Head of Flight Operations | Outback Spirit

About Us

Outback Spirit Tours offers a range of unique adventure tours, desert safaris and luxury short stays across our beautiful country. Our adventures capture the very essence of Australia, from the rugged red cliffs of the Kimberley to the unspoiled natural wonder of Tasmania, we bring iconic experiences to life. We operate 10 lodges in some of the most remote, inaccessible and beautiful locations. Our team of guides, drivers, camp and operations staff are passionate about the outdoors and take pride in bringing our guests on the adventure of a lifetime.

Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 14 brands spanning the country, connecting guests to the land, and to each other. Headquarters in Adelaide, Journey Beyond’s impressive tourism brands include iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern and The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; the historic Telegraph Station, barefoot luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventure, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; and our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89.

Joining the Journey Beyond family, you will play an integral role in supporting our business as we continue to share special places and shape lasting memories for our guests.

About The Role

The Head of Flight Operations (HOFO) is responsible for safely managing the flying operations for Outback Spirit (Spirit Aviation Pty Ltd) which operates one Cessna Grand Caravan 208, one Cessna 210 and leased assets from time to time. This position is responsible for the control of all flight crew training and operational matters affecting the flying operations, and the duties of the HOFO pursuant to aviation legislative requirements. This position is based in Darwin, NT and is primarily a management position within the operation.

The expectation is that approx. 50% of your time will be spent managing the regulatory and Company requirements of the operation with an approx. 50% flying commitment.

We are seeking a passionate and self-motivated individual to fulfil the duties of the HOFO role. Your collaborative working style will be coupled with your strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. You will have excellent attention to detail, great problem solving/decision making skills and a continuous improvement mindset.

Must have:

Minimum 1500 hours total time

Remote area experience

Highly Regarded:

Previously held HOFO position

C210/C208 experience

Training and checking/instructor rating

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing resources within the flight operations plan and overseeing the recruitment of pilots and other operational staff to ensure flight crew resource availability as per service requirements
• Maintaining records of all flying operations and ensuring that flight personnel have the necessary skills, training, license and recency
• Monitoring operational standards, training records and supervising the training and checking of flight crew
• Leading, developing, managing and mentoring the aviation team, fostering a high-performance environment and retention of talent through proactive training and development
• Carrying out the rostering and scheduling of crew, ensuring rostering and fatigue management in accordance with fatigue processes
• Actioning the management of change process when changes are required
• Managing the drug and alcohol management plan (DAMP)
• Maintaining the aviation reference library and access to publications, information and data
• Actively promoting the safety culture amongst the aviation team including incident reporting, participating in audits and/or investigations relating to incidents as required and in collaboration with the Aviation Safety Manager and Aviation CEO  

What We Offer

• Amazing opportunity to work in a dynamic, growing tourism business
• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• An attractive salary
• Study Assistance Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• A career with opportunities for progression, transfers, and secondments
• Employee Referral Policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise
• Salary sacrifice remote area benefits

It is a requirement of this role that the successful incumbent will hold the relevant experience and knowledge necessary to be appointed as the CASA approved HOFO for the AOC. If this role is of interest to you, we want to hear from you. Apply now!

Applications close 13th of December