroute and the serviceability of essential enroute and terminal facilities affecting the operated route
• Assist in the completion and submission of Flight Plans to achieve the flying programme for our students
• Ensure adherence to relevant regulations and procedures, including flight time limitations, in coordination with Operations Manager.
• Initiate remedial actions in the case of potential or actual disruptions in order to keep or bring back the fleet to the initial schedule programme
• Working with the Operation Manager, Scheduler and (Deputy)Chief Flight Instructor to identify solutions to the usual flying training issues that occur such as weather, aircraft, serviceability and pilot availability, contributing to the continual development of the Academy
• To take the lead in case of flight disruption.
• Initiate the emergency procedure, in case of accidents or incidents involving our aircraft or personnel.
• Liaise with London Oxford Airport operations to ensure the efficient delivery of the planned Flying Programme
• Organising refuelling of the aircraft through co-ordination with Ramp and Airport Operations when required.
• Maintain aircraft documentation and Flight bags, ensuring all relevant documents are available and up to date.
• Managing the aircraft movements at the home airport, in conjunction with Ramp, ATC and engineering.
• Liaise with ATC as required to achieve the flying programme and update Flight Logger.
• Be aware of the maintenance schedule and servicing for each aircraft and coordinate at hoc maintenance requirements.
• 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 Operations Assistant is expected to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, compliance and integrity. This role requires flexibility and a collaborative mindset to contribute to our vision of excellence in everything that we do.

Core Competencies

• Passion for Aviation
• Flight planning and operational experience.
• Excellent IT and systems skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a positive and enthusiastic outlook.
• A can-do attitude with the willingness to go the extra mile for the customer.
• Ability to analyse and decide a course of action in a timely manner.
• A pro-active manner, looking to resolve issues within approved boundaries
• A flexible approach to working hours; the team participate in a shift pattern to cover a 7-day week operation which covers weekend and evening working on a rotational basis.
• Demonstrable alignment with the company’s core values in attitude, conduct, and work ethic.

We know a great team member is more than a checklist. If you have the skills, passion, and commitment to make a difference, we’d like to hear from you, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement.

What We Offer

• Salary up to £27,000 per annum, reviewed annually
• Commitment to your personal and professional development
• Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days plus public holidays
• Enhanced sick pay and leave
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions
• Life assurance scheme of 2x your annual salary
• Critical illness cover
• Access to our Individual Assistance Program and lifestyle discounts.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Employee referral scheme