Deputy Chief Flight Instructor

Leading Edge Aviation; Oxford; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Free on-site parking

Employee referral scheme

Job summary

Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL) invites applications for the Deputy Chief Flight Instructor role based at the Oxford Campus, with visits to Alhama, Spain. The Deputy CFI supports the CFI in delivering and overseeing flight training, maintaining instructional standards, and directing day-to-day operations.

The successful candidate will supervise Flight Instructors, mentor staff, review student progress, and contribute to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement across LEAL’s training programs.

Qualifications

• Must hold an EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence with valid Flight Instructor ratings.
• Eligibility for EASA/UK FCL.900(c) approval.
• Proven instructional and supervisory capability in flight training.

Responsibilities

• Assist the CFI in managing day-to-day flight training operations, including scheduling and resource optimisation.
• Monitor training progress and intervene when performance or scheduling issues arise.
• Supervise, mentor, and support flight instructors in maintaining quality and SOP adherence.
• Conduct lesson observations, provide feedback, and arrange additional training as needed.
• Support the CFI with line management duties including annual reviews and performance management.
• Review student progress and liaise with instructors to ensure timely completion of training phases.
• Conduct or supervise flight assessments, progress checks, and remedial training sessions.
• Promote LEAL’s SMS and TEM principles and assist in safety investigations.
• Collaborate on SOPs, syllabi, and instructional materials with Head of Standards.
• Lead by example and uphold professionalism, integrity, and excellence; liaise with authorities as needed.
• Coordinate with the Head TKI and ground school to prepare students for flight training.
• Support administrative functions including reporting, records maintenance, and regulatory documentation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Decision-making

Communication skills

Mentoring

People management

Education

EASA/UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence

Flight Instructor ratings

Dual Licence (CAA & EASA)

Job 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 (in Oxford and 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.

This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, mostly based at our Oxford campus, with visits to our campus in Alhama, Spain.

Department

Flight Training

Location

Oxford Campus

Compensation

£63,000 - £65,000 / year

Role Duties

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.
• Demonstrate and uphold the company’s core values in all actions, decisions, and interactions.
• Represent the CFI in meetings, briefings, and when liaising with national aviation authorities or external stakeholders.

Transition Support

• Liaise with the Chief TKI and ground school team to ensure students are effectively prepared for flight training.

Administrative Duties

• Support administrative functions including reporting, records maintenance, and regulatory documentation.
• Assist with course planning, instructor rostering, and evaluation of training outcomes.

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.
• Strong interpersonal, organisational, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and student success.
• Strong people skills with proven ability to mentor and support individuals and teams.
• 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.

Further beneficial requirements

• 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

What We Offer

• Competitive salary up to £65,000, plus bonus scheme
  • Commitment to your personal and professional development
  • Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days, which increases with service, plus public holidays
  • An Airspace day for wellbeing and what is important to you
  • 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