Queen Pilot
 

Queen looking for £80,000 a year pilot


Queen looking for £80,000 a year pilot - Telegraph

11:11AM BST 10 Aug 2011

The job is being advertised on the British Monarchy website and the successful applicant must have "VVIP" experience.

The pilot will also not be allowed to take any summer holiday - when the Royals are normally at Balmoral in Scotland on their annual break.

The Royal Family is full of helicopter pilots. Prince William is a search and rescue pilot at RAF Valley in Wales, Prince Harry is training to fly Apache with the Army Air Corps and Prince Andrew flew helicopters with distinction in the Falklands,

Prince Charles also qualified as a helicopter pilot at RNAS Yeovilton in 1974 while Prince Philip is also a qualified pilot, earning his RAF wings in 1953, his helicopter wings in 1956 as well as his private pilot's license in 1959.

Now they want their own chief helicopter pilot to ferry them around the country and lead a team of eight.

"The Queen's Helicopter Flight (TQHF) consists of a small team of pilots and ground support personnel operating a single privately operated Sikorsky S76 Helicopter. It provides a first class helicopter service to Members of the Royal Family engaged on official duties," says the job advert.
"Working closely with the Head of Royal Travel and the Operations Officer you will oversee the flying programme and ensure flights are operated strictly in accordance with the Operations Manual. You will be responsible for the day to day management of TQHF resources and supervision of the Pilots, Landing Site Officers and Operations Officer. You will liaise with all contractors and to ensure compliance with their contractual obligations. You will be also responsible for pursuing a vigorous flight safety policy."
Among the qualities needed are:"The ability to plan complex tasks/itineraries with an eye for detail. High levels of initiative and problem solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Good team leadership and management skills
"It is highly desirable that you have: S-76 type rating. Corporate/VVIP experience.
"The post holder is required to work an average of 35 hours per week, five days out of seven. However, due to the nature of the task, significant flexibility is required. The Chief Pilot must also be prepared to work during public holidays. Additional hours will normally be compensated with the grant of time off in lieu. Annual leave is not normally granted in June, July and September."
The successful candidate must also have "excellent interpersonal and communication skills with experience of liaising with a range of people."
The closing date for applications is August 29.