Helicopter Night Captain

Transnet SOC Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled aircraft Commander for day and night operations. This pivotal role ensures the safety of crew and passengers while managing flight crews and adhering to aviation regulations. Responsibilities include flight planning, aircraft preparation, and conducting safety briefings. The ideal candidate will have extensive flight experience, particularly with turbine and multi-engine helicopters, and demonstrate strong decision-making and communication skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing port efficiency and providing high-quality marine pilot services. This opportunity promises a rewarding career in aviation with a focus on safety and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2200 total flight hours with specific helicopter experience.
• 5+ years operational experience in TNPA marine pilot services.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct day and night flight missions based on marine traffic.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards.

Skills

Decision making

Multi-tasking

Communication

Teamwork

Knowledge of aviation safety

Helicopter operations

Port rules

Customer service

Time management

Operational control

Education

ATPL-H (Diploma/Degree equivalent)

Night Rating

Instrument Rating

Winch Rating

Sling Rating

Job description

The Commander of the aircraft for both Day and Night operations is ultimately responsible for the safety of the crew and passengers on board the aircraft, in accordance with SACAA CARs 91.02.7 and 91.02.8. This role involves managing day and night flight crews during operations in line with SACAA regulations and TNPA SOPs. Responsibilities include flight planning, aircraft preparation for day and night flights for marine pilot services and port-related functions, and undertaking experiential training to meet national and international aviation standards, including skills development for Cadet Pilots and Co-Pilots. The position also requires applying Civil Aviation regulations and the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005 to ensure the uninterrupted operation of TNPA helicopter services, thereby delivering high-quality service and enhancing port efficiency.

Position Outputs

1. Plan daytime and night-time flight missions based on marine traffic demands and Port Control directives.
2. Prepare aircraft resources and loading schedules for marine pilot transfers and port functions.
3. Conduct pre-flight checks and safety briefings to ensure compliance with safety standards.
4. Safely transfer marine pilots to vessels calling at or departing from South African ports.
5. Ensure compliance with South African Civil Aviation Regulations, SAMSA, and the National Ports Act.
6. Assist in evacuations of accident victims and persons in distress.
7. Perform port-related flights according to TNPA and customer requirements.
8. Determine flight routes in accordance with aeronautical requirements and charts.
9. Liaise with Port Control and Air Traffic Navigation Services.
10. Record take-off and landing times for scheduling purposes.
11. Ensure customer satisfaction and operational performance.
12. Log operational flight times and assess mission efficiencies.
13. Support a 24-hour seamless operation to improve port productivity aligned with TNPA objectives.
14. Contribute to the organization’s safety reputation by minimizing incidents and accidents through strict safety adherence.
15. Respond promptly to Port Control directives to optimize ship turnaround times.
16. Train and develop Day Captains, Co-Pilots, Cadet Pilots, and related personnel.
17. Receive daily operational reports from the Day Captain.
18. Conduct Operator Proficiency Checks on pilots.

Qualifications and Experience

• Current ATPL-H (Diploma/Degree equivalent), Night Rating, Instrument Rating, Winch Rating, Sling Rating.
• Minimum 2200 total flight hours, including 1200 hours on turbine helicopters, 700 hours on multi-engine helicopters, and 250 hours on A109 helicopters.
• At least 5 years of operational experience, with knowledge of TNPA marine pilot services functions.

Competencies and Skills

Decision making, multi-tasking, communication, teamwork, and knowledge of aviation safety, helicopter operations, port rules, and customer service are essential. Proficiency in English, radio telephony, flight planning, and execution, along with skills in time management, operational control, CRM, active listening, assertiveness, accuracy, and diversity management, are required.

Additional Information

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