DHC-6 Twin Otter Pilot – Antarctic & Global Science Operations

Pilot Assessments; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Open-ended appointment in Cambridge

Competitive salary

World-class training and support

Job summary

Pilot Assessments in Cambridge seeks a highly experienced BAS pilot to operate Twin Otters in Antarctica and international campaigns. You will lead small teams, deliver passengers and cargo, and support science by servicing instruments and fuel depots.

The role involves up to six months in Antarctica, eight months abroad, and training in Calgary; requires ATPL, 2,500 flight hours, and strong leadership. Open-ended appointment with a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• UK CAA Part-FCL ATPL or ICAO equivalent (case-by-case).
• Minimum 2,500 flight hours in multi-crew and single-pilot operations.
• Ability to identify hazards, assess and manage dynamic risk, and apply safe systems of work.
• Clear, confident communication in person and over remote networks; strong leadership.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the BAS Flying Programme safely and compliantly.
• Fly operational, flight-test and training missions; maintain currency and approvals for Antarctic and international operations.
• Transport passengers and cargo to remote locations; lead and participate in loading/unloading.
• Service scientific instruments and fuel depots; dig out equipment and fuel drums.
• Support hangar operations and contribute to station community activities.
• Report progress, deficiencies and faults to the Chief Pilot/Deputy Chief Pilot; comply with BAS Air Operations Manual.

Skills

ATPL license

Flight hours 2500

Hazard identification

Leadership

Remote fieldwork

Job description

The Mission

Operate BAS Twin Otters in Antarctica and on international science campaigns, flying safely, autonomously and efficiently in some of the world’s most remote regions. You’ll lead small teams, deliver cargo and passengers to field sites, and directly support science by servicing instruments and fuel depots.

Where You’ll Work

• Deployments to Rothera Research Station in Antarctica for up to six months between October and February.
• Up to eight months per year outside the UK supporting campaigns and operations.
• Training flying and simulator time in Calgary, Canada.
• When not deployed, support Air Unit and community activities from the Cambridge base.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver the BAS Flying Programme as directed by Air Unit Management, ensuring safe, compliant operations at all times.
• Fly operational, flight-test and training missions; maintain currency and approvals for Antarctic and international operations.
• Transport passengers and cargo to remote locations; lead and take part in manual loading/unloading.
• Service scientific instruments and fuel depots, including digging out equipment and fuel drums after winter.
• Support hangar operations at Rothera and contribute to wider station community activities.
• Report progress, deficiencies and faults to the Chief Pilot/Deputy Chief Pilot; comply with the BAS Air Operations Manual and applicable regulations.

Representative work split: ~50% flying, 30% operational/training, 10% secondary/administrative, 10% general duties (subject to operational demands).

What You’ll Bring

• Licence: UK CAA Part-FCL ATPL or ATPL(A) MCC, or an equivalent ICAO licence (case-by-case consideration).
• Total time: Minimum 2,500 flight hours with experience in both multi-crew and single-pilot operations.
• Proven ability to identify hazards, assess and manage dynamic risk, and apply safe systems of work.
• Clear, confident communication in person and over remote networks; strong leadership with the humility to follow local expertise.
• Autonomous and collaborative decision-making, sound judgment, resilience, and a genuine appetite for remote fieldwork.
• Commitment to maintaining required licences, approvals and medical standards for BAS operations.
• Ability to obtain the necessary security screening/vetting and pass a BASMU Medical (mandatory for Antarctic deployment).
• Operational age policy: no single-pilot passenger operations after age 60; BAS retirement age is 65.

Desirable

• Twin Otter type rating.
• 1,500 hours Pilot-in-Command.
• Experience working autonomously in remote environments, including incident response and contingency planning.

Rewards & Benefits

• Open-ended appointment based in Cambridge with competitive salary: £37,614–£69,727 per annum.
• Contracted for 221 working days with 144 days of leave per year.
• Unique operational experience across polar and global science missions, with world-class training and support.

Visa note: The only potential Skilled Worker visa sponsorship considered is for an individual who already holds a qualifying Skilled Worker visa issued for another role or employer before 4 April 2024 and who meets the applicable salary threshold.

Ready to Fly Further?

If you’re an accomplished Twin Otter or turboprop pilot who thrives on responsibility, teamwork and austere environments, we’d love to hear from you. Help deliver vital science at the ends of the Earth.