Flight Operations Team Lead

Job Title: Flight Operations Team Leader

Location: Westcott, Aylesbury – 25%, Remote – 25% , International Travel – 50%

Department: Drone Operations

Type: Full time, permanent

About Us:

Founded in 2018, Skyports is at the forefront of the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, developing and operating cutting-edge infrastructure for electric air taxis and leveraging drone technology to transform business operations across industries.

Our business is split into two key areas:

• Skyports Drone Services uses drones to streamline logistics, capture data, and enhance operational efficiency, with a focus on rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services.
• Skyports Infrastructure plays a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem, designing, building, owning, and operating vertiports that enable eVTOL operators to take off and land in cities around the world.

With our presence in this dynamic, high-growth industry, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of our mission to reshape the future of air mobility.

The Role:

As a Flight Operations Team Leader at Skyports, you will play a crucial role in our flight operations team. You will be responsible for operating our advanced drone systems for various services, including drone delivery, surveying, and surveillance. Your expertise in remote piloting, adherence to aviation regulations, and commitment to safety will contribute to the successful execution of our missions. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, contribute to the development of operational procedures, and provide valuable insights and recommendations based on post-flight analysis.

Responsibilities

Operational Management and Safety Oversight

Accountability for Team Output: Ensure the highest standards of safety and performance in training and operations

• Team Readiness: Confirm that all team members are fully trained, qualified, and ready for their tasks
• Equipment and Gear: Ensure team members are properly equipped for tasks in varying conditions
• Ensure the highest standards of safety and performance in training and operations

Operational Planning and Execution

• Infrastructure Oversight: Supervise the setup and safety of Takeoff and Landing Points (TOLPs), assigning Hub Operator (HO) leads to each
• Weather Briefings: Conduct daily meteorological briefings to inform the team of environmental conditions
• Team Brief: Conduct daily (start and end of day) pre-deployment and operational briefs
• Flight Planning: Execute detailed flight planning based on Skyports’ best practises and aircraft documentation

Maintenance and Technical Assurance

• Maintenance Supervision: Direct maintenance activities, up to levels 1 and 2, if qualified
• Fleet Serviceability: Oversee aircraft airworthiness, ensuring maintenance meets Skyports standards

Documentation and Compliance

• Regulatory Adherence: Enforce strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), aviation regulations, and laws
• Fleet Serviceability: Oversee aircraft airworthiness, ensuring maintenance meets Skyports standards
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate operational records on platforms like Centrik, ensuring timely compliance with documentation protocols

Communication and Reporting

• Communication Protocols: Manage team communication channels for effectiveness and proper use
• Incident Reporting: Oversee the prompt submission of occurrence reports by team members

Resource and Fatigue Management

• Resource Planning: Manage team resource allocation for optimal utilisation and to prevent overextension
• Fatigue Monitoring: Monitor team fatigue levels and human factors to ensure overall well-being

Operational Competency

• Personal Proficiency: Maintain currency and competency on at least one Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform
• Operational Familiarity: Stay familiar with all operational areas to be ready to act as a qualified remote pilot

Visitor Management and Briefing

• Visitor Induction: Provide comprehensive safety briefings to visitors, outlining operational hazards and emergency procedures

Qualifications

• You are a certified Remote Pilot with solid commercial flying experience, proven capability in BVLOS operations and a strong grasp on drone platforms, maintenance and systems integration
• Demonstrable experience leading and managing teams in high-pressured environments
• Proficiency in flight planning tools, mission software, and UAS platforms used by the organisation
• Familiarity with basic maintenance procedures, fleet documentation, and airworthiness assurance
• Ability to manage end-to-end field operations, including TOLP setup, crew briefings, and stakeholder communication

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.

How to Apply:

If you’re passionate about drones and keen to be part of a pioneering company that is changing the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re a great fit for this role.

Skyports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.