Chief Flight Instructor | Transnet Vacancies

Chief Flight Instructor

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced aviation professionals to apply for the position of Chief Flight Instructor. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing, coordinating and overseeing all training activities within the Marine Pilot Service while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, operational procedures and the highest safety standards.

The role also involves providing flight instruction, assessing pilot competencies, supervising flight crew and supporting uninterrupted helicopter operations to improve port efficiency and service delivery.

Position Purpose

The Chief Flight Instructor is responsible for managing and coordinating all training activities within the Marine Pilot Service.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Ensure compliance with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations, the Transnet SOC Ltd Training and Procedures Manual and the Rotorcraft Flight Manual when performing duties as flight crew or helicopter instructor.
• Maintain high standards of safety, discipline, professionalism and personal presentation.
• Apply the Civil Aviation Regulations and the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005.
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of the TNPA helicopter service to deliver quality services and enhance port efficiency.
• Act as aircraft commander during day and night operations, depending on the assigned line position.
• Take ultimate responsibility for the safety of aircraft crew and passengers in accordance with SACAA Civil Aviation Regulations 91.02.7 and 91.02.8.
• Manage day and night flight crews in accordance with SACAA regulations and TNPA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Plan flights and prepare aircraft for day and night operations supporting marine pilot transfers and other port-related functions.
• Conduct experiential training in accordance with national and international aviation standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Flight Instruction and Training Management

• Manage and coordinate all training activities associated with the Marine Pilot Service.
• Provide helicopter flight instruction and advanced training while maintaining the highest safety standards.
• Train and develop Day Captains, Night Captains, Day Co-Pilots, Night Co-Pilots, Cadet Pilots and other relevant operational personnel.
• Conduct proficiency assessments every six months for Helicopter Line Instructors, Night Captains, Day Captains, Day Co-Pilots, Night Co-Pilots and Cadet Pilots.
• Conduct all training in accordance with SACAA regulations, the Transnet SOC Ltd Training and Procedures Manual and the applicable Pilot Operating Handbook (POH).
• Maintain accurate and orderly records of all training activities.
• Issue competency certificates to pilots who successfully complete their training.
• Conduct re-currency, differences and finalisation training for pilots operating the Marine Pilot Service aircraft.
• Conduct aircraft type-rating training.
• Assess the instrument flying capabilities of all pilots within the operation.

2. Pilot Assessment and Proficiency Checks

• Conduct Operator Proficiency Checks, Pilot Proficiency Checks and Line Checks in accordance with approved SOPs.
• Assess the competency and operational readiness of all pilots and Helicopter Line Instructors.
• Conduct Line Proficiency Checks for Day Captains, Co-Pilots and Cadet Pilots.
• Monitor and evaluate pilot performance to ensure compliance with operational and safety requirements.
• Identify training gaps and recommend appropriate corrective training.

3. Flight Operations and Safety Management

• Perform duties as a Day or Night Line Captain in addition to instructional responsibilities.
• Take responsibility for the safety of training and operational flights.
• Exercise sound judgement and advanced flying skills when managing the risks associated with helicopter training and marine pilot transfers.
• Ensure adequate pre-flight inspections are completed and oversee aircraft refuelling procedures, including when performed by students.
• Ensure that all operational and instructional flights comply with applicable aviation regulations and safety procedures.
• Ensure all operational problems, student difficulties and performance concerns are reported to the Accountable Manager.
• Verify that all required documentation is available before each flight, including personnel licences, certificates and relevant aircraft documentation.
• Maintain effective communication with the Accountable Manager and Aviation Safety Manager regarding issues that may affect operational safety.
• Ensure compliance with flight and duty time limitations and instructional time requirements.
• Promote good morale among flight crew, students and other operational personnel.

4. Marine Pilot Transfer Operations

• Plan daily flight missions according to marine traffic demands and Port Control directives.
• Prepare aircraft resources and loading schedules for marine pilot transfers and other port-related activities.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections and safety briefings to ensure compliance with operational safety requirements.
• Safely transfer marine pilots to and from vessels arriving at and departing from South African ports.
• Respond promptly to Port Control instructions to improve vessel turnaround times.
• Support the evacuation of accident victims and the rescue of persons in distress.
• Conduct port-related flights in accordance with TNPA and customer requirements.
• Determine appropriate flight routes using approved aeronautical requirements, charts and navigation procedures.
• Liaise with Port Control and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS).
• Record aircraft take-off and landing times to meet operational scheduling requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of operational flight hours and assess mission efficiency.
• Support a seamless 24-hour helicopter operation to improve port productivity and meet customer demands.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Operational Administration

• Ensure compliance with South African Civil Aviation Regulations.
• Ensure adherence to SACAA requirements under Part 127 for commercial air transport and general aviation helicopter operations under the Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
• Ensure compliance with Part 141 requirements applicable to Aviation Training Organisations.
• Apply relevant SAMSA requirements and the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005.
• Receive and review daily operational reports from Day and Night Captains.
• Ensure all operational incidents and hazards are properly reported to the relevant authorities and management.
• Maintain accurate flight, training and operational documentation.
• Work closely with the Accountable Manager, Flight Operations, Chief Pilot, Safety and Quality Officer and Engineering Department to ensure compliance with operational requirements.

6. Operational Leadership and Continuous Improvement

• Advise the Accountable Manager, Flight Operations and Chief Pilot on procedures that improve aircraft safety, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of flight operations.
• Contribute to business reputation by minimising incidents and accidents through strict adherence to safety requirements.
• Promote customer satisfaction through reliable and efficient marine pilot transfer services.
• Support TNPA business objectives by improving port productivity and responding effectively to operational demands.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Accountable Manager.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a current Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter (CPL-H) or Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Helicopter (ATPL-H).
• Minimum Grade 2 Helicopter Instructor Rating.
• Valid Instrument Rating.
• Minimum of 2,000 total flight hours.
• At least 500 hours of experience on turbine helicopters.
• At least 250 hours of experience on multi-engine helicopters.
• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience.

Advantageous Requirements

• A valid helicopter winch rating will be an advantage.
• Operational knowledge and understanding of TNPA Marine Pilot Services will be advantageous.

Required Competencies

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strong decision-making abilities.
• Ability to multitask effectively.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Strong operational judgement.
• Effective time management.
• Crew Resource Management (CRM).
• Active listening.
• Assertiveness and confidence.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Diversity management.
• Ability to maintain operational control in demanding situations.

Required Knowledge

Candidates should possess knowledge and understanding of:

• Aviation regulations, rules and safety guidelines.
• Helicopter operating procedures and aircraft systems.
• Public safety and security requirements.
• Transportation systems and procedures.
• Port rules and operational requirements.
• Customer service and personal service standards.
• English language proficiency.
• Radio telephony procedures and communication.
• Mathematical applications.
• Computers and electronic systems.
• Aviation navigation and data processing.
• Flight planning and execution.
• Part 141 regulations governing Aviation Training Organisations.

Employment Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in accordance with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and the employment equity targets of the organisation and relevant operating division.