The Deputy Chief Flight Instructor (Deputy CFI) supports the Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) in the delivery, oversight, and continuous improvement of flight training operations at Leading Edge Aviation (LEAL). This includes maintaining instructional standards, supervising Flight Instructors (FIs), and ensuring efficient training delivery across LEAL’s campuses (in Oxford and Alhama, Spain). The Deputy CFI acts as the CFI’s delegate in their absence and contributes to strategic training development in alignment with the Head of Training.
This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week, mostly based at our Oxford campus, with visits to our campus in Alhama, Spain.
Operational Support:
- Assist the CFI in managing day-to-day flight training operations, including scheduling and resource optimisation (aircraft, simulators, instructors).
- Monitor training progress and intervene early where performance or scheduling issues arise.
Instructor Oversight:
- Supervise, mentor, and support FIs in maintaining instructional quality and adherence to SOPs
- Conduct lesson observations, provide feedback, and recommend additional training or support as needed.
- Support the CFI with all Line Management duties as required, including day-to-day management tasks conducting annual reviews and performance management
Student Training:
- Review student progress and liaise with instructors to ensure timely completion of training phases.
- Conduct or supervise flight assessments, progress checks, and where necessary, remedial training sessions.
Safety & Standards:
- Promote and reinforce LEAL’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Threat & Error Management (TEM) principles.
- Support incident/accident investigations and ensure effective dissemination of safety learnings.
Quality Assurance:
- Collaborate with the Head of Standards to ensure compliance with NAA regulations and LEAL documentation.
- Assist in the development, review, and revision of SOPs, training syllabi, and instructional materials.
Leadership & Development:
- Lead by example, upholding and promoting a culture of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.
- Demonstrate and uphold the company’s core values in all actions, decisions, and interactions.
- Represent the CFI in meetings, briefings, and when liaising with national aviation authorities or external stakeholders.
Transition Support:
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Liaise with the Chief TKI and ground school team to ensure students are effectively prepared for flight training.
Administrative Duties:
- Support administrative functions including reporting, records maintenance, and regulatory documentation.
- Assist with course planning, instructor rostering, and evaluation of training outcomes.
OUR CULTURE
At Leading Edge Aviation, our Vision, Mission and Values guide everything that we do. The Deputy CFI is expected to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, regulatory compliance and instructional integrity. This role requires flexibility, the ability to work across campuses, and a collaborative mindset to contribute to LEAL’s vision of excellence in aviation training.
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Hold an EASA or UK CAA Commercial Pilot Licence with valid Flight Instructor ratings relevant to LEAL’s training courses.
- Eligible to hold or obtain EASA/UK FCL.900(c) approval.
- Minimum of 1,000 hours PIC, with at least 500 hours instructional (including up to 200 hours instrument ground time).
- Proven experience in a professional flight training environment, with demonstrable instructional and supervisory capability.
- Strong interpersonal, organisational, and decision-making skills.
- Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and student success.
- Strong people skills with proven ability to mentor and support individuals and teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a positive and enthusiastic outlook.
- Demonstrable alignment with the company’s core values in attitude, conduct, and work ethic.
Further beneficial requirements:
- Experience working across multiple training locations or international campuses.
- Familiarity with LEAL’s operational systems and learning environment.
- Previous leadership or deputy role within an ATO.
- Dual Licence (CAA and EASA) holder
- Flight Examiner and FIC/FIE qualifications
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Competitive salary up to £65,000, plus bonus scheme
- Commitment to your personal and professional development
- Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days, which increases with service, plus public holidays
- An Airspace day for wellbeing and what is important to you
- Enhanced sick pay and leave
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions
- Life assurance scheme of 2x your annual salary
- Critical illness cover
- Access to our Individual Assistance Program and lifestyle discounts.
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Employee referral scheme
Leading Edge Aviation is a firmly established pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on holistic training. Offering the highest standards of regulatory technical training, students also benefit from a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum to enhance non-technical skills. This is delivered through ‘The Whole Pilot®’ Approach, which focuses on developing diverse abilities that go beyond just technical proficiency.
Based at London Oxford Airport and Alhama, Southern Spain with a commitment to holistic pilot development, Leading Edge Aviation offers a range of modular and integrated training programmes, including the innovative LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course; a full-time integrated course with BSc degree (UK only) and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop. Facilities at both locations support a comprehensive educational experience, combining modern aircraft and simulators, advanced learning technologies, and a vibrant student living environment.
