Helicopter Night Captain

About the role

The Helicopter Night Captain commands day and night operations, taking ultimate responsibility for flight safety, crew management and passenger welfare in accordance with TNPA procedures and SACAA regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct day and night helicopter flights under all‑weather conditions in accordance with TNPA SOPs and SACAA regulations.
• Execute safe hoist operations at night with minimal visual references, maintaining aircraft stability over moving vessels.
• Navigate the helicopter in clouds, rain or instrument meteorological conditions using sole instrument reference.
• Manage a multi‑crew cockpit, including handling inflight emergencies and ensuring safe landings in low‑light or marginal weather.
• Maintain compliance with national certification criteria and be legally liable as Pilot in Command.

Required profile

• Current ATPL‑H with Night, Instrument and Winching ratings.
• Minimum 2 200 total flight hours (1 200 turbine, 700 multi‑engine, 250 A109) and at least 5 years operational experience.
• Operational knowledge of TNPA marine pilot services is an advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence (code 08) and ability to travel as required.

Required skills

• Helicopter flight operation and advanced night‑flying proficiency.
• Instrument flight navigation and winching techniques.
• Crew Resource Management and decision‑making under high‑stress conditions.
• Radio telephony and flight planning.
• Navigation data processing and electronic systems monitoring.