SAFA Inspector

Salary: up to £46,000 dependent upon experience + company car

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

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 CAA is responsible for managing and conducting the SAFA (Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft) ramp inspection programme on behalf of the DfT via a Working Arrangement (WA) with EASA. This involves inspections on aircraft used by third country operators as well as alcohol testing on flight and cabin crew. UK Ramp inspections are also carried out on national aircraft (SANA) in line with national oversight requirements.

The Role

• The CAA Is Recruiting For Two SAFA Inspectors:

• One from an aircraft engineering background based within a ~90-minute drive to airports such as Manchester and Birmingham (but not excluding visits to any other UK airports as deemed required). The ideal candidate would hold or has held an aircraft engineer license within the past 5 years.
• One from a flight operations background, based within a ~90-minute drive to airports such as Manchester and Birmingham (but not excluding visits to any other UK airports as deemed required). The ideal candidate would hold or has held a commercial / airline transport pilot license within the past 5 years.

You will be part of the UK ramp inspection programme and will conduct inspections as well as alcohol testing on flight and cabin crew along with other members of a dedicated team. The target numbers for these inspections are agreed with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) annually.

You will work within a team to ensure that UK SAFA performance is comparable with other states. This performance will be assessed by the SAFA Principal and based on feedback from team members, DfT, EASA as provided through the EASA SAFA Meetings and other online information.

Provide inspection reports to the operators in line with the agreed process and procedures and enter details of inspections onto the EASA SAFA database in a timely and accurate manner. Ensure timely review of follow-up actions and closure of findings.

You will build collaborative working relationships internally and externally with various stakeholders such as CAA, DfT, EASA, Airlines and Airports.

As part of the ramp inspection process, travel is required 3 – 4 days per week within the UK (sometimes staying overnight for 2 or 3 nights in a hotel) and with the possibility of occasional visits overseas (infrequent). As the nature of the role involves responding to aircraft movements, inspections are conducted around the clock with occasional weekend coverage. Work from home days are planned 1 – 2 days per week.

About You

• This essential condition will be satisfied if the candidate:

• Has been educated to a minimum of at least GCSE standard or equivalent and, after that, an appropriate level of aeronautical experience/qualifications in the field of aircraft operations or maintenance.
• Has an aeronautical degree or equivalent.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English language.
• Is a self-starter, team player and can demonstrate initiative and proactiveness.
• A good understanding of ICAO Standards and UK Regulations.
• It is desirable to have background experience in auditing and inspecting processes within the aviation sector.
• You must hold a valid UK driving licence.
• Holds or has held an aircraft engineer license within the past 5 years.
• Has been licensed as maintenance personnel and preferably exercised the privileges of such a license within the past 5 years.
• Hold or has held a commercial / airline transport pilot license within the past 5 years.

What Can We Offer You?

You will have an allocated car to utilise for inspections as well as an opportunity to join a proactive and diverse team in a hybrid working dynamic environment. Our benefits cover a range of aspects including pension, life assurance, medical plans, cycle to work schemes and more. The CAA provides training and development opportunities to support all employees.

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.

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.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

Our Values

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

Closing Date: 10th June 2025

Interview Date: w/c 16th or 23rd June 2025

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.

No recruitment agencies please.