New Posting - Sunwest

Sunwest Aviation has an opportunity available for a Flight Safety Officer within our Flight Operations Department. This position also has line flying duties on one of our aircraft types. This position reports to Director of Flight Operations and is responsible for providing all safety related functions for the Flight Operations department.


• The FSO is directly responsible to the DFO (dotted line to the Director of Safety) in taking immediate measures to mitigate hazards, reduce risk, and restore acceptable flight operations. The FSO will aid the Director of Safety in continuing the development of the Sunwest Aviation Ltd. Safety Program and SMS as it pertains to flight operations. The FSO works directly with Flight Operations personnel in support of all flight safety investigations, and along with the Director of Safety, coordinates all flight safety activities with all other divisions and departments as necessary. The FSO coordinates all flight operations safety programs, flight safety reporting, and follow up on corrective actions. Working with department personnel requires resource allocation management, risk prioritization of reports and response, and internal collaboration among a wide variety of personnel, departments, divisions and workgroups
• In conjunction with the Director of Safety, make flight operations safety performance goals and measuring the attainment of those goals.
• In conjunction with the Director of Safety, review the SMS to determine its effectiveness as it pertains to flight operations.
• In conjunction with the Director of Safety, make progress reports to the Accountable Executive.
• Using the Sunwest Aviation Ltd. Hazard Identification Tracking System (HITS), ensure the timely collection of information related to flight operations hazards, incidents and accidents that may adversely affect safety.
• Identify flight operations hazards (hazard analysis and risk assessments) and carry out risk management analyses of those hazards.
• Implement and develop a preflight risk analysis system.
• Investigate, analyze and identify the cause or probable cause of all flight operations hazards, incidents and accidents identified under the SMS including root cause analysis.
• In conjunction with the Director of Safety, maintain a safety data system, either by electronic or by other means, to monitor and analyze trends in hazards, incidents and accidents.
• In conjunction with the Director of Safety, monitor and evaluate the results of corrective actions with respect to flight operations hazards, incidents and accidents.
• In conjunction with the Director of Safety, monitor the concerns of the civil aviation industry in respect of safety and their perceived effect on Sunwest Aviation Ltd.
• Recommend safety policies and procedures for the Flight Operations Department.
• Attend Company Safety Committee meetings and report safety related information to the Safety Committee and to the DFO.
• Stay abreast of relevant safety legislative requirements and initiatives as they apply to Sunwest in general OHS and the environment.
• In conjunction with the Director of Safety, determine the adequacy of the training for flight operations personnel.
• Report to the DFO the hazards, incidents and accidents identified under the SMS or as a result of an audit.
• Other duties as assigned by the DFO.


The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications and competencies. In addition, personality profiling will be required of all candidates granted an interview for this position.
• SMS certificate program successfully completed
• Preference will be given to candidates who hold a valid Commercial Pilot Licence minimum (Airline Transport Pilot Licence preferred), a valid Instrument Rating and a valid Medical (category 1 or 2 as appropriate).
• Flight safety training courses (such as Canadian Forces Basic and Advanced Flight Safety Course) are an asset.
• Technical writing course/program is considered an asset
• 2 years experience working directly in aviation SMS is preferred
• 3 years commercial aviation experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Solid writing skills and abilities
• Good experience using Microsoft Office Suite programs as well as should have good general computer skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and time management skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrates strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to develop effective systems and processes
• Self motivated individual with the ability to take the initiative
• Adhere to the safety accountabilities as per Sunwest’s Safety Management System manual.

All interested candidates should visit the Career Centre at http://www.sunwestaviation.ca and complete an on-line application form for the noted opportunity. Position deadline is May 10, 2013.

Sunwest offers a competitive, performance-based salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, extended health, life insurance, AD&D, short-term & long-term disability, an Employee & Family Assistance Program, and Group RRSP plan matching. Offering a safe, diverse and innovative environment, Sunwest is respected for integrity and is committed to taking care of our customers, our employees, our partners and our community.

Sunwest Aviation is committed to employment equity and hires on the basis of merit. We encourage all candidates to apply and the most qualified candidate will be offered the position. All applicants are thanked in advance; however only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.