Head of Helicopter Flight Operations (Chief Pilot)

Helijobs.net; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JMC Aviation, a UK helicopter operator, is recruiting a Chief Pilot / Flight Ops Manager to lead flight operations from the South East of England. The role requires strong leadership, regulatory understanding and a proven track record in multi-type rotary-wing operations.

You will oversee flight crews, ensure UK CAA compliance, manage audits and interface with customers and regulators to maintain the highest safety and service standards across the fleet.

Qualifications

• Extensive rotary-wing operational experience within a commercial helicopter environment.
• Experience or close support to AOC management functions.
• Strong knowledge of UK CAA, AOC and Air Operations requirements.
• Experience engaging with regulators, audits and compliance processes.
• Able to lead with credible, professional leadership and good communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and support flight crew, flying standards and day-to-day operational performance.
• Ensure all flying activity is conducted safely and in full compliance with UK CAA requirements, company procedures and the Operations Manual.
• Maintain and promote a proactive safety culture, setting consistently high standards across the operation.
• Develop trusted working relationships with customers, regulators, senior management and internal stakeholders.
• Convert customer requirements into safe, effective and commercially responsive operational delivery.
• Oversee pilot recruitment, induction, development, standardisation and operational readiness.
• Collaborate with training, safety and compliance teams to support continuous improvement.
• Act as a key point of contact with the UK CAA on operational matters, audits, inspections and regulatory oversight.
• Support internal and external audits, regulatory visits and the timely closure of findings and corrective actions.
• Contribute to manual development, operational procedures, approvals and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Rotary-wing operations experience

Regulatory oversight

Leadership and management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory audits/compliance

Customer-focused leadership

Education

UK CAA CPL(H) or ATPL(H)

Job description

JMC Aviation, a UK helicopter operator, is recruiting a Chief Pilot / Flight Ops Manager to lead flight operations from the South East of England. The role requires strong leadership, regulatory understanding and a proven track record in multi-type rotary-wing operations.

You will oversee flight crews, ensure UK CAA compliance, manage audits and interface with customers and regulators to maintain the highest safety and service standards across the fleet.