Flight Instructor (TKI + SIM) job at Harrow Full Time NEW

Job DescriptionFlight Instructor

Job title

Flight Instructor

Reports to

Chief Flight Instructor

Accountable to (ultimately)

Head of Aviation

Location

Primary School, Harrow

Hours

Minimum 2 hours per week (most likely Tuesdays, after school, term-time)

Purpose of the role

To plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate aviation theory and flight simulator sessions to primary school children attending the Aviation After-School Club, inspiring an interest in aviation while ensuring a safe, well-managed and enjoyable learning environment.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Deliver weekly after-school sessions (minimum 2 hours), split between aviation theory teaching and flight simulator instruction
• Teach from lesson plans based on the UK CAA PPL theoretical exam syllabus, adapted for a primary school audience, covering topics such as:

– Principles of flight and how aircraft fly

– Aircraft systems and instruments

– Air law and airspace basics

– Navigation and flight planning fundamentals

– Meteorology and weather effects on flight

– Human performance and limitations (in an age-appropriate way)

• Instruct small groups or individual pupils on the flight simulator, teaching basic aircraft handling, including straight and level flight, turns, climbing, descending, and landing
• Adapt teaching style and pace to suit the age, ability and confidence levels of primary school pupils
• Manage pupil behaviour positively and consistently, in line with the school’s behaviour policy
• Maintain a safe environment around all equipment, including simulator hardware and any related technology
• Keep accurate registers of attendance and report any concerns about pupil wellbeing or progress to the Chief Flight Instructor
• Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures of the school, including reporting any safeguarding concerns immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead via the Chief Flight Instructor
• Set up and pack away simulator equipment and classroom resources before and after each session
• Attend induction, training and any staff meetings as required
• Provide feedback on lesson plans and resources to help improve the club
• Communicate professionally and appropriately with pupils, school staff, and (where required) parents/carers

Skills and qualities required

Teaching and instructional skills

• Ability to break down technical aviation concepts into simple, engaging explanations suitable for children aged approximately 7–11
• Confidence delivering both classroom-style theory teaching and hands-on practical instruction
• Ability to plan and structure a session to make effective use of limited time (theory + simulator practice)
• Patience and the ability to repeat or rephrase explanations for different learning styles

Communication skills

• Clear, friendly and enthusiastic verbal communication with children
• Ability to give clear, step-by-step instructions during simulator sessions
• Professional communication with the Chief Flight Instructor, Head of Aviation, and school staff
• Active listening skills to respond to pupils’ questions and concerns

Behaviour management

• Ability to establish and maintain clear expectations and routines
• Use of positive reinforcement and encouragement to maintain engagement
• Calm, fair and consistent approach to managing any disruptive behaviour
• Awareness of, and willingness to follow, the host school’s behaviour policy

Safeguarding

• Understanding of the importance of safeguarding and child protection in an educational setting
• Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS check and undertake safeguarding training as part of induction
• Ability to recognise and appropriately report any welfare concerns, following the school’s safeguarding procedures and chain of reporting (via the Chief Flight Instructor to the Designated Safeguarding Lead)
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries with pupils at all times

Aviation and simulator skills

• Genuine enthusiasm for and interest in aviation
• Practical competence flying a flight simulator using a USB joystick, including the ability to perform a basic landing (to be assessed during selection)
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, content from the UK CAA PPL theoretical exam syllabus
• A PPL or other real-world flying experience is desirable but not essential

Person specification

Essential

• Enthusiasm for aviation and a genuine interest in sharing this with children
• Experience using a flight simulator with a USB joystick, including basic aircraft handling and landing
• Ability to work confidently and safely with primary school-aged children
• Good spoken communication and ability to adapt explanations for a young audience
• Reliable and able to commit to a weekly after-school session
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and references

Desirable

• PPL (Private Pilot’s Licence) or progress towards one
• Knowledge of the UK CAA PPL theoretical exam syllabus, including having sat or studied for the exams
• Previous experience teaching, tutoring, coaching or working with children in a club, school or youth setting
• Experience with flight simulator software such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane or Prepar3D

Pay: From £20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person