SAFA Inspector

Salary: £46,000 up to £50,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Full‑time, FTC up to 12 months

Security Level: CTC

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Role

We are recruiting for a SAFA (Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft) Inspector to join our UK ramp inspection programme. These roles are essential in maintaining high‑quality safety oversight and ensuring the UK’s SAFA performance aligns with other European states. We are seeking one Inspector for the South‑East region, ideally living within approximately 90 minutes of major London airports (Luton and Stansted). The ideal candidate will hold or have held a maintenance licence within the past 5 years, although other relevant aviation experience will be considered.

You will conduct SAFA ramp inspections and alcohol testing of flight and cabin crew as part of a dedicated national team. Target inspection numbers are agreed annually with the Department for Transport (DfT). You will prepare high‑quality inspection reports, ensure accurate and timely entry of findings into the EASA SAFA database, and monitor follow‑up actions to closure. You will build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including the CAA, DfT, EASA, airlines, and airports. This is a field‑based role requiring travel 3–4 days a week across the UK, including occasional overnight stays (2–3 nights). Limited international travel may also occur. Due to aircraft movement patterns, inspections take place around the clock, with occasional weekend coverage. Home‑working is typically 1–2 days per week.

• Conduct SAFA ramp inspections in line with annual targets agreed with DfT and CAA International (CAAi).
• Ensure UK SAFA performance remains comparable with other European states, through engagement with DfT, EASA, and the European Commission.
• Produce accurate, timely SAFA inspection reports and enter findings into the EASA SAFA database.
• Maintain personal competence and validity as a SAFA Inspector.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of technical procedures relating to SAFA inspection activities.
• Assist in EASA standardisation activities relating to SAFA.
• Liaise with DfT, CAA (SARG) and EASA on SAFA standardisation processes and outcomes.

About You

You will bring strong aviation experience and an understanding of aircraft operations or maintenance. You must meet one of the following essential criteria:

• Hold or have previously held a commercial/airline transport pilot licence.
• Hold or have previously held a flight engineer licence.
• Hold or have previously held a maintenance licence (ideally exercised within the last 5 years).
• OR have equivalent aeronautical experience gained through aircraft operations, maintenance, or safety oversight.

You will also have:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A good understanding of ICAO Standards and EASA Regulations.
• (Desirable) Experience in auditing, inspections, or compliance monitoring involving ICAO or EASA frameworks.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance. To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 3 years. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers. We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process

We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.

Working With Us

We are building a more adaptable organisation where colleagues collaborate across functions, learn together, and take on development opportunities beyond their core roles. We support hybrid and flexible working and are open to discussing arrangements that help you achieve a positive work‑life balance. Our benefits include:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Free onsite gym at Gatwick
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Optional 5‑day annual leave purchase scheme
• Generous pension…and more.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone

Closing Date: 13/03/2026

Interview Date: w/c 23/03/2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.