At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead BN2T flying operations and ensure safety and compliance in Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join Draken, a leader in aviation training and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a role with genuine authority, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to fairness and respect for all.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aviation safety and leadership while continuing to fly.
- Qualifications: Must hold a valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A) and have strong safety leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Draken offers exciting careers that matter. We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people.
The Role
Draken is seeking an experienced BN2T Islander Captain to join our team as Senior Base Pilot, providing authoritative operational leadership and local accountability for the safe, compliant, and effective delivery of contracted flying operations in Northern Ireland. This senior role combines command experience with structured operational oversight, safety leadership, and people management, aligned with Draken’s leadership and Safety Management System (SMS) expectations.
As Senior Base Pilot, you will hold delegated responsibility for BN2T operations at your assigned base, acting as the principal operational authority and single point of accountability for flight operations delivery. You will ensure operations are conducted in full compliance with:
- CAA / MAA regulations
- Company approvals and Operations Manuals
- Contractual and customer requirements
Working closely with the Fleet Captain and senior leadership team, you will support operational assurance, risk management, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day leadership of BN2T flying operations
- Act as the accountable lead for contracted service delivery at base level
- Maintain operational standards in line with Company Manuals, regulatory approvals, and SMS
- Operate as a BN2T Commander, demonstrating sound judgement and calm decision-making
- Promote effective TEM, CRM, and professional airmanship
- Lead hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation activities
- Foster a Just Culture, encouraging open reporting and learning
- Ensure audit and inspection readiness, including timely closure of findings
- Liaise closely with Operations and Engineering to ensure aircraft serviceability and readiness
- Contribute to operational reviews, improvement initiatives, and bid support as required
- Lead, mentor, and develop base pilots
- Support recruitment, onboarding, supervision, and succession planning
- Ensure pilots are briefed, supported, and competent within regulatory and contractual constraints
- Act as a visible role model for professionalism, compliance, and safety leadership
About You
You will bring:
- Strong safety leadership and regulatory awareness
- Confidence in accepting accountability and making defensible decisions
- Clear, professional communication with aircrew, engineers, customers, and leadership
- The ability to operate effectively in complex, time-critical environments
- A balanced approach to mission delivery and risk management
Essential Qualifications
- Valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A)
- Class 1 Medical
- AUPRT and MCC
- Practical experience with CAA and/or MAA regulatory frameworks
- Background in commercial, government, or military aviation operations
Why Join Draken?
At Draken, senior pilots are entrusted with genuine operational authority and clear accountability. This role offers the opportunity to influence operational standards, safety culture, and outcomes within a complex, highly regulated environment — while continuing to fly. Join us and make a measurable impact on aviation safety, leadership, and operational excellence.
Our employee values
Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. To us, diversity means bringing your own perspective to the conversation; inclusion means having a voice - and equality means that your voice is heard.
At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. Intolerance has no place in our Company. We condemn it outright. Instead, we strive to create a culture where each person who joins our team feels they have the opportunity to succeed, to grow, and to work within an environment where they can be themselves.
We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
About Us
Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary‑wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting-edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
Senior Base Pilot in London employer: Draken Europe
Draken is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and safety of its employees, offering senior pilots like the Senior Base Pilot a unique opportunity to lead and influence operational standards in a dynamic environment. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional development, Draken fosters a culture where every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to aviation safety and excellence. Located in Northern Ireland, this role not only allows for impactful leadership but also supports a work-life balance within a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Base Pilot in London
✨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.
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Base Pilot in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Draken Europe, 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 Draken Europe, 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 Draken Europe
✨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 Draken Europe.
✨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 Draken Europe. 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 Draken Europe love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
