Chief Flight Instructor Jobs in Durban

Transnet is looking for a Chief Flight Instructor to work from Durban. This is a permanent post at grade AS5, and applications close on 9 November 2026.

About the company and the work

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) runs South Africa’s ports, and this role sits in its Aviation department, reporting to the Senior Manager – Aviation. The Chief Flight Instructor manages and coordinates all training for the Marine Pilot Service, making sure training complies with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations, the Transnet Training and Procedures manual, the Rotorcraft Flight Manual, Civil Aviation regulations and the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005, and keeping the TNPA helicopter service running without interruption.

Role details and duties

The successful candidate will:

• Manage and coordinate all training for the Marine Pilot Service, including day and night line captain duties under Part 127 and Part 141
• Assess Helicopter Line Instructors, Night Captains, Day Captains, Day Co-Pilots, Night Co-Pilots and Cadets every six months
• Run training in line with SACAA regulations, the Transnet Training and Procedures manual and the Pilot’s Operating Handbook, and keep orderly training records
• Carry out operator, pilot and line proficiency checks, instrument flying assessments, re-currency, difference and finalization training, and type ratings
• Liaise with the Accountable Manager, Flight Operations, the Chief Pilot, the Safety and Quality Officer and Engineering, and issue competency certificates
• Oversee pre-flight inspections and refuelling, check documentation, and make sure flight, duty and instruction times comply with the rules
• Plan daily missions around marine traffic and Port Control directives, including marine pilot transfers and port-related flights, and record take-offs, landings and operational flight time
• Keep the helicopter service running around the clock, report incidents and hazards, and support customer satisfaction
• Train and develop Day and Night Captains, Co-Pilots and Cadet Pilots

As commander for day and night operations, the Chief Flight Instructor is ultimately responsible for the safety of crew and passengers under SACAA CARs 91.02.7 and 91.02.8.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements, as stated in the original advert:

• Hold a current CPL-H or ATPL-H
• A minimum of a grade 2 instructor rating on helicopters
• An instrument rating
• 2000 hours total flight time
• 500 hours on turbine helicopters
• 250 hours on multi-engine helicopters
• A minimum of five years of experience

A winch rating on helicopters will be an advantage, as will operational knowledge of the functions of TNPA marine pilot services. The advert also looks for decision making, multi-tasking, communication and teamwork; knowledge of aviation rules and safety guidelines, helicopter operation procedures and systems, public safety and security, transportation systems and procedures, port rules, customer and personal service, English language proficiency, radio telephony proficiency, mathematical applications, computers and electronics, navigation data processing, flight planning and execution, and Part 141 (Aviation Training Organisations); and skills including good communication, time management, judgement and decision making, operational control, crew resource management (CRM), active listening, assertiveness, accuracy and diversity management.

Where to find this job and apply safely

This vacancy is advertised on Transnet’s official talent portal. Use the Apply button on this page, which takes you to the original listing. Apply only through that official listing. Transnet never asks job seekers for a fee; report any suspicious request to the Transnet anti-fraud line on 0800 003 056 or to [email protected].

Practical tips

• Show your current CPL-H or ATPL-H and your grade 2 instructor rating on helicopters clearly
• State your total flight time, turbine helicopter hours and multi-engine helicopter hours separately
• Mention a winch rating and any knowledge of TNPA marine pilot service operations, if you have them
• Highlight Part 141 training experience, proficiency checks and assessment work
• Apply well before the closing date of 9 November 2026 so a last-minute problem does not cost you the opportunity

How the process works

Applications are submitted through Transnet’s talent portal using the original listing linked from this page. Candidates are assessed against the requirements stated in the advert. Transnet notes that if you have not heard from them within 90 days, you should consider the application unsuccessful, and only the original listing can confirm any later steps in the process.

Important information

This post is shared for information only. The role is permanent, based in Durban, at grade AS5. Preference is given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups, in line with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and Targets. Details and availability can change, so always verify them on the original listing.

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