Deputy Chief Flight Instructor: Lead Training Excellence

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

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.