Lead Aviation Excellence with Purpose

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) is one of the world’s largest and most trusted aeromedical organisations. Using the latest in aviation, medical and communications technology, we deliver extensive primary health care and 24/7 emergency aeromedical retrievals to people living, working and travelling across remote, rural and regional Australia.

We are seeking an exceptional aviation leader to join RFDSSE as the Head of Flight Operations & Chief Pilot—a pivotal position responsible for driving operational excellence and ensuring safe, compliant and world‑class aeromedical aviation services.

The Opportunity

As the CASA approved Head of Flight Operations & Chief Pilot, and a key member of the Aviation Leadership Team, you will provide strategic, regulatory, safety and people leadership across all Flight Operations functions under the Air Operator’s Certificate. You will lead a high‑performing pilot workforce, enhance aviation capability and ensure the safe and efficient delivery of aeromedical operations that directly support life‑saving care for remote and regional communities.

This is a unique opportunity to lead aviation excellence with purpose, influence organisational strategy, and shape the future of RFDSSE aviation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide exceptional and inspirational leadership across the Flight Operations workforce, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Champion the adoption of management systems methodology to drive continuous improvement, organisational maturity and long‑term operational resilience.
• Lead all flying operations to ensure safe, efficient and effective delivery of RFDSSE aviation services.
• Develop and implement the aviation business plan and annual operating budget.
• Develop and enhance Flight Operations policies and procedures to strengthen regulatory compliance, operational consistency and organisational safety performance.
• Provide strategic advice to the Executive General Manager – Aviation & Operations on fleet planning, operational capability and emerging aviation opportunities.
• Lead and support the Flight Operations management team and pilot workforce in alignment with RFDS values and organisational behaviours.
• Manage Flight Operations resources, including workforce planning and recruitment of pilots and operational staff to meet service needs.
• Collaborate closely with organisational leaders to execute the annual Aviation Business Plan.
• Represent Flight Operations at executive forums, contract performance meetings and industry conferences.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with regulatory frameworks, implementing improvements where required to uphold best‑practice aviation standards.

Minimum Technical Requirements:

• An Air Transport Pilot Licence
• Command Multi Engine Instrument Rating
• 4000 hours total flight time
• 1500 hours multi-engine experience in command time
• 300 hours instrument flight time
• 500 hours night flight time (minimum 150 hours in command)

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

Preference will be given to candidates who hold:

• Current or previous CASA Head of Flight Operations / Chief Pilot approval
• Kingair type rating
• Aeromedical experience
• A Flight Instructor Rating and/or Examiner Rating

Employee Benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Generous salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport membership
• Flexible working arrangements
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)

The role can be located in:

• Sydney;
• Dubbo;
• Broken Hill; or
• Launceston

What are you waiting for? For more information: Please call Mark Davey on 0477 058 998 or email Mark.Davey@rfdsse.org.au

Our Values: Our Values of Reliability, Care, Trust and Safety shape the way we work as individuals, as team members and with the communities we serve.

The RFDS (South Eastern Section) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

The RFDSSE aim to fill vacancies as quickly as possible. This means that we will close the advert as soon as we have found the right candidate and this may be before the published closing date. We would therefore advise interested applicants to submit an application as early as possible.