Job title:Chief Pilot

Reports to:Deputy Inspector C4 Specialist Operations Branch

Job summary:

The Chief Pilot performs duties and responsibilities set out in the Police Air Operations Manual (PAOM), and those delegated by the Unit Executive Officer. Flying duties, which may be on one or more types of aircraft, will be conducted in accordance with the PAOM, the Air Navigation Order, and European Aviation Safety Agency rules as applicable.

About the PSNI

Vision: To help build a safe, confident & peaceful society

Northern Ireland continues to develop and thrive. It is the role of the PSNI to collaborate with the Northern Ireland Executive, statutory bodies, business, community and voluntary groups to help them build a safe, confident and peaceful society.

Purpose: Keeping people safe

The PSNI will work with partners and communities to keep people safe, through frontline service delivery and enabling services.

Preventing harm by working with our partners to foster trust, resilience and citizen involvement, reduce offending and prevent crime.

Protecting citizens and communities, particularly the most vulnerable, by delivering professional policing operations and services in accordance with human rights standards.

Detecting offences and investigating suspects, by working with justice partners to carry out professional investigations and deliver prompt, visible, and fair outcomes. This will build the confidence of victims, witnesses and communities.

How: Policing with the community

We are at our strongest when we work in partnership with communities and when we involve those communities in policing. We best achieve this by demonstrating the following behaviours:

1. Accountability

Accountability is the fundamental building block to securing trust and legitimacy for any Police Service. It is the way to earn public co-operation, collaboration and information. Accountability helps us achieve our policing purpose of keeping people safe.

2. Acting with fairness, courtesy and respect

Fairness, courtesy and respect are the minimum standards for how we treat others, both inside and outside the organisation. These standards are non-negotiable no matter the context or provocation to act otherwise, and are key to securing our communities’ confidence and trust.

3. We will be collaborative in our decision making

Decisions are often too important, complex or far-reaching to be left to the police alone, which is why collaborative decision making is vital. Collaborative decision making is based upon the concepts of partnership and engagement, but takes it a step further and outlines the critical need for clear decisions to be made. This process has at its core collective responsibility and accountability.

Involving others shares the opportunity behind every challenging and important decision. These behaviours will also guide how we treat each other within the organisation.

Who: The Police Service of Northern Ireland

We are a diverse group of people who strive to be representative of the communities we serve in both our staff profile and culture. We are proud to serve the people of Northern Ireland and to work as part of an organisation which is committed to keeping people safe within this society.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has an overall purpose of keeping people safe. We achieve this goal through policing with the community and partners. The organisation’s ambition is to build a safe, confident and peaceful society.

The PSNI currently employs approximately 6,700 full-time regular police officers, over 400 part-time reserve constables and 2,450 police staff.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

· Ensure the safe, efficient and effective use of the Unit’s aircraft, consistent with the procedures, regulations and limitations laid down in the Police Air Operator’s Manual (PAOM)

· Keep up to date with UK and European aviation law, and ensure that PSNI procedures and manuals – such as the PSNI Air Support Unit Operation Manual – are kept up to date.

· Issue procedures, through the PSNI Air Support Unit Operations Manual, for aircraft commanders to maintain radio, navigation and flight instruments.

· Produce the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) for each of the Unit’s aircraft.

· Prepare business cases and recommendations in relation to, for example, procurement matters.

· Manage operational commitments within budgetary and resourcing constraints.

· Provide line management for ten pilots, including fixed wing and helicopter pilots. Some of these duties may be delegated to the Deputy Chief Pilot, in consultation and agreement with the UEO.

· Ensure that all the Unit’s flight crew licences, medical certificates, and training are kept up-to-date.

· Allocate tasks based on training, experience and ability.

· Ensure that pilots are rostered in accordance with their abilities and in compliance with the operator’s approved Flight Time Limitations (FTL) Scheme.

· Vet commanders’ FTL discretion reports.

· Check post-flight documentation.

· Approve leave requests and financial claims in respect of Deputy Chief Pilots, and other pilots in their absence.

Pilot duties

· Captain aircraft in the single-pilot role day and night, under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).

· Conduct both uniformed and covert police operations.

· Self-authorisation and supervision in a complex environmental and operational role, under varying weather conditions.

· Respond immediately to highly fluid emergency situations, including life-threatening and tactical situations.

· Analyse, brief and review meteorological conditions before, during and after operations.

· Self-briefing of NOTAMS, intelligence and technical information.

Aircraft safety

· Carry out pre-flight inspections and complete technical documentation.

· Perform turn-around inspections between flights.

· Perform pre-flight and in-flight analysis of aircraft performance for multiple roles, fuel loads, and passenger requirements.

· Brief users and passengers on what is achievable in current and forecast meteorological conditions.

