Safety Manager (FTO & CAR-145) at Chimes Aviation Academy

About Chimes Aviation Academy With a legacy spanning over 18 years, presently a modern fleet of 32+ aircraft (with further expansion underway), and two training bases in Madhya Pradesh, Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA) has firmly established itself as India’s leading Flying Training Organization (FTO). Globally, an FTO’s credibility is often benchmarked by airline Cadet Pilot Program approvals, reflecting adherence to the highest standards of training, safety, and operational excellence. In this regard, CAA stands apart. With an annual intake of more than 200 cadets, CAA operates the largest Cadet Pilot Program in India in partnership with IndiGo, the country’s leading airline. CAA is also proud to be the only Indian-owned FTO selected by IndiGo for this prestigious program. As a market leader in a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, CAA is well positioned for sustained and exceptional growth in the years ahead. We are committed to building a team of high-energy, dedicated professionals who are passionate about contributing to a world-class flying training environment and upholding the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and excellence. Position Details Job Title: Safety Manager – FTO & CAR-145 Organization: Chimes Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Scope: Flight Training Operations (FTO) CAR-145 Approved Maintenance Organization Reporting To: Accountable Manager Regulatory Reference: DGCA CAR-FTO DGCA CAR-145 DGCA CAR-SMS ICAO DOC 9859, ICAO Annex 19 About of the Position The Safety Manager is responsible for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an effective Safety Management System (SMS) covering both flight training operations and aircraft maintenance activities of Chimes Aviation Pvt. Ltd., ensuring full compliance with DGCA requirements and fostering a positive safety culture across the organization. Responsibilities & Duties 1. Safety Management System (SMS) Establish, implement, and maintain the SMS in accordance with DGCA CAR-SMS, CAR-FTO, and CAR-145. Ensure SMS integration across flight training, maintenance, engineering, and support functions. Develop, maintain, and communicate the Safety Policy and Safety Objectives. Monitor Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Safety Performance Targets (SPTs). 2. Hazard Identification & Risk Management Implement and manage voluntary and mandatory hazard reporting systems. Identify hazards related to: o Flight training operations, instructors, students, airfield and ground handling activities o Aircraft maintenance, tooling, facilities, human factors, and certification activities Safety risk assessments and ensure implementation and monitoring of mitigation measures. Participate in Management of Change (MOC) processes for new aircraft types, procedures, facilities, bases, or organizational changes. 3. Occurrence Reporting & Investigation Promote and maintain a Just Culture throughout FTO and CAR-145 operations. Investigate flight training incidents, accidents, maintenance errors, occurrences etc. Conduct root cause analysis and recommend corrective and preventive actions. Ensure mandatory occurrence reporting to Directorate General of Civil Aviation, as applicable. 4. Safety Assurance & Monitoring Monitor safety performance through data analysis, safety meetings and audits. Coordinate with the Quality Manager to ensure effective SMS–QMS alignment. Track safety actions to closure and verify their effectiveness. Support DGCA audits, inspections, and surveillance activities for both FTO and CAR-145 approvals. 5. Safety Training & Promotion Develop and conduct SMS and safety awareness training for: o Flight instructors, students, and operational staff o Engineers, technicians, and maintenance support personnel Issue safety bulletins, alerts, and lessons-learned communications. 6. Documentation & Manual Control Maintain SMS documentation, safety records, and reports. Ensure SMS-related sections of the FTO Manual (TPM), Maintenance Organization Exposition (MOE), and SMS Manual remain current and effective. Ensure safety record retention in accordance with DGCA requirements. Requirements Qualification & Experience Requirements 1. Mandatory Qualifications Degree or Diploma in Aviation, Engineering, or a related technical discipline. DGCA / ICAO compliant Safety Management System (SMS) training. Thorough knowledge of DGCA CAR-FTO, CAR-145, and CAR-SMS requirements. 2. Experience Requirements Minimum 3 to 5 years of aviation experience, with exposure to: o Flight training or flight operations and/or o Aircraft maintenance in a CAR-145 environment Experience in safety management, quality, compliance, or operational oversight functions. 3. Desirable Experience Background as a Pilot, Flight Instructor, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, or Quality/Safety professional. Training in Human Factors and SMS Experience handling DGCA audits, findings, and corrective action management. 4. Core Skills & Competencies Strong analytical and risk-assessment skills Effective communication and report-writing ability Leadership in promoting safety culture and Just Culture principles Understanding of human factors and error management Ability to work independently across operational and maintenance domains Benefits Salary on Offer Remuneration: Salary is negotiable and will be commensurate to qualification, educational background and experience. Employment Type: Full time