Chief Flight Instructor (FW)Starlite Aviation
Aircraft: N/ALocation: Durban, South AfricaNon-type rated
Total TimeN/A
PIC TimeN/A
About This Role
Starlite Aviation Training Academy (Pty) Ltd, part of Starlite Aviation Group, is hiring a Chief Flight Instructor (Fixed Wing) based in Durban, South Africa, reporting to the Deputy Head of Training. The CFI is responsible for delivering the SACAA-approved and international flying training programmes, integrating all flying, simulator and ground theory training, and overseeing trainee and instructor training delivery. Duties include standardising flight personnel techniques per the TPM, competency-checking and developing Grade II and Grade III instructors, performing student dual checks, overseeing the daily and monthly flight programme for maximum aircraft and instructor utilisation, ensuring CAA audit readiness, and promoting the company's non-punitive just safety culture. Critical requirements are 3 years Training Management (CFI) experience, military flying training experience, Human Factors Instructor, Flight Safety Officer, SMS experience and course design experience; essential qualifications include a SACAA CPL (FW) with Grade II Instructor rating, a minimum of 1000 hours instruction, a multi-engine rating and excellent written and oral ICAO English language proficiency. Applications close 30 July 2026.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Ensure standardised techniques and discipline among the flight personnel, and that training is carried out as per the TPM.
- Perform competency checks of all instructors and monitor and develop them within the company.
- Maintain complete oversight of all Grade II and Grade III Instructors, including their theoretical lecturing.
- Check and monitor that all administrative tasks relating to Instructors' training files, documentation, reports, debriefs are kept up to date and current.
- Ensure the thorough and comprehensive induction and orientation of new flight training staff.
- Ensure the thorough and comprehensive induction and orientation of new students.
- Perform student dual checks as specified in the TPM.
- Discuss month end reports with contract sponsors and have monthly check-ins with civilian and contract students.
- Maintain a professional image when dealing with clients and external service providers.
- Finalise any contract required reports.
- Ensure all standard requirements, systems, aircraft equipment and processes are in place to pass a CAA audit.
- Ensure that all operational irregularities (incident and accident reports) are thoroughly investigated and acted in conjunction with the Head of Training and Quality and Safety Manager.
- Oversight of the daily and monthly flight program to ensure maximum and efficient utilization of aircraft and Instructors ensuring student progression.
- Manage and promote the Company's non-punitive just safety culture.
- Perform all duties relating to flying and ground instruction in accordance with the TPM.
- Comply with all Company and SACAA policies and procedures with specific reference to Flight and Duty, License currencies (Incl.
- CRM/DG) and TPM.
- Remain current with regards to red tags, all aspects of aviation law, CATS & CAR's, AICs, AIPs and Notams.
Requirements
- CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS: 3 years Training Management (CFI) Experience.
- Military Flying Training Experience.
- Human Factors Instructor.
- Flight Safety Officer.
- SMS Experience.
- Experience in Course Design.
- QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: The following is essential for this position: Grade 12.
- SACAA CPL (FW) License, Grade II Instructor rating.
- Minimum of 1000 hours instruction.
- CFI experience.
- Must have CPL, ATPL.
- Multi-engine Rating.
- Excellent written and oral ICAO ELP.
- In depth understanding of all relevant SA CAA Manuals and Regulations.
- Willing to conduct domestic travel as required by the company.