Flight Operations Team Leader

Flight Operations Team Leader

Location:

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

Department:
Drone Operations

Type:
Full time, permanent

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 pre‑deployment and operational briefs at start and end of day.
• Flight Planning:
  Execute detailed flight planning based on Skyports’ best practices and aircraft documentation.

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

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

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

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

• 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…