Aerodromes Inspector in London

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 Aerodrome Inspector role is a critical part of our 'field force' and sits within the Airspace, Air Traffic Management, and Aerodromes (AAA) team, which forms part of the CAA's Safety and Airspace Regulation Group (SARG). This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly skilled team dedicated to protecting people and enabling aerospace.

As an Aerodrome Inspector your primary focus will be the regulatory oversight of aerodrome safety management and operational services, in particular Emergency Planning and Rescue and Firefighting Services across a wide range of licensed and certificated aerodromes, ranging from major international airports to small general aviation airfields.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, conduct, record and report on audits and inspections of aerodromes against applicable regulatory requirements, either independently or as part of an audit team.
• Report audit findings and maintain regular engagement with aerodrome accountable managers and CAA management.
• Conduct proportionate regulatory oversight of UK licensed general aviation aerodromes.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the CAA to share and record intelligence gathered through field activities.
• Develop risk profiles based on intelligence and engagement with aerodrome operators.
• Evaluate aerodrome safety management systems (SMS).
• Lead or contribute to investigations relating to aviation safety issues, including whistle-blower disclosures or mandatory occurrence reports (MORs).
• Contribute to the development of CAA policy within your areas of expertise.
• Act as a subject matter expert on projects and change programmes including future safety and innovation initiatives.
• Support CAA International activities including audits, technical missions, and training