Flight Operations Team Leader

Skyports Drone Services; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Skyports Drone Services in Aylesbury is seeking a Flight Operations Team Leader responsible for operating advanced drone systems. This role includes managing flight operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and leading a team in a dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate will be a certified Remote Pilot with experience in BVLOS operations, proficient in flight planning, and possess solid team management skills. This position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Certified Remote Pilot with solid commercial flying experience.
• Experience in BVLOS operations and strong understanding of drone platforms.
• Proven capability to lead teams in high-pressured environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate advanced drone systems for delivery, surveying, and surveillance.
• Supervise safety and readiness of the team and equipment.
• Conduct daily meteorological briefings and flight planning.

Skills

Remote Pilot Certification

Team Management

Flight Planning Tools

UAS platforms

Maintenance Procedures

Job description

Flight Operations Team Leader

Location: Westcott, Aylesbury – 25%, Remote – 25% , International Travel – 50%

Department: Drone Operations

Type: Full time, permanent

About Us

Founded in 2018, Skyports is at the forefront of the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, developing and operating cutting‑edge infrastructure for electric air taxis and leveraging drone technology to transform business operations across industries.

Our Business is Split Into Two Key Areas

• Skyports Drone Services uses drones to streamline logistics, capture data, and enhance operational efficiency, with a focus on rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services.
• Skyports Infrastructure plays a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem, designing, building, owning, and operating vertiports that enable eVTOL operators to take off and land in cities around the world.

The Role

As a Flight Operations Team Leader at Skyports, you will play a crucial role in our flight operations team. You will be responsible for operating our advanced drone systems for various services, including drone delivery, surveying, and surveillance. Your expertise in remote piloting, adherence to aviation regulations, and commitment to safety will contribute to the successful execution of our missions. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, contribute to the development of operational procedures, and provide valuable insights and recommendations based on post‑flight analysis.

Operational Management and Safety Oversight

• Accountability for Team Output: Ensure the highest standards of safety and performance in training and operations.
• Team Readiness: Confirm that all team members are fully trained, qualified, and ready for their tasks.
• Equipment and Gear: Ensure team members are properly equipped for tasks in varying conditions.

Operational Planning and Execution

• Infrastructure Oversight: Supervise the setup and safety of Takeoff and Landing Points (TOLPs), assigning Hub Operator (HO) leads to each.
• Weather Briefings: Conduct daily meteorological briefings to inform the team of environmental conditions.
• Team Brief: Conduct daily pre‑deployment and operational briefs at start and end of day.
• Flight Planning: Execute detailed flight planning based on Skyports’ best practices and aircraft documentation.

Maintenance and Technical Assurance

• Maintenance Supervision: Direct maintenance activities, up to levels 1 and 2, if qualified.
• Fleet Serviceability: Oversee aircraft airworthiness, ensuring maintenance meets Skyports standards.

Documentation and Compliance

• Regulatory Adherence: Enforce strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), aviation regulations, and laws.
• Fleet Serviceability: Oversee aircraft airworthiness, ensuring maintenance meets Skyports standards.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate operational records on platforms like Centrik, ensuring timely compliance with documentation protocols.

Communication and Reporting

• Communication Protocols: Manage team communication channels for effectiveness and proper use.
• Incident Reporting: Oversee the prompt submission of occurrence reports by team members.

Resource and Fatigue Management

• Resource Planning: Manage team resource allocation for optimal utilisation and to prevent overextension.
• Fatigue Monitoring: Monitor team fatigue levels and human factors to ensure overall well‑being.

Operational Competency

• Personal Proficiency: Maintain currency and competency on at least one Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform.
• Operational Familiarity: Stay familiar with all operational areas to be ready to act as a qualified remote pilot.

Visitor Management and Briefing

• Visitor Induction: Provide comprehensive safety briefings to visitors, outlining operational hazards and emergency procedures.

Qualifications

• You are a certified Remote Pilot with solid commercial flying experience, proven capability in BVLOS operations and a strong grasp on drone platforms, maintenance and systems integration.
• Demonstrable experience leading and managing teams in high‑pressured environments.
• Proficiency in flight planning tools, mission software, and UAS platforms used by the organisation.
• Familiarity with basic maintenance procedures, fleet documentation, and airworthiness assurance.
• Ability to manage end‑to‑end field operations, including TOLP setup, crew briefings, and stakeholder communication.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about drones and keen to be part of a pioneering company that is changing the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re a great fit for this role.

Skyports is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.