· Complete personal Flight Time Limitations records.

· Brief crew and, if required, passengers pre-flight.

· Comply with the rules and regulations of PSNI ASU Manual and current European aviation legislation.

Liaison

· Liaise with air traffic control and helicopter maintenance engineers.

· Act as a point of contact with the CAA Flight Operations Inspectorate on pilot and other delegated operational matters.

· Facilitate external and internal inspections and audits as required, to maintain the highest professional, reputational and operational standards.

· Liaise with airport authorities when required.

Reports

· Complete Flight Time Limitations records to meet unit requirements.

· Prepare Mandatory Occurrence Reports and Voyage Reports.

· Carry out operations staff responsibilities including maintaining records, documentation, publications and charts.

· Deliver written and verbal hand-over briefings to other ASU staff.

Professional Knowledge

· Engage in continual professional development.

· Stay up-to-date with UK and European aviation legislation, and PSNI internal procedures and policies.

· Maintain pilot-specific skills.

Note: This description is not exclusive or exhaustive.

Ref: HRLPC0719

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Job title:Chief Pilot

Department:Air Support Unit

CATEGORY

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

Qualifications:

· Commercial EASA Pilots Licence, Rotary or Fixed Wing, with CPL/IR or ATPL, a current unrestricted Class 1 Medical and a valid Single Pilot Instrument Rating

· BN2T Type Rating

· EC135 and/or EC145 Type Rating

· Instructor and/or Examiner ratings

· CRMI qualification

Experience:

· 2000 hours total flying time is required to include 1000 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) Single Pilot Aircraft (SPA)

· 500 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) in a multi-engine Single Pilot Aircraft (SPA)

· Knowledge of UK and European Civil Aviation Law and guidance publications for both aeroplanes and helicopters regarding operation, licensing and maintenance

· Operation of a complex machine in a multi-faceted aviation and operational environment.

· Knowledge of mechanical and electrical aspects of aircraft structure, engines and radio, navigation and communication equipment

· Ability to assimilate information from a variety of legal sources to produce Unit publications and manuals to the acceptance of the regulatory authority

· Staff management and organisational skills including ability to manage within PSNI rules and regulations, and CAA regulations

· Ability to plan operations in a constricted timeframe and to rapidly assimilate information and implement decisions both in the air and on the ground

· Experience of 'Crew Resource Management' both in and out of the cockpit

· Demonstrate experience in the management of an aviation environment under the relevant air operating certificate

· Experience of using Microsoft Office / Word/Excel/ Outlook to producing reports, recording Flight Time Limitations (FTLs) and email

· Previous flying experience in an emergency services role

· 50 Hours Pilot in Command (PIC) Single Pilot Aircraft (SPA) multi-engine within the last 12 months

· Experience of drafting “operational and training” manuals

Other:

· Full current driving licence and access to a form of personal transport which will enable you to meet the requirements of the post in full.

· Applicants may be required to pass a flight assessment.

· Appointment will be subject to the successful candidate passing the appropriate Helicopter type rating (currently EC135 or EC145) and/ or BN2T rating

· You must provide a copy of your Flight Crew Licence, Driving Licence, Medical Certificate and last 2 pages of current logbook along with your application

Accountability

Courtesy, Fairness & Respect

Collaborative Decision Making

Serving the public

Leading change

Leading people

Managing Performance

Professionalism

Decision making

Working with others

Promotes a real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and will best serve their interests. Ensures that all staff understand the expectations, changing needs and concerns of different communities, and strive to address them. Builds public confidence by actively engaging with different communities, agencies and strategic local stakeholders, developing partnerships and ensuring people can engage with the police at all levels. Welcomes being held to account for the service delivered, proactively tells what we are doing, appropriately shares information and is open to critical challenge. Understands partners' perspectives and priorities, and works co-operatively with them to deliver the best possible overall service to the public.

Establishes a clear future picture and direction for the operational unit, focused on delivering the force vision and strategy. Identifies and implements change needed to meet service objectives, thinking beyond the constraints of current ways of working, and is prepared to make radical change when required. Thinks in the long-term, identifying better ways to deliver value for money services that meet both local and force needs. Encourages creativity and innovation within the Operating Unit. Adheres to governance and accountability frameworks.

Inspires people to meet challenging organisational goals, creating and maintaining the momentum for change. Gives direction and states expectations clearly. Talks positively about policing and what it can achieve, building pride and self-esteem. Creates enthusiasm and commitment by rewarding good performance, and giving genuine recognition and praise. Promotes learning and development, giving honest and constructive feedback to help people understand their strengths and weaknesses, and invests time in coaching and mentoring staff

Creates a clear plan to deliver operational unit performance in line with service strategy and objectives. Agrees demanding but achievable objectives and priorities for the operational unit, and assigns resources to deliver them as effectively as possible. Promotes the IPR process for managing performance and undertakes all reporting officer and countersigning officer activities within required timescales. Identifies opportunities to reduce costs and ensure maximum value for money is achieved. Highlights good practice and uses it to address underperformance. Delegates responsibilities appropriately and empowers others to make decisions. Monitors progress and holds people to account for delivery.

