Leading Edge Aviation
Deputy Chief Flight Instructor
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Deputy Chief Flight Instructor Department: Flight Training Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: Oxford Campus Compensation: £63,000 - £65,000 / year
Description 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.
Role Duties 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: 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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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. 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
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills