Head of Flight Operations

Devon Air Ambulance; Exeter; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity & Adopt..

Pension scheme with a 6% contribution

Sick pay during probation and beyond

Free counselling and financial wellbei

Healthcare insurance

Relocation package up to £8,000

Loss of Licence Insurance

Buying annual leave

Job summary

Devon Air Ambulance are seeking to recruit a Head of Flight Operations to lead and develop our Flight Operations Team. The role is based at Head Office in Exeter with travel to Exeter Airbase and Eaglescott Airbase (North Devon).

You will oversee planning, rostering and training, acting as the primary liaison with the UK CAA to ensure all flight operations are delivered safely, professionally and in compliance with regulations. Appointment is subject to a CAA Form 4 interview.

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 (UK Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 - Part – ORO.AOC.135).
• Current experience operating the H145 and/or EC135 in a single pilot HEMS role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Flight Operations team and ensure safe operations.
• Oversee flight operations planning, rostering and training.
• Represent the department as the primary contact with the UK CAA and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support recruitment and development of pilots and flight operations staff.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team on strategic goals.

Skills

Leadership

Safety & compliance

Aviation regulations knowledge

Single-pilot HEMS experience

Education

UK CPL or ATPL Helicopter Flight Crew Licence

Job description

Devon Air Ambulance are seeking to recruit a Head of Flight Operations to lead and develop our Flight Operations Team.

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 per annum.

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.

The Role

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).

The Candidate

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.

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 per annum.

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.

Additional Information

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 26th August 2026 at 1:30am

The interviews will be a two stage process.

1st Stage Interview - Friday 4th September 2026 at DAA Head Office in Exeter.

2nd Stage Interview - Thursday 17th September 2026 at DAA Head Office in Exeter.

Devon Air Ambulance are a Disability Confident Level 1 employer, we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment journey. If you require any accommodations, please let us know.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support their application, for example to improve clarity, structure, or presentation. However, we value authenticity and expect candidates to retain accountability for the content of their application, and for all submissions to reflect the candidate’s own experience and skills and be an honest representation of their capabilities. Please be assured that we do not use AI to make shortlisting or hiring decisions.

Due to the nature of this role, offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and references.