Flight Operations Inspector (Consultant)

The Barbados Civil Aviation Authority invites applications for a Flight Operations Inspector (Consultant) to help expand the department, strengthen regulatory oversight, and mentor staff in line with international best practices.

FLIGHT OPERATIONS INSPECTOR (CONSULTANT) -  VACANCY NOTICE

The Barbados Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Flight Operations Inspector (Consultant). We are seeking an experienced aviation professional to support the expansion of the Flight Operations Department, build its regulatory oversight capacity, and provide training and mentorship to staff in alignment with international best practices.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Flight Operations Inspector is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety and regulatory compliance within Barbados' airspace and for Barbados-registered operators overseas. This role involves conducting comprehensive safety oversight activities, including flight checks, inspections, audits, and ongoing surveillance of flight and ground operations. The Inspector monitors and evaluates the operations of all Air Operators, Aerial Work Operators, Approved Training Organizations, and Ground Handling Agencies. Additionally, the position oversees and assesses the competency and compliance of Pilots, Flight Dispatchers, and Cabin Crew licensed by Barbados, ensuring adherence to national and international aviation regulations and best practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participate in the certification process for Air Operators and Aviation Training Organizations to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
2. Evaluate operator facilities, equipment, and procedures to ensure the safe conduct of commercial aviation activities.
3. Monitor and assess local flight crew training programs, simulator sessions, and adherence to Flight and Duty Time Limitations.
4. Conduct inspections, investigations, and continuous surveillance of flight operations, dispatch procedures, and ground handling activities in accordance with established standards.
5. Review and evaluate operator manuals, including Operations Manuals, Aircraft Operating Manuals, and Safety Management Manuals, for adequacy and regulatory compliance. 
6. Perform ramp inspections on both local and foreign aircraft, document discrepancies, and recommend corrective action to flight crews or operator representatives.
7. Observe or assist with flight crew licensing examinations and proficiency checks, including initial type conversions and upgrades.
8. Assess regulatory submissions such as maintenance programmes, exemptions, and modifications, making recommendations where necessary.
9. Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and practices to strengthen the Flight Safety Department's oversight capacity.
10. Represent the Director General at internal and industry forums, and deliver technical presentations and reports as required.
11. Provide structured on-the-job training, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to assigned staff to support sustainable capacity-building.
12. Prepare and submit detailed training and inspection reports, and ensure familiarity with current aviation security directives and safety-related documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

1. Holder of a current Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with a minimum of 5,000 hours as Pilot-in-Command on multi-crew civil or military transport aircraft, preferably in a regulatory or quality assurance capacity.
2. At least ten (10) years of progressive experience in airline transport operations, including a minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory or management role, with demonstrated involvement in regulatory compliance or safety oversight.
3. A First Degree in Aviation Management or a related Management discipline is highly desirable and will be considered a strong asset, particularly where combined with regulatory training or certification.
4. Working knowledge of the Barbados Civil Aviation Act and associated regulations would be an asset.
5. Sound working knowledge of ICAO Annexes, with practical experience applying regulatory frameworks to flight operations or organizational approvals.
6. In-depth understanding of civil aviation flight training and flight checking standards and procedures, including experience in evaluating pilot competency and flight crew licensing in accordance with ICAO and State regulations.
7. Demonstrated familiarity with flight dispatch, flight following, ground handling operations, and aircraft load management, especially within a safety oversight or regulatory audit context.
8. Knowledgeable in modern navigation and surveillance systems, including RVSM, RNP, ADS-B, GPS, and EDTO (formerly ETOPS), with practical insight into their operational and regulatory implications.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

1. Experience in technical training, including visual aids, training devices and aircraft flight simulators;
2. Computer literate and comfortable using the MS Office suite;
3. The ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with industry and department personnel;
4. The ability to communicate effectively at all levels, in both oral and written format.
5. Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to adopt a systematic approach to problem-solving, in a complex technical environment and to exercise sound professional judgment, in a calm manner, while under pressure.