Head of Flight Operations

Devon Air Ambulance Trust; Cranbrook; On-site; GBP 99,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25 days

Bank holidays 8

Parental leave enhancement

Pension 6% contributed by DAAT

Sick pay after probation

Counselling services

Healthcare insurance

Relocation package up to £8k

Loss of Licence Insurance

Buy extra annual leave

Job summary

Devon Air Ambulance Trust seeks a Head of Flight Operations to lead the Flight Operations team, ensure safe and compliant operations, and drive strategic development. The role requires strong aviation leadership, extensive HEMS experience, and effective collaboration with the UK CAA and senior leadership.

You will oversee planning, rostering, training and recruitment, contributing to safety, operational excellence and service delivery across Exeter Head Office, Exeter Airbase and Eaglescott

Qualifications

• Hold a UK CPL or ATPL Helicopter Flight Crew Licence
• Practical experience applying aviation safety standards and safe operating practices
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK aviation regulations, AOC operations, operations manuals and aviation management systems
• At least 5 years' experience in single pilot HEMS Flight Operations
• Eligibility to be accepted by the CAA as the AOC nominated person for Flight Operations
• Current experience operating the H145 and/or EC135 in a single pilot HEMS role

Responsibilities

• Lead Flight Operations and flight operations personnel; act as nominated contact with UK CAA
• Oversee operational planning, rostering and training; recruit and develop Flight Operations team
• Ensure compliance with UK Air Regulations and DAATCL Operations Manuals
• Develop long-term strategic plans as part of Senior Leadership Team
• Represent the organization in safety, operational excellence and community impact negotiations

Skills

UK CPL/ATPL Helicopter

Aviation safety standards

UK aviation regulations

Single-pilot HEMS operations

CAA AOC nominated person eligibility

H145/EC135 single-pilot HEMS

Job description

The Head of Flight Operations is a key leadership role, responsible for the management, supervision and continued development of company Flight Operations and flight operational personnel. You will contribute to the development of long-term strategic plans and work collaboratively as part of the Senior Leadership Team to support the achievement of strategic goals.

As the nominated person for Flight Operations, you will act as the primary point of contact with the UK CAA and ensure all flight operations are delivered safely, professionally and in compliance with UK Air Regulations and the DAATCL Operations Manuals. You will oversee operational planning, performance, rostering and training, as well as providing leadership to the Flight Operations team, including pilot recruitment, line management and development.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of a CAA Form 4 interview with the DAATCL UK CAA Flight Operations Inspector (FOI).

We are looking for an experienced aviation professional with strong operational leadership skills, a commitment to safety and compliance, and the ability to lead and develop a high-performing Flight Operations team.

Essential requirements include:

• Hold a UK CPL or ATPL Helicopter Flight Crew Licence
• Practical experience applying aviation safety standards and safe operating practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK aviation regulations, AOC operations, operations manuals and aviation management systems.
• At least 5 years' experience in single pilot HEMS Flight Operations.
• Eligibility to be accepted by the CAA as the AOC nominated person for Flight Operations (UK Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 -Part - ORO.AOC.135)
• Current experience operating the H145 and/or EC135 in a single pilot HEMS role.

Hours: Full time roster in accordance with the Company Approved FTL Scheme

Location: Head Office, Harrington Lane, Exeter, with travel to Exeter Airbase and Eaglescott Airbase (North Devon)

Salary: £99,450 - £120,000 per annum depending on experience

Increments are awarded for HEMS experience based on service/length of service up to a maximum of £10,000 per annum. Additional payments may also apply for CRMT and completed night shifts., If you are an experienced HEMS pilot with a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence and making a real difference to the local community, we would love to hear from you.

The Package

Salary: £99,450 - £120,000 per annum depending on experience.

Increments are awarded for HEMS experience based on service/length of service up to a maximum of £10,000 per annum. Additional payments include £2,040 per annum for CRMT and £102 per night shift completed.

As a valued member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity & Adoption leave
• Pension scheme with a 6% contribution by DAA
• Occupational sick pay scheme of 4 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay during probation, rising to 12 weeks full and 12 weeks half pay after successful probation
• Free counselling and financial wellbeing services
• Healthcare insurance
• Up to £8,000 relocation package available if eligible.
• Loss of Licence Insurance
• Buying annual leave

Alongside our staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.