Officer Commanding Air Experience Flight (AEF)

Ministry of Defence - ZigZag Careers Pathway; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A Defence Sector Initiative is seeking an Officer Commanding for the Air Experience Flight (AEF) to deliver world-class training to RAF Air Cadets. The ideal candidate will have a CPL and a minimum of 500 hours flying experience, along with strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include providing air experience, supervising pilots, and conducting training for new instructors. This role offers a competitive salary starting at £55,177.08 with excellent benefits, including a pension and annual leave.

Benefits

Automatic enrolment in the Armed Forces Pension Scheme

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum of 500 hours as Pilot-in-Command required.
• Previous experience in a flying training environment is preferred.
• Strong leadership abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide air experience flying for cadets and instruction for UAS members.
• Recruit and supervise volunteer pilots for the AEF.
• Conduct instructional sorties for staff.

Skills

Single Engine Piston (SEP) rating

Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL)

Leadership and communication skills

Training delivery experience

Education

500 hours P1 flying experience

Tutor Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) course

Job description

Officer Commanding Air Experience Flight (AEF)

Grade: Flight Lieutenant

Contract: 3 Years and FTRS role dependent, LM

Security clearance: SC

Closing date: 11/01/26, 23:55

All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency.

Overview

The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles.

This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.

ZigZag roles may be offered with a range of mobility commitments. Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.

6 Flying Training School (6 FTS) is the largest and most diverse military flying training school in the country. From its HQ at RAFC Cranwell, the school manages a broad range of flying tasks, from Elementary Flying training (EFT) on University Air Squadrons (UAS) to the provision of Air Experience Flying (AEF) for the Air Cadet Organisation.

The Role

6 FTS will deliver an efficient organisation that offers world class training and attracts talent into the RAF. AEF Flt Cdr will contribute to delivering the organisational target of 12,000 flying experience opportunities to RAF Air Cadets.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide air experience flying for cadets of the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force (RAF); and flying experience, including elementary flying instruction, for undergraduate members of UAS.
• Recruit and supervise a cadre of AEF volunteer pilots.
• Conduct instructional and standardisation sorties for UAS and AEF staff.
• Conduct aircraft conversion training for new pilots to the Tutor (Grob 115E) aircraft. Prior to taking up your post, you may be required to attend Aircrew Instructors Course as well as 115 Sqn, at RAF Wittering, for QFI conversion and refresher training.
• Undergo training and maintain currency for the following: Force Protection Individual Readiness Training, RAF Fitness Test, Flying Supervisors Course; Human Factors / Error Management; Aviation Medicine Training Wing; Defence Train the Trainer; and, if required, attend the Short Interview Technique Course.

About You

• A Single Engine Piston (SEP) rating, a Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) and a minimum of 500hrs P1.
• Previous training delivery experience, preferably in flying training.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Will be required to pass a Tutor Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) course at RAF Wittering.
• Will require a security clearance and the role is likely to involve some weekend work to facilitate cadet flying.
• Will require Enhanced Disclosures & Barring Check.

Training

Depending on the candidate’s experience, it is likely that a period of Phase 1 RAF Commissioning Training will be required. This could include some residential courses and be conducted either before or alongside flying training.

Salary & benefits

• Salary: On completion of Phase 1 training circa £55,177.08 (including supplements). Further details are available on request.
• Pension: automatic enrolment in the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (opt-out available).
• Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.

Application process

Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.

Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).

Medical Assessment: all candidates must pass a medical screening.

Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.

Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: [e-mail].