Chief Flight Instructor

Transnet Logistics; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Transnet SOC LTD invites applications for a Chief Flight Instructor in Durban. The role ensures strict adherence to SACAA regulations, TNPA SOPs and the Rotorcraft Flight Manual while delivering high-quality helicopter instruction for marine pilot services and port operations.

As Chief Flying Instructor, you will manage day and night flight crews, conduct proficiency checks, and maintain meticulous training records to support safe and economical operations across the TNPA network.

Qualifications

• Hold a current CPL-H or ATPL-H.
• Minimum of a grade 2 instructor rating on helicopters.
• Instrument rating is required.
• 2000 hours total flight time.
• 500 hours on turbine helicopters.
• 250 hours on multi-engine helicopters.
• Minimum of 5 years experience.
• Winch rating on helicopters will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with SACAA regulations and TNPA SOPs.
• Maintain high safety standards and disciplined conduct.
• Plan and conduct day and night helicopter flights for Marine Pilot Service.
• Train and assess Day/Night Captains, Co-Pilots, Cadets and instructors every 6 months.
• Ensure proper documentation, pre-flight checks and safety briefings.

Skills

CPL-H/ATPL-H

Instructor rating

Instrument rating

Flight hours

Turbine helicopter hours

Multi-engine hours

Winch rating

5 years experience

Job description

Chief Flight Instructor

Job Details

Operating Division: Transnet NPA

Employee Group: Permanent

Department: HO,NGQ,CHM, Aviation

Location: Durban

Reporting To: Senior Manager - Aviation

Grade: AS5

Reference: req6120

The closing date is on 09/11/2026. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.

Position Purpose

• To ensure compliance with the SACAA regulations, the Transnet SOC LTD Training and Procedures manual as well as the Rotorcraft Flight Manual at all times when undertaking his/her duties as flight crew and/or helicopter instructor at all times.
• To ensure that he/she maintains a high standard and level of safety, to carry oneself in a disciplined and orderly manner as well as to maintain neat appearance at all times.
• Application of the Civil Aviation regulations as well as the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005.
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of TNPA helicopter service to deliver high quality service and enhance port efficiency.
• The Commander of the aircraft for both Dayand Night operations depending on line position.
• Ultimately responsible for the safety of the crew and passengers on board the aircraft as per SACAA CARs 91.02.7 and 91.02.8.
• To manage day time and night time flight crew during day and night operations in accordance with the SACAA regulations and TNPA SOP’s.
• Flight planning, preparation of aircraft to conduct day and night flights for the marine pilot service and Port related functions in accordance with TNPA requirements, standard operating procedures and policies.
• Undertake experiential training to meet the standards set by national and international aviat

