Deputy Chief Flight Instructor

Role Duties

• 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. 

• 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 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• Liaise with the Chief TKI and ground school team to ensure students are effectively prepared for flight training. 

• Support administrative functions including reporting, records maintenance, and regulatory documentation. 
• Assist with course planning, instructor rostering, and evaluation of training outcomes. 

Core Competencies

•  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. 

• 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 

What We Offer

• 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