Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr.

Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.

Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

Job Purpose:

The Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) is responsible for overseeing all Zephyr flight training activities within the Zephyr Training academy, ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, and instructional quality. The CFI leads the flight instructor team, manages training programs, and ensures alignment with regulatory requirements and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Oversight

• Supervise and mentor flight instructors to maintain instructional excellence.
• Conduct flight training and check rides as required.
• Monitor student progress and intervene when necessary to ensure successful outcomes.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all flight training operations comply with applicable unmanned aviation authority regulations.
• Maintain and enforce safety protocols and standard operating procedures.

Curriculum & Program Development

• Develop and update flight training syllabi and lesson plans.
• Integrate new technologies and methodologies into training programs.
• Coordinate with other instructors and the Zephyr Training Academy Programmer to ensure cohesive training delivery.

Operational Leadership

• Schedule and allocate flight instructors and ZTA resources efficiently.
• Liaise with maintenance and operations teams to ensure people and simulator availability.
• Represent the academy in audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate training records and documentation.
• Prepare reports for senior management on training performance and KPIs.
• Participate in recruitment and onboarding of new instructors.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with instructor rating or Military Training Brevet.
• Minimum 1000 hours of flight time, including 250 hours as a flight instructor.
• Proven experience in flight training management or instructional leadership.
• Thorough knowledge of aviation regulations and training standards particularly in the unmanned world.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience with multi-engine and instrument rating instruction.
• Familiarity with flight simulation technologies.
• Passion for aviation education and student development.
• Ability to foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enable you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognizing your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

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