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Thornybush Vacancy

First Officer – Thornybush Air Services

Job Description

About this role

As the First Officer for Thornybush Air Services you will support the Captain in delivering safe, efficient and seamless charter flights for Thornybush guests travelling to and from our lodges in the Greater Kruger. You will work closely with your Captain, the Commercial Team and the Aviation Manager, and will be an ambassador for the warm, genuine Thornybush hospitality our guests know us for.

Responsibilities

What you will do

  • Assist the Captain with (and when required) conduct flight planning incl. pre-flight planning
  • Assist with and conduct thorough pre and post flight inspections
  • Weight and Balancing
  • Passenger safety and care incl. guest safety briefings
  • Operate the aircraft as Pilot Flying or Pilot Monitoring as directed by the Captain
  • Complete flight documentation accurately
  • Assist guests and handle luggage
  • High-end charter guest handling
  • Liaise with lodge teams and ground transfers to ensure a seamless guest journey
  • Assist with aircraft cleanliness
  • Strict adherence to SACAA regulations and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Report hazards, incidents and occurrences in line with the Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Maintain currency of all licences, ratings, medical and recurrent training

Note – Aircraft: Cessna Caravan 208 EX

Requirements & Qualifications

What we are looking for

Requirements:

  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with an Instrument Rating (IR)
  • Valid SACAA Class 1 Medical Certificate
  • A minimum of 250 hours Total Time
  • Cessna 208 Caravan type/class rating
  • Turbine experience
  • Valid first aid certificate (advantageous)
  • Valid ICAO English Language Proficiency (ELP) Level 4 or higher
  • Dangerous Goods awareness training (or willingness to complete)

Systems and Programs:

  • ForeFlight / Garmin Pilot
  • Microsoft Office (Excel intermediate)
  • Safety Management Systems Software
  • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and flight/duty time logging systems

Technical Skills:

  • Must be computer literate
  • Familiar with Aviation terminology
  • Exposure to airport and aircraft movements
  • Working knowledge of South African aviation regulations (SACAA CARs/CATS) and ICAO standards

Soft Skills:

  • Guest-centric, professional and well-presented
  • Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from the Captain
  • Strong communication (written and oral) skills with guests and flight crew
  • Strong planning, scheduling, and time management
  • Ability to focus on detailed tasks to completion
  • A strong commitment to safety standards and safe operating practices
  • Eagerness to learn and grow towards command (Captain) in the future
Who we are

Why Thornybush?

At Thornybush Air Services, you’ll find your people – purpose-driven, passionate, and wild at heart.

We reserve the right to pause or stop recruiting at any stage.

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Vacancy Title

First Officer – Thornybush Air Services

Application Reference

First Officer

Employment Type

Permanent

Remuneration

Market Related Salary, Provident Fund Contribution & Medical Aid

Location

Hoedspruit (and surrounds)
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Submit your application

We cannot wait to receive your application! Submit your contact information and CV on the application form below. Alternatively, send an email to careers@thornybush.com with the vacancy title in the subject line. Please do not send any other additional information.

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