Training and Checking Pilot

Training and Checking Pilot

• Play a key role in maintaining pilot capability, operational standards and aviation safety
  

• Conduct training and checking while continuing to fly operational aeromedical missions
  

• Based in Darwin, supporting essential aeromedical services across the Northern Territory

About the Royal Flying Doctor Service South Australia / Northern Territory (RFDS SA/NT)

We are one of Australia’s most trusted and respected health and aeromedical service providers, delivering essential care to people across remote, rural and regional communities throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory.

As part of our ongoing strategic and operational activities within the Northern Territory, we are focused on strengthening our workforce and enhancing capability across the region. Our five-year Strategic Plan prioritises building innovative, responsive and better-connected services that improve health and wellbeing outcomes for all Australians.

You can watch stories about our people, patients and the communities we serve atrfdsnt.com.au

Our values of Care, Integrity, Collaboration, and Innovation guide how we work, ensuring we deliver the highest standard of service and continue to improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

About this Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Training and Checking Pilot to support the Head of Training and Checking in maintaining operational standards and delivering the Aviation Training and Checking program.

This Darwin-based role combines training and checking responsibilities with operational flying. You will conduct pilot training and proficiency checks, including simulated emergencies and abnormal conditions, while also providing Line Pilot roster relief across RFDS NT operational bases.

Operating within a safety-critical aeromedical environment, you will ensure aircraft are flown safely and efficiently in accordance with RFDS procedures, flying operations manuals and applicable Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. You will also work closely with Medical Transport Specialists, clinical teams and other operational personnel to support safe and effective patient transfers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct pilot training and checking in accordance with CASR Part 119 and the RFDS Aviation Training and Checking program.

• Conduct proficiency checks, including the simulation of emergency and abnormal operating conditions.

• Operate RFDS aircraft safely and efficiently in line with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.

• Provide Line Pilot roster relief across RFDS SA/NT operational bases, as reasonably required.

• Complete flight, statutory and company documentation accurately and with care.

• Undertake flight preparation duties, including refuelling, oil and medical oxygen replenishment, and passenger and patient loading requirements.

• Work effectively with Medical Transport Specialists, clinical personnel and other team members in the aeromedical environment.

• Contribute to safety, quality assurance, risk management and continuous improvement activities.

• Promote a positive learning culture, strong teamwork and high professional standards.

• Maintain ongoing professional development and participate in required training, checking and educational programs.

About You

You will be an experienced turbine aircraft pilot with strong technical knowledge, confident decision-making skills and a genuine commitment to aviation safety and professional development. You will be comfortable working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and able to adapt to the operational demands of remote and regional flying.

Previous experience in training, checking or instructing will be highly regarded, along with an understanding of remote aviation operations and the ability to create a supportive learning environment for pilots.

To be successful, you will bring:

• A current Australian Commercial Pilot Licence.
• A current Class 1 Medical Certificate and Australian Driver Licence.
• A Command Instrument Rating with a minimum of three renewals.
• A minimum of 2,500 total flying hours, including 2,000 command hours, 500 turbine hours and 150 night flying hours.
• Proven experience as a Line Pilot operating turbine engine aircraft.
• Completion of basic gas turbine theory, an ATPL or a turbine endorsement.
• Experience operating aircraft in remote areas.
• Strong organisational, communication and decision-making skills.
• The ability to obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).
• Flexibility to travel and work outside core rostered hours when required by the aeromedical service.

An Australian Air Transport Pilot Licence, or progress towards one, and experience in a training and checking or instructing role will be highly regarded.

Our Benefits

As part of our team, you will be supported to achieve your best while contributing to meaningful work that makes a real difference.

We offer:

• Generous salary packaging options (up to $15,899 + $2,650 meal & entertainment)
• Competitive remuneration
• Flexible work arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program
• Reward and recognition programs
• Learning and development opportunities
• Comprehensive onboarding program

Further Information

To access the position description, please clickhereor email TEMRSRecruitment@flyingdoctor.net

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Michael Jarman, Deputy Head of Flight Operations via 0424 834 400

For recruitment enquiries, please contact Jo Graham, Senior Recruiter via 0428 679 511

Applications close 11.59pm on 17th November 2026

Please note, we reserve the right to appoint to the position before the published closing date. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible!

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a positive culture and offers a diverse, safe and supportive work environment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants are encouraged to apply.