16 Sqn QFI

A vacancy has arisen for a Flt Lt (Aircrew – Pilot (Any)) to serve as 16 Sqn QFI at RAF Wittering on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of being not before 25 January 2027 (or later, subject to candidate status).

6 FTS is the largest and most diverse military flying training school in the country. From its HQ at RAFC Cranwell, the school manages a broad range of flying instruction from Elementary Flying at University Air Squadrons to the provision of Air Experience Flying (AEF) for the Air Cadet Organisation.

The 16 Sqn mission is the Continued Professional Development of all Airborne Instructors (AIs) on behalf of 22 Gp and 6 FTS; the checking of instructional standards of current AIs and the provision of assurance that flying operations are being conducted safely and correctly at 6 FTS Tutor units.  

As a 16 Sqn CFS Accredited Instructor (CAI) you will conduct periodical standardisation of Tutor QFIs, and the air and ground instruction for QFIs re-categorising to higher instructional categories and as Instrument Rating Examiners. Additionally, on occasion you will be required provide instructor training to pilots undergoing the QFI course to augment the CAIs on 115 Sqn and to, conduct Elementary Flying Training (EFT) sorties for ab-initio trainees and University Air Squadron pilots. Furthermore, you may also be required to assist with training international students. You will be working as a member of a small team and be required to undertake a range of additional duties associated with flying training delivery and development, the supervision of flying and the management of the squadron, coupled with conducting assurance visits across the UK at 6 FTS sites. In addition to your duties with 16 Sqn, but within the terms and conditions of FTRS(LC), you will be required to carry out those duties associated with a commissioned officer of your rank.  Normal working hours will be Monday to Friday 0730 to 1700 in the Winter and 0800 to 1800 in the Summer, although these hours may vary to meet specific needs and may include weekend flying and will include overnight stops away from RAF Wittering. 

Responsible for: 

• Maintain a minimum of A2 instructional category on the Tutor aircraft and CFS Accredited Instructor status. 
• Complete any specialist training courses required to fulfil your duties, eg Flying Authorisers/Supervisors Course, Aviation Medicine Course, Flt Safety Officer or PCMIO course.
• Complete Mandatory Training Courses as required by RAF policy which includes Human Factors & Error Management Training, Diversity & Inclusion Training, Advanced Care of the Trainee and Defence Train the Trainer Course. Complete other courses mandated by HQ 6 FTS.
• Lead and perform by example upholding RAF and societal values and standards.
• Act as an ambassador for diversity and inclusion.
• Support the zero tolerance policies regarding alcohol, substance abuse, harassment and bullying.

• Must either have been, or currently be, a ​Flight Lieutenant – Flying Pilot (Any)​ – or other Service equivalent of Army Captain, RN Lieutenant.  
• Previous A2 QFI.

• Current or previous Tutor A2 AI.
• Flying; a minimum of 1000 hours flying experience (500 hours to be instructional) and previous AI experience within the last 5 years.
• Staff experience, flying training management and line management.
• Must have a Full UK Driving Licence.

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 4 appraisal reports as required.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name: Sqn Ldr Rich Kellett

Email: richard.kellett390@mod.gov.uk

Tel: Mil: 95351 Ext 7761 Civ: 01780 417761 / +443001604674

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 4 appraisal reports as required) should be sent to:

Name: Shellie Hunter

Email: michelle.hunter953@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 10 June 2026 and interviews will take place week commencing 15 June 2026.

Unless already commissioned in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be commissioned in the Royal Air Force Reserves with a liability for call-out for permanent service.

The appointment is on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of up to 24 January 2032.

Confirmation of appointment will depend on successful completion of a RAF Medical Board.  Personnel who do not meet the Age/Permanent Joint Medical Employment Standard (PJMES) may apply for the appointment but will only be considered subject to an executive waiver process on a case-by-case basis. 

Candidates must be attested before their 61st birthday. However, suitably qualified personnel may be considered but a waiver must be sought from SO1 Res Spt prior to interview.

Candidates who have been out of regular or reserve service for more than 5 years may be considered for this appointment.  Prior approval must be sought from the relevant Professions Advisor to confirm current and past experience prior to being invited to interview.

Applicants of an equivalent rank from sister Services may apply but will only be accepted into the Royal Air Force Reserves if an appropriate Professions advisor can be identified to sponsor the applicant.  The relevant Profession’s advisor approval must be agreed before the interview.

Regular Service Applicants.  Personnel currently serving in the Regular Royal Air Force should be mindful of the current Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) for their respective Rank, Profession and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying.

Joint Medical Employment Standards. This post is deployable/non deployable and/or has safety critical elements and/or involves operational support activity and/or is not sedentary in nature. IBN 94/24 does not apply.

Admin Discharge.  Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the KR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391.

Pension Issues.  Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans and MMP116 - Re-employment. Of particular note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment’ on Commutation and, for those leaving on a ‘preserved’ pension, the Resettlement Grant.

Transition between TCoS.  Personnel taking this appointment from other TCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements, such as leave, resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TCoS. 

Flexible Working Arrangements.  In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager.  Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage.

Individual Reinforcement Training (IRT) (Module 1) and RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT).  Reserve personnel are required to maintain currency in IRT and the RAFFT iaw the relevant TCoS.  The successful applicant will be expected to undertake IRT and the RAFFT within 6 months of commencing employment (if required).

Annual Salary and Leave.  Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published for the reserve air forces.  Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760.

Accommodation. Personnel serving on FTRS(LC/HC)/ADC TCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at entitled rates, if serving within the Air Command TLB.