JOB DETAILS:
Summary
Join our team as a Line Pilot where you will fly passengers on a life-altering hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. In this role, you’ll operate balloon flights adhering to stringent safety protocols to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and equipment. You’ll also maintain accurate flight records and assist with balloon maintenance when required. Over and above being an ambassador of Flying Odyssey, you will have an opportunity to be a safari guide from the skies to truly create a truly unforgettable experience for your guests. This position will report to the Chief Pilot & Director of Flight Operations.

Flying Odysseyis a hot air balloon company founded by passionate pilots. We put safety at the heart of our operations and are dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences for our customers. Flying Odyssey believes in building lasting partnerships, creating a work environment that’s fun, collaborative, and full of adventure. Driven by a shared love for the Serengeti, we work together with our stakeholders to preserve its breathtaking beauty. If you’re excited about flying the Serengeti with a purpose we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities
• Flight Operations: Pilot hot air balloon flights with precision, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort to deliver a memorable experience for all passengers.
• Weather Assessment: Use various tools and your experience to assess weather patterns and meteorological forecasts to make informed decisions on your flights.

• Pre-flight Preparations: Perform thorough pre-flight checks of equipment and weather conditions, ensuring every flight complies with regulatory and safety standards
• Post-flight Procedures: Follow post-flight procedures that include preparing accurate flight records and reporting incidents (if any).
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure full compliance with aviation safety regulations and company protocols, maintaining high standards of safety at all times.
• Passenger Interaction: Engage with passengers in a warm, friendly, and respectful manner, briefing them on safety procedures while creating a relaxed, adventurous atmosphere. Be culturally sensitive to cater to a diverse international clientele.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the other pilots, ground crew, drivers, balloon maintenance specialists, and sales, reservations and marketing teams to ensure seamless operations and high guest satisfaction.
• Balloon Maintenance: Assist in routine inspections and light maintenance of the balloon to ensure optimal operational conditions.

Mandatory Skills and Qualifications
• Pilot Certification: Valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) for hot air balloon operations
• Flight Experience: Minimum 500 flight hours (out of which at least 400 hours should be in a balloon size 315 cu.ft or bigger). Experience in safari or adventure settings would be an advantage.
• Focus on Safety: Strong understanding of aviation safety protocols, emergency procedures, and balloon maintenance.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to assist with balloon setup and breakdown (if needed) and also be agile to move around in case of emergencies.
• Communication Skills: Fluent in English (knowledge of Swahili or other languages is a plus), with excellent interpersonal skills to engage and interact with crew, staff and drivers and the ability to converse and connect with guests.
• Knowledge of Tanzania: Familiarity with the  Serengeti region and its wildlife, climate, and unique flight and wind conditions is highly desirable.

Behavioural Skills
• Attention to Detail: Ensures all safety checks, flight logs, and pre-flight procedures are done meticulously and thoroughly.
• Calm Under Pressure: Able to stay calm during challenging situations and make quick, decisive actions in changing weather conditions.
• Team Player: Works collaboratively with ground crew, reservations staff, and fellow pilots to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Passion for Adventure: A genuine love for nature, adventure, and the thrill of flying over one of the most majestic landscapes on Earth.
• Guest-Oriented: A natural storyteller with the ability to make each guest feel special and create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Benefits
• A unique opportunity to fly over one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
• Competitive salary with accommodation.
• Health insurance.
• Monthly food allowance.
• Two months of annual leave, including one round-trip flight ticket. (not applicable for seasonal pilots)
• A dynamic and supportive work environment with opportunities for learning, professional growth, and development.

Why Work With Us
• We are Purpose-Driven: We’re passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, championing sustainable tourism, and preserving the Serengeti, ensuring your work has a real and lasting impact.
• Supportive Culture: We believe magic happens when we collaborate and work as a team – just like our  balloon rides! Our culture fosters a sense of belonging where work is fun and not a mundane boring chore.
• Career & Personal Growth: We provide our team ongoing learning, mentorship, and clear paths for advancement, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to grow
• Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive pay, great perks, and benefits that prioritise your well-being, because when you thrive, so do we!
• Respect, Recognition and Reward
• We will not shy away from appreciation, awards and rewards. You will be rewarded with bonuses contingent with the company’s sales, turnover and growth.