Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor

A career without limits

As the nation’s flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

It’s something we’ve been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world’s first international scheduled air service between London and Paris.

This originality has been in our blood since day one. It’s the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.

So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far-flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make.

We know great things can happen when you’re inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day, which is why, at British Airways the sky is never the limit.

The role:

Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor 

The Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor (CTKI) is the CAA-approved post holder responsible for the oversight, standardisation and quality assurance of theoretical knowledge instruction delivered within the BA ATO. The role ensures that training, instructors and assessments remain compliant, operationally relevant and effective in supporting pilot competence, safe aircraft operation and continuous improvement of the training system.

What you’ll do:

Regulatory Compliance and Governance

• Act as the nominated CTKI in accordance with ORA.ATO.210(c).
• Maintain oversight of all theoretical knowledge instruction.
• Act as the focal point for regulatory audits, inspections and compliance monitoring activities.

Instructional Standards

• Provide functional oversight of all Theoretical Knowledge Instructors (TKIs) and maintain standards of theoretical knowledge instruction.
• Conduct instructor observations, standardisation activities and quality assurance reviews.
• Promote consistent, accurate and operationally relevant training delivery.

Training & Assessment Governance

• Maintain oversight of theoretical syllabi, training materials and examinations.
• Ensure alignment with aircraft manufacturer data, BA manuals, regulatory requirements and SOPs.
• Monitor assessment performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Use training data, audit findings and feedback to identify training system risks and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure training supports pilot competence, operational decision-making and safe aircraft operation.
• Drive continuous improvement in training effectiveness and standardisation.

What you’ll bring to British Airways:

• Regulatory and flight training understanding.
• Uses training data intelligently to identify performance trends, systemic weaknesses, and improvement opportunities.
• Strong working knowledge of ATO regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrates behaviours consistent with accountable leadership under regulatory oversight.
• Engages confidently and transparently with authorities when required.
• Extensive instructional experience within flight training.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, auditing and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to influence and provide technical leadership without direct line management authority.
• Setting and maintaining instructional standards.
• Driving continual improvement of the training system.

Your experience:

Essential

• Demonstrable knowledge of UK CAA Aircrew and Air Ops regulatory requirements.
• Extensive experience as a TKI in subjects relevant to the training provided by the ATO.
• Strong understanding of ATO governance, compliance monitoring and training oversight.
• Experience developing, reviewing or assuring pilot training programmes.

Desirable

• Current or previous ATPL recognised by the UK CAA.
• Current or previous LAE recognised by the UK CAA.
• Previous CTKI, Deputy CTKI or similar post holder role.
• Experience of examination and assessment governance

In accordance with UK CAA requirements, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a prior approval interview with the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Appointment as Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor is conditional upon obtaining and maintaining UK CAA approval for the role.

What we offer:

We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.

From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

At British Airways you’ll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress.

We never stand still, and we don’t expect our people to either.

Inclusion & Diversity

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.

Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.