Flight Information Services Officer (FISO)

We currently have a vacancy for a Licensed Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) to work in our Control Tower at Blackbushe Airport. Blackbushe is a busy GA airfield and has ambitious plans to develop its existing infrastructure. We are looking for a person who will enjoy this environment and share in the development.

JOB TITLE: Flight Information Service Officer (FISO)

REPORTING TO: ATSU Supervisor or their Deputy

APPLICABILITY: The duties and responsibilities within this job description apply to all FISO or Air/Ground staff, and also to the ATSU Supervisor

HOURS OF WORK: Normal airport opening hours are 07:00 – 18:00, 7 days a week, and FISOs will be required to work from 06:30 – 18:30, 7 days a week to support this.

ROSTER PATTERN: Published in advance on an annual basis, 5-week pattern with 3 weekends on and 2 weekends off. Note: This pattern is currently being reviewed for 2027.

EXTENSIONS: Under the terms of the licence, the airport may extend it’s opening hours from 18:00 – 22:00 daily. Overtime will be available to FISOs in accordance with the Overtime policy. It is important that the airport accommodates as many extension requests as possible, as they are a valuable revenue stream, and promote Blackbushe as a flexible, and reliable choice for aircraft operators. For this reason, a mandatory paid overtime policy is in place by nominating the Late Shift on each day to work the extension (with overtime paid at 1.5x) if given at least 24 hours’ notice.

EXPERIENCE: A validated FISO licence would be preferable. Experience in an Air/Ground role, or other relevant aviation experience would be a plus.

FITNESS & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: FISOs are required to hold a Class 2 Medical

SALARY: For an experienced FISO already validated at another aerodrome, starting at £30,000 pa, increasing to £32,000 pa once validated at Blackbushe, and with annual reviews. For a candidate without a FISO licence or ROCC, starting at £27,500 pa, increasing to £30,000 pa once validated at Blackbushe. This role is subject to a training loan against the cost of the course training.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Once validated, you will be responsible for providing vital information for the effective, safe, and efficient conduct of flights using the aerodrome and the associated air traffic zone, by providing a comprehensive air traffic service in accordance with current CAA legislation and the Aerodrome’s Safety Management System, policies and practices.

We pride ourselves in giving our customer a great service, and as a FISO you will manage the majority of the interaction with our visitors. This will include dealing with people by email, on the phone, and face to face.

The primary purpose of all Tower staff is to ensure the provision of Air Traffic Services in accordance with the aerodrome licence, with company policy, and with requirements of the UK regulator, the CAA.

At all times tower staff must ensure they are able to meet the minimum standard required by the above. Duties associated with this include:

> Ensuring the separation of dissimilar types and maintenance of safe operations at all times.

> Ensuring that all operations comply with the framework of the Airport’s CAA Licence.

> Ensuring that all Customers receive fair and equitable access to airport facilities and service.

> Ensuring that a high level of Customer Service is provided to all Customers in accordance with the strategies and values of the Airport Management now and for the future.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

> A passion for Aviation

> The ability to work under pressure on your own and in a small team.

> A confident communicator, both spoken and written

> A great personality, able to build relationships with Aerodrome users, potential customers, outside agencies, and the Blackbushe Airport team.

> An entrepreneurial attitude, able to problem solve and innovate.

SKILLS

> You will ideally already have a FISO License and have practical experience as an Air/Ground Operator.

> Alternatively, we are open to supporting the right individual in training to become a FISO.

> Proficient in the Microsoft Office package including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

> Experience of industry applications such as CFMU NOP, AFPEx is a plus

> Training will be provided on the Airport’s Red Atlas system to enable the management of air traffic movements to be recorded.

SHIFT SYSTEM

> We work a shift system covering the published hours of the airport, which are 0630 – 1830, 7 days a week. There will be a mix of early, mid and late shifts.

> The late shift will be required to provide extension cover with 24 hours notice to provide a service to any late commercial flights after 1800 through to 2200 hours, with ATSU staff remaining onsite to 2230 local. Such extension cover is paid as overtime at time and a half.

> Currently the shift system involves staff working 60% of weekend days. The shift system is subject to change to meet business requirements.

> The roster pattern is published 12 months ahead, allowing FISOs to plan their personal lives, and gives certainty around weekends off. The current pattern is shown on the description at https://blackbushe.com/fiso

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

> Due to the rural location of the role, you will need your own transport.

> You must also provide evidence that you are legally entitled to work in the UK.

> You must be able to obtain and maintain a Class 2 medical to work as a FISO and must disclose at interview any medical condition which may restrict this ability. For more information see: https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-licences/applications/medical/apply-for-a-class-2-medical-certificate/

REMUNERATION PACKAGE

> Salaries vary on experience levels, but all FISOs work to a defined salary progression structure.

> For an experienced FISO with a minimum of 2 years validated experience at another unit, the salary is £32,000 per annum once validated.

> For a sponsored trainee FISO with no previous experience, the starting salary is £27,500 per annum which increases to £30,000 once validated as a FISO (usually 6-9 months). Sponsored FISO candidates without a FISO licence will typically attend a course at Global ATS Gloucester to receive training for FISO exams. Once passed and a licence is issued, it takes typically 3-4 months to achieve a level of competency sufficient to pass a validation. Such candidates will be required to sign a two-year bond to the cost of the training course.

> Contractual increases are in place once validated, linked to experience.

> To deliver evening extensions, FISOs have a mandatory overtime policy. The allocated Late shift will work an extension if booked 24H before, and will be paid 1.5x their normal hourly rate cumulatively from 18:30. If an operator cancels an extension with less than 24H notice, FISOs will still be paid for the extension. Typically, we handle 5-10 extensions per month, which can vary seasonally.

> Holiday Entitlement is 26 shifts per year which includes an allowance for Bank Holidays. The airport is closed on Christmas Day.

PENSION

Blackbushe Airport provides an Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme in which the company contributes 3% of the employee’s salary, and the employee contributes 5% of their salary.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Employees with 6 months service will be enrolled in the company comprehensive private medical insurance policy, which will cover almost all illnesses and injuries, on a prior-conditions excluded basis.

LIFE ASSURANCE

All full-time and part-time Employees will be enrolled in a Life Assurance scheme. This provides for up to three times the salary in the event of the death of the employee at any point during their employment (whether at home or at work.)

ONSITE CATERING

All employees receive 50% discount at the onsite Pathfinder Café.

CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME

Employees with 6 months service are eligible to take advantage of a cycle to work scheme.