Acts fairly and with integrity, in line with the values and ethical standards of the Police Service. Delivers on promises, demonstrating personal commitment, energy and drive to get things done. Defines and reinforces standards, demonstrating these personally and fostering a culture of courtesy, fairness, respect and personal responsibility within the operational unit. Asks for and acts on feedback on own approach, continuing to learn and adapt to new circumstances. Takes responsibility for making tough or unpopular decisions. Demonstrates courage and resilience in difficult situations, defusing conflict and remaining calm and professional under pressure.

Assimilates complex information quickly, weighing up alternatives and making sound, timely decisions. Gathers and considers all relevant and available information, seeking out, listening to and evaluating advice from stakeholder, partners and specialists as appropriate. Establishes when its best for police or partners to lead or when decisions should be shared. Asks incisive questions to test facts and assumptions, and gain a full understanding of the situation. Identifies the key issues clearly, and the inter-relationship between different factors. Considers the wider implications of different options, assessing the costs, risks and benefits of each. Makes clear, proportionate and justifiable decisions, reviewing these as necessary.

Builds effective working relationships with people through clear communication and a collaborative approach. Maintains visibility to staff and ensures communication processes work effectively throughout the operational unit. Consults widely and involves people in decision-making, speaking to people in a way they understand and can engage with. Treats people with respect and dignity regardless of their background or circumstances, promoting equality and the elimination of discrimination. Treats people as individuals, showing tact, empathy and compassion. Sells ideas convincingly, setting out benefits of a particular approach, and striving to reach mutually beneficial solutions. Expresses own views positively and constructively, and fully commits to team decisions.

Short listing will be carried out on essential criteria. Please note in some instances, e.g. where there is a high volume of applicants, desirable criteria may then be used.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Job Title:

Chief Pilot

Location:

Aldergrove

Branch:

Air Support Unit

Hours of Work:

A shift system is in operation; current pattern can be subject to review.

Job Background:

The Air Support Unit has been in existence for 27 years and operates a BN2T Islander and Defender aircraft, and an EC135 and EC145 in a variety of police roles. There are currently 33 members of staff which comprise of pilots and police officers.

Salary:

(Competitive Rates)

£75,789 which includes

· Overtime

· Saturday and Sunday Premium payments

· Shift Allowance

· On Call Allowance

· Premium Payments for Public Holiday Working

Additional Allowances not included in the consolidated salary and may be payable

Pilot Allowance:

· Type Rating Instructor - £2,304

· Type rating Examiner - £2,304

· Line Training Captain - £ 807

· Flight Safety Officer - £ 576

· Chief Training Allowance, subject to holding appropriate training qualifications - £6913

· Environmental Allowance (PSNI Allowance) – up to £574 per annum

Pension Scheme:

The PSNI operates a Voluntary Contributory Pension Scheme. Full details will be provided to successful candidates.

Sick Pay Scheme:

An occupational sick pay scheme is in operation.

Retirement

Applicants will not be appointed after their 59th birthday, due to the age limits upon attaining the age of 60,set out in the Air Navigation Order (CAP 393, Section 1 Schedule 7), which are applicable to this role.

Annual Leave:

25 days per annum on entry rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus 12 statutory holidays

Other / Additional Information

Successful candidates may on occasions be required to travel throughout and outside of Northern Ireland for business purposes.

Paragraph 8 of Schedule 3 to the Police Act states a person is disqualified from being an independent member of a Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) if he/she is (b) a member of the police support staff.

Substance

Misuse Testing

The PSNI has a substance misuse policy which includes testing of biological material for history of use of substances listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a drug screening test prior to being offered an appointment as a police staff member with the PSNI. The biological material to be sampled as part of the pre-appointment process will usually be hair. Those who return a positive result will not be offered an appointment within PSNI. Refusal to offer an appointment will not prevent applicants from applying for future recruitment processes for PSNI.

The substance misuse testing will be managed by an independent contractor.

Vetting

Successful candidates, upon appointment, will be a direct recruit of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. As such candidates must be willing to undergo and understand that the position is subject to successful Police and enhanced Security vetting.

GDPR

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For further information in how PSNI use your personal data please view the PSNI Privacy Notice at

https://www.psni.police.uk/advice_information/information-about-yourself/adultprivacynoticepage/