Head of Flight Operations and Pilot Training

Summary

Join Archer, an aerospace company, as the Head of Flight Operations & Pilot Training in Abu Dhabi. This crucial role involves establishing and implementing flight operations policies and procedures, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance within the UAE's urban air mobility network. You will oversee pilot training programs, coordinate with various departments, and maintain a safe and efficient airline operation. The position requires extensive experience in flight operations and pilot training, along with an airline transport pilot certificate and proven experience in the UAE market. This is a greenfield project offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of air taxi operations.

Requirements

• Hold an airline transport pilot certificate
• Have at least 5 years supervisory or managerial experience in a position that exercised operational oversight
• Have at least 3 years experience, within the past 6 years, as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
• Possess excellent communications skills with the ability to collaborate with multiple Archer Aviation and Archer Air training stakeholders, across departments and borders
• Be an optimistic, innovative, and results-driven problem solver
• Have proven experience operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market
• Be able to work legally in the UAE
• Comply with any specific regulatory or industry requirements applicable to the role
• Education/experience typically acquired through advanced education (e.g. Bachelor) and related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, to include at least 5 years of management experience in Flight Operations and / or Pilot Training for a Major Airline, Charter Airline, or Helicopter Airline

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all UAE Flight Operations-related activities and communications
• Provide system-wide oversight of the air taxi operations
• Establish, communicate, and implement UAE safety objectives and goals, promoting a healthy and robust safety culture
• Be responsible for coordinating with company Maintenance, Flight, IOCC, and Station Operations to ensure all UAE flight activities comply with applicable policy and government regulations
• Coordinate and facilitate daily operations meetings
• Develop Flight Operations policies and procedures to ensure a safe and efficient airline operation and ensure coordination with pilot and technician training
• Supervise and coordinate the integration of UAE Flight Operations manuals and memos to comply with regulatory, safety, and operational changes
• Review Crewmember schedules and coordinate when necessary with Crew Services to ensure the legal and efficient scheduling of crewmembers
• Track and analyze operational data to develop methods and procedures for operational improvement
• Be a Member of Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) Board
• Establish and modify the use of approved areas, routes, and UAE or other International airports
• Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chief Pilot (CP) in their absence
• Network interdepartmentally and with business partners to instill and promote a safe and efficient culture
• Partner with global teams to ensure one seamless approach to flight operations
• Support production and validation of aircraft systems, policies, and procedures in the Midnight Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM)
• Conduct safe, professional, and effective flight training for company pilots, customers, and other stakeholders for the Archer eVTOL aircraft
• Act as a SME (Subject Matter Expert) assisting in the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs, including classroom instruction, simulator training, and in-aircraft instruction by providing technical expertise on eVTOL aircraft systems, performance, and flight characteristics to trainees and other team members
• Collaborate closely with OEM engineering and instructional design teams to develop and refine course materials, lesson plans, and instructional guides to ensure comprehensive training coverage
• Work with regulatory bodies and internal compliance teams to ensure training programs meet or exceed FAA or GCAA and other applicable international standards
• Continuously monitor and evaluate pilot performance, compliance, & competencies through assessment techniques, feedback sessions, and detailed performance reports to provide data-driven feedback to trainees, identify trends, and support continuous improvement in training practices
• Ensure standardization through proper training and training resource utilization, identify training gaps and suggest improvements to enhance Archer’s training programs and materials
• Communicate and verify compliance of Company philosophies, policies, and procedures to line pilots
• Maintain flight proficiency & Instructor/Evaluator (I/E) proficiency
• Act as a mentor to junior pilots and provides guidance on career development, skill enhancement, and Archer’s operational culture
• Act as a safety ambassador, promoting Archer’s safety culture in all training and flight activities
• Help to support Archer Air’s mission by providing high-quality, structured, and dynamic flight instruction to create a safe and proficient pilot community
• Serve as the primary point of contact with local and foreign government authorities on regulatory requirements and operations specifications to ensure the highest level of safety and regulatory compliance
• Interpret and apply Flight Operations regulations, and provide guidance and support to all employees / crewmembers performing such tasks
• Draft and uphold Flight Operations processes by which team members are expected to adhere
• Monitor Operations and Training with regard to its effectiveness and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements
• Conduct internal audits and evaluations, analyze data and generate reports to ensure compliance with expectations and standards
• Maintain proper documentation and records related to Flight Operations and Pilot Training
• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and guidance regarding: budget, staffing, training, equipment, communications, and other resources to achieve departmental goals

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with UAE labor laws and regulations