Job DescriptionFlight Instructor
Job title
Flight Instructor
Reports to
Chief Flight Instructor
Accountable to (ultimately)
Head of Aviation
Location
Primary School, Harrow
Hours
Minimum 2 hours per week (most likely Tuesdays, after school, term-time)
Purpose of the role
To plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate aviation theory and flight simulator sessions to primary school children attending the Aviation After-School Club, inspiring an interest in aviation while ensuring a safe, well-managed and enjoyable learning environment.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Deliver weekly after-school sessions (minimum 2 hours), split between aviation theory teaching and flight simulator instruction
- Teach from lesson plans based on the UK CAA PPL theoretical exam syllabus, adapted for a primary school audience, covering topics such as:
– Principles of flight and how aircraft fly
– Aircraft systems and instruments
– Air law and airspace basics
– Navigation and flight planning fundamentals
– Meteorology and weather effects on flight
– Human performance and limitations (in an age-appropriate way)
- Instruct small groups or individual pupils on the flight simulator, teaching basic aircraft handling, including straight and level flight, turns, climbing, descending, and landing
- Adapt teaching style and pace to suit the age, ability and confidence levels of primary school pupils
- Manage pupil behaviour positively and consistently, in line with the school's behaviour policy
- Maintain a safe environment around all equipment, including simulator hardware and any related technology
- Keep accurate registers of attendance and report any concerns about pupil wellbeing or progress to the Chief Flight Instructor
- Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures of the school, including reporting any safeguarding concerns immediately to the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead via the Chief Flight Instructor
- Set up and pack away simulator equipment and classroom resources before and after each session
- Attend induction, training and any staff meetings as required
- Provide feedback on lesson plans and resources to help improve the club
- Communicate professionally and appropriately with pupils, school staff, and (where required) parents/carers
Skills and qualities required
Teaching and instructional skills
- Ability to break down technical aviation concepts into simple, engaging explanations suitable for children aged approximately 7–11
- Confidence delivering both classroom-style theory teaching and hands-on practical instruction
- Ability to plan and structure a session to make effective use of limited time (theory + simulator practice)
- Patience and the ability to repeat or rephrase explanations for different learning styles
Communication skills
- Clear, friendly and enthusiastic verbal communication with children
- Ability to give clear, step-by-step instructions during simulator sessions
- Professional communication with the Chief Flight Instructor, Head of Aviation, and school staff
- Active listening skills to respond to pupils' questions and concerns
Behaviour management
- Ability to establish and maintain clear expectations and routines
- Use of positive reinforcement and encouragement to maintain engagement
- Calm, fair and consistent approach to managing any disruptive behaviour
- Awareness of, and willingness to follow, the host school's behaviour policy
Safeguarding
- Understanding of the importance of safeguarding and child protection in an educational setting
- Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS check and undertake safeguarding training as part of induction
- Ability to recognise and appropriately report any welfare concerns, following the school's safeguarding procedures and chain of reporting (via the Chief Flight Instructor to the Designated Safeguarding Lead)
- Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with pupils at all times
Aviation and simulator skills
- Genuine enthusiasm for and interest in aviation
- Practical competence flying a flight simulator using a USB joystick, including the ability to perform a basic landing (to be assessed during selection)
- Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, content from the UK CAA PPL theoretical exam syllabus
- A PPL or other real-world flying experience is desirable but not essential
Person specification
Essential
- Enthusiasm for aviation and a genuine interest in sharing this with children
- Experience using a flight simulator with a USB joystick, including basic aircraft handling and landing
- Ability to work confidently and safely with primary school-aged children
- Good spoken communication and ability to adapt explanations for a young audience
- Reliable and able to commit to a weekly after-school session
- Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and references
Desirable
- PPL (Private Pilot's Licence) or progress towards one
- Knowledge of the UK CAA PPL theoretical exam syllabus, including having sat or studied for the exams
- Previous experience teaching, tutoring, coaching or working with children in a club, school or youth setting
- Experience with flight simulator software such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane or Prepar3D
Pay: From £20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
