Helicopter Instructor Pilot - 139/145

Helicopter Instructor Pilot Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Sector: Defence Aviation / VIP Flight Operations Employment Type: Full-time, long-term programme Role Overview VETWORK is supporting a specialist aviation programme in Abu Dhabi in the search for a highly experienced VIP Helicopter Instructor Pilot. The successful candidate will conduct short-notice VIP support missions within the UAE and internationally, operating in fluid and evolving environments. The position requires exceptional rotary-wing experience, sound operational judgement and the ability to perform safely under demanding conditions. Operations may include day, night, NVG and IFR missions, yacht and military ship deck landings, unimproved landing sites, complex airspace and multi-aircraft operations involving both military and commercially operated aircraft. This is a senior flying appointment requiring extensive command experience, strong instructional capability and the professionalism to represent a high-profile aviation organisation. Essential Qualifications Candidates must meet the following requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor’s degree is preferred Recognised helicopter flight instructor qualification such as CFI, QHI, TRI, military Instructor Pilot qualification, or equivalent Valid passport Current Class 1 aviation medical, or the ability to obtain one Ability to pass the required UAE military flight medical Ability to pass a security and background screening process Ability to successfully complete a practical flight evaluation ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 as a minimum; Level 5 preferred Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English, including military aviation terminology An Airline Transport Pilot Licence Helicopter, ATPL(H), with Instrument Rating is highly desirable. Required Flying Experience Applicants must have a minimum of: 5,000 total flight hours 1,500 rotary-wing flight hours 1,000 rotary-wing Pilot-in-Command hours 800 flight hours on the relevant aircraft type 500 flight hours in multi-pilot operations 200 night flight hours 100 actual or simulated instrument flight hours Candidates must also have: Strong working knowledge of ICAO regulations An AW139 or H145 type rating completed through an OEM training facility or recognised Approved Training Organisation Completed a helicopter flight within the past three years Candidates whose last helicopter flight was more than three years ago may be required to undertake a formal assessment through an authorised training organisation or standardisation department. Previous NVG qualification and operational NVG experience are highly desirable. Key Responsibilities The VIP Helicopter Instructor Pilot will: Perform as Pilot-in-Command and Instructor Pilot during scheduled, unscheduled and operational support flights Conduct post-maintenance, acceptance and functional check flights where authorised and required Respond to short-notice missions, including aircraft launch and mission execution within a one-hour alert cycle Conduct detailed mission planning, threat assessment, operational risk management and risk mitigation Evaluate and accept or reject mission changes based on safety, aircraft capability, environmental conditions and operational requirements Conduct domestic and international VIP missions under day, night, NVG and IFR conditions Operate as a single pilot or lead multi-aircraft formations during deployed operations Conduct single-pilot operations through complex airspace and into remote or unimproved landing sites Deliver flight instruction and operational development to pilots who are not yet fully qualified on the aircraft or mission set Conduct landings on yachts, military vessels and other restricted or demanding landing areas where operationally required Brief aircrew, passengers and supporting personnel on mission requirements, safety procedures and emergency actions Command the aircraft and crew throughout all phases of the assigned mission Prepare flight plans considering terrain, weather, altitude, aircraft performance, crew capability, operational threats and training requirements Obtain and assess all relevant weather, intelligence, operational and mission briefing information Confirm that aircraft are appropriately crewed, equipped, fuelled and configured for each mission Verify aircraft weight and balance, loading, equipment stowage and fuel requirements Conduct or oversee pre-flight inspections and confirm aircraft serviceability before flight Ensure flight operations, procedures, records and standards comply with applicable ICAO, UAE aviation, customer and OEM requirements Ensure aircraft are operated in accordance with applicable airworthiness regulations, technical publications, directives and accepted maintenance practices Support senior aviation leadership with the safe and effective operation of the VIP aircraft fleet Maintain discretion and apply appropriate security awareness when supporting sensitive VIP operations Demonstrate strong cultural awareness when operating within the UAE and internationally Represent the organisation through consistently professional conduct, appearance and decision-making Work flexible and irregular hours according to operational requirements Candidate Profile This position would suit a highly accomplished military, government or specialist VIP helicopter pilot who has extensive command and instructional experience. The strongest candidates will demonstrate: Mature operational judgement Extensive single-pilot and multi-pilot experience Strong NVG, night and instrument capability Experience operating in complex or high-threat environments Previous VIP, special mission or government aviation experience Strong instructional and standardisation skills Confidence operating internationally and across different cultures Exceptional discretion, professionalism and personal integrity The ability to remain composed during rapidly changing missions Application Process Due to the sensitive nature of the programme, complete operational and customer details will only be provided to suitably qualified candidates following an initial review. Applicants should submit an up-to-date CV clearly showing: Total flight hours Rotary-wing hours Pilot-in-Command hours Night and instrument hours Multi-pilot hours Hours on AW139 and/or H145 Instructor qualifications Type ratings NVG experience Date and aircraft type of most recent helicopter flight Current licence and medical status