At a Glance
- Tasks: Instruct military aircrew in flying training on the Grob 120TP ‘Prefect’ aircraft.
- Company: Join Ascent Flight Training, a leader in military aviation training.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career progression and support for mental health.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by training the next generation of military pilots.
- Qualifications: CPL(A), FI(A), Instrument Rating, and 500 hours flying experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 72500 £ per year.
A day in the life of an EFT QFI. As a Qualified Flying Instructor on the Elementary Flying Training (EFT) Squadron at RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath, you will be part of a team delivering world‑class flying training to Military aircrew on the Grob 120TP ‘Prefect’. This aircraft is a high‑performance single engine turbo‑prop with full glass cockpit and retractable undercarriage.
What will you do?
- Instruct relevant aspects of the EFT syllabus to the highest of instructional standards.
- Much of the role consists of airborne instruction (General Handling including aerobatics, basic Instrument Flying and Low‑Level Visual Navigation conducted at 500 feet agl).
- The role will also include the delivery of phase briefs, technical lessons, practical demonstrations and synthetic training.
- Achieve and maintain a Military Instructor Category from the historic RAF Central Flying School who demand the highest of instructional standards.
- Conduct other tasks related to Prefect training as directed.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of EFT courseware.
- Achieve advanced levels of Military Instructor categorisation and progression to teach advanced EFT elements such as Close Formation Flying.
- Be working in an environment which is heavily customer‑focused ensuring Ascent always provides a first‑class service.
Salary: Starting at £54,000, increasing to £60,000 on completion of training, £67,500 when fully qualified; advanced qualification attracts a salary of £72,500.
What will make you successful?
- You will ideally have significant experience as a Flying Instructor (Aeroplanes) or experience gained as a previous military‑qualified service pilot.
- While you do not require any military experience, it would be advantageous if you were familiar with the military environment – though this is not essential.
Qualifications and Experience
- Essential: Unrestricted Class One Medical. CPL(A), FI(A) and Instrument Rating and 500 hours Flying Experience, or Military Equivalent.
- Desirable: Aerobatics Rating.
Candidates who do not meet the essential requirements are encouraged to apply if they are on a pathway to achieve the requirements in the future. We can place you in the Talent Pool until you have the required qualifications and there is a vacant position. Due to current visa regulations, we’re unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.
You should already be an excellent communicator and possess computer fluency skills with Microsoft Office.
Additional skills and expectations
- Be able to demonstrate experience of working in collaboration with other teams.
- Have strong presentational skills.
- Be able to develop and update courseware with emerging ‘best practise’ and updates as required.
- Fully engage with the RAF and Ascent Safety Culture.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (extra days with length of service).
- Private AXA health care for you and your family.
- Pension plan (up to 6% matched).
- Life Assurance (up to 3 times your annual salary).
- AXA Private Medical Insurance for you and your family.
- Enhanced sick pay – rising to 6 months with length of service.
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 free and confidential legal and wellbeing advice).
- Annual reviews of your salary and individual learning and development plan.
- Mental Health Support and subscription to the Unmind platform for you and a plus one.
- Up to 10 days compassionate leave.
- Enhanced partner pay – up to 4 weeks full pay (after 1 year of service).
- GymFlex – Discounted gym & fitness memberships.
- Holiday trading – buy or sell up to 5 days of annual leave each year.
- Cycle2Work scheme.
- Retail discounts.
- Eye test every two years + £55 contribution towards glasses.
- Enhanced maternity pay – up to 6 months full pay (after 1 year of service).
- EV Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme.
- Free on-site parking.
- L3 and L5 Transformational Leadership Programmes for current and aspiring managers.
- Loss of Licence Insurance.
- Bupa Dental Cover for Flying Roles.
Single Engine Flying Instructor (EFT QFI) employer: Ascent Flight Training
Ascent Flight Training offers an exceptional work environment for Single Engine Flying Instructors at RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath, where you will be part of a dedicated team delivering top-tier flying training to military aircrew. With a competitive salary structure, comprehensive benefits including private healthcare, generous annual leave, and robust employee development programmes, Ascent prioritises both your professional growth and personal well-being, making it an outstanding employer for those seeking a meaningful career in aviation instruction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Single Engine Flying Instructor (EFT QFI)
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Ascent Flight Training for a Single Engine Flying Instructor (EFT QFI). This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Single Engine Flying Instructor (EFT QFI)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Ascent Flight Training, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Ascent Flight Training, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascent Flight Training
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Ascent Flight Training.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Ascent Flight Training. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Ascent Flight Training love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