Position Outputs

• Due to the increased risk levels associated with helicopter training, the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) must display advanced skill levels regarding flying and ability and judgmental capabilities.
• In addition to the Instruction and training, the CFI will fulfill their responsibilities as Day and Night line Captains. The CFI is responsible for any accident or incident on the operation under Part 127 (Commercial air transport and general aviation operations for Helicopters under the AOC (Air Operator Certificate) and under Part 141 (Aviation Training Organization.
• Marine pilot transfers and advanced training are extremely hazardous and the CFI must possess the ability to safely control all situations as they develop. The CFI is responsible for all training associated within the operation and is responsible in his personal capacity.
• To assess Helicopter Line Instructors, Night Captains, Day captains, Day Co-Pilots, Night co-pilot and Cadets proficiency every 6 months for the operation.
• Conduct all training in accordance with the SACAA regulations, the Transnet SOC LTD. Training and Procedures manual as well as the POH for that aircraft.
• Keep orderly records of all training carried out.
• Liaises with Accountable manager, Flight Operations, Chief Pilot, Safety and Quality Officer and Engineering to ensure that all flight crew comply with the respective requirements.
• Responsible for advising Accountable manager, Flight Operations and Chief Pilot of procedures that contribute to a safer and more economical and efficient operation of the aircraft.
• Compile and issue competency certificate on successful completion of training.
• To conduct Operator proficiency checks, pilot proficiency checks and line checks in accordance to SOP on all pilots and Helicopter Line Instructors.
• To assess Instrument flying capabilities on all pilots on the operation.
• To conduct re-currency, difference and finalization training on the aircraft for the pilots on the Marine Pilot Service.
• To conduct type ratings on the aircraft.
• Will be required to perform duties assigned to him/her by the Accountable Manager.
• Ensure that he/she has done an adequate pre-flight inspection and has overseen re-fueling procedures even though the student may have done so.
• Ensure that all problems experienced by students and/or nonperformance ofstudents are brought to the attention of the Accountable manager.
• Ensure that the correct documentation is in place before each and every flight including personnel licenses, certificates as well as the relevant aircraftdocumentation.
• Maintain due diligence to ensure the safety of all operational and instructional flights and discuss all issues which may affect the safety of the operation with the Accountable Manager and/or the Aviation Safety Manager.
• Ensure the morale of the personnel and/or students is maintained.
• Ensure compliance with Flight and Duty requirements and Instruction times.
• Plan daily flight missions in accordance with marine traffic demands and PortControl directives.
• Prepare aircraft resources and loading schedule for marine pilot transfer and Port related functions
• Pre-flight checks and safety briefings to ensure compliance with stringent safety requirements.
• Transfer of marine pilots safely to vessels as they call and depart from the shores of the South African Port system.
• Compliance with SAMSA and the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005.
• Evacuation of accident victims and persons in distress.
• Conduct port related flights in accordance with TNPA and customer requirements.
• Determination of flight routes (flight planning) in accordance with approvedaeronautical requirements and charts.
• Liaison with Port Control and Air Traffic Navigation Services.
• Recording of take-off and landing times to fulfil scheduling requirements
• Customer satisfaction performance.
• Logging of operational flight times and determination of mission efficiencies.
• Assisting in delivering a 24-hour seamless operation to enhance port productivity in line with TNPA business objectives and customer demands.
• Contribution to business reputational enhancement by minimizing incident and accident occurrences within the Port system, by adherence to the strictest safety requirements.
• Prompt responses to Port control directives to enhance ship turn-around times.
• Ensure that all incidents/hazards are properly notified to the appropriate Demands and Port Control directives.
• Prepare aircraft resources and loading schedule for marine pilot transfer andPort related functions.
• Plan daytime and night-time flight missions in accordance marine traffic.
• Ensure compliance with South African Civil Aviation Regulations.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and performance.
• Ensure prompt responses to Port control directives to enhance ship turn-around times.
• Training and development of Day Captains, Night Captains, Day Co-pilots, Night Co-pilots, Cadet Pilots and related functional personnel.
• Receive daily operational reports from the Day and Night Captains.
• Conduct Line Proficiency Checks on Day Captains, Co-Pilots andCadet Pilots.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications & Experience:Hold a current CPL-H or ATPL-HMinimum of a grade 2 instructor rating on helicopters.Instrument rating.2000 hours total flight time.500 hours on turbine helicopters250 hours on multi-engine helicopters.Minimum of 5 years experience.Winch rating on helicopters will be an advantage.Operational knowledge of thefunctions of TNPA marine pilot services will be advantageous.

Competencies

Competencies Required:Decision makingMulti-taskingCommunicationTeam workKnowledge required:Aviation rules and safety guidelinesHelicopter operation procedures &systemsPublic safety & securityTransportations systems & proceduresPort rulesCustomer & personal serviceEnglish language proficiencyRadio telephony proficiencyMathematical applicationsComputers & electronicsNavigation data processingFlight planning & executionPart 141 (Aviation Training Organisations)Skills Required:Good communicationTime managementJudgement & decision makingOperational controlCrew resource management (CRM)Active listeningAssertivenessAccuracyDiversity management.

Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.