Position Purpose
The Helicopter Day Captain is the commander of the aircraft during daytime operations and serves as the co-pilot for night operations. The captain is responsible for the safety and management of the crew and passengers, ensuring compliance with SACAA CARs 91.02.7 and 91.02.8 regulations as well as TNPA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Position Outputs

• Plan daytime flight missions based on marine traffic and port demands, and follow port control directives.

• Prepare aircraft resources and loading schedules for marine pilot transfers and port-related functions.

• Conduct pre-flight checks and safety briefings to ensure compliance with safety standards.

• Safely transfer marine pilots to vessels arriving and departing from South African ports.

• Ensure compliance with South African Civil Aviation Regulations (SACAA), SAMSA, and the National Ports Act No. 12 of 2005.

• Evacuate accident victims and persons in distress as required.

• Conduct port-related flights in accordance with TNPA and customer requirements.

• Determine flight routes based on approved aeronautical charts and requirements.

• Maintain communication with Port Control and Air Traffic Navigation Services.

• Record take-off and landing times to meet scheduling requirements.

• Ensure customer satisfaction and high performance.

• Log operational flight times and assess mission efficiency.

• Assist in delivering a seamless 24-hour operation to enhance port productivity and meet TNPA business objectives.

• Contribute to enhancing the business’s reputation by minimizing incidents and accidents, adhering to strict safety protocols.

• Respond promptly to port control directives to optimize ship turn-around time.

• Train and develop Day Captains, Co-Pilots, Cadet Pilots, and related personnel.

• Receive daily operational reports from the Night Captain.

• Conduct Line Proficiency Checks for Day Captains, Co-Pilots, and Cadet Pilots.

• Conduct daytime helicopter flights under all weather conditions, adhering to TNPA standard operating procedures and aeronautical publications.

• Maintain high standards of flight safety, ensuring safe transfer of marine pilots onto vessels under various weather and sea conditions.

• Navigate the helicopter safely in adverse weather conditions, including cloud, rain, or Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), with sole reliance on instruments, and land the helicopter without causing damage to passengers, crew, the aircraft, or equipment.

• Manage a multi-crew cockpit, handling in-flight emergencies and ensuring safe landing during low-light or marginal weather conditions.

• Comply with national certification criteria and recommended practices to maintain performance standards.

• Execute the skills transfer plan to foster team development.

Qualifications and Experience

• Hold a current CPL or ATPL-H.

• Night Rating and Instrument Rating.

• 2000 total flight hours.

• 500 hours on turbine helicopters.

• 350 hours on multi-engine helicopters.

• 250 hours on A109 helicopters (advantageous).

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience.

• Operational knowledge of TNPA marine pilot services.

Competencies Required

• Decision making

• Multi-tasking

• Communication

• Teamwork

Knowledge Required

• Aviation rules and safety guidelines

• Helicopter operation procedures and systems

• Public safety and security

• Transportation systems and procedures

• Port rules

• Customer and personal service

• English language proficiency

• Radio telephony proficiency

• Mathematical applications

• Computers and electronics

• Navigation data processing

• Flight planning and execution

Skills Required

• Strong communication skills

• Time management

• Judgement and decision-making

• Operational control

• Crew resource management (CRM)

• Active listening

• Assertiveness

• Accuracy

• Social perceptiveness and diversity management