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Romania - Pilot Operations Lead
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What they do
A Pilot operates and navigates a commercial, private, or military aircraft or helicopter
$213,053 / year median in Florida
+19% projected growth
Job Description
Romania - Pilot Operations Lead
Draken International
•
Lakeland, Florida
•
PERMANENT
Updated 09/03/2026
Job Description
Job Summary
Draken is looking for an experienced commander and F-16 Instructor Pilot for duty at a Romanian Air Force (RoAF) European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) located at the 86th Air Base (86AB), near Borcea Romania. The Romania Operations Lead will run the operation of the EFTC, including all flight operations, flight training, academics training, and simulator training. The Operations Lead will also function as the Head of Training for all instruction at the EFTC. The Operations Lead will also perform duties as an F-16 Instructor pilot and will be flying former Romanian F-16M (F-16A/B Block-15 aircraft upgraded to the Mid-life upgrade configuration) to train RoAF, NATO, and other allied countries' pilots.
Candidates must be available for an 18-month contract period. Work schedules in Romania are flexible.
Responsibilities:
Performing duties as the Operations Lead at the EFTC
Instructing and executing during F-16 simulator training scenarios
Performing Platform F-16 Instruction
Flying and instructing airborne in F-16 aircraft
Attend mass briefings, flight briefings, Plan and fly F-16 training missions. Accomplish flight debriefings and attend mass debriefings
Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions
Collect and disseminate lessons learned
Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights
Deploy as required to support mission requirements
Execute administrative and command and control functions of the RoAF F-16 Training Center
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Current FAA Class II medical rating
Commercial, Single-Engine pilot certificate
Must obtain/maintain secret security clearance by 1 Sept 2023
Graduated Squadron Commander or Operations Officer
F-16 qualifications
Current F-16 qualification desired
2,000+ F-16 hours
500+ F-16 Instructor hours, F-16 RTU Instructor Time highly desired
Must provide statement of F-16 recency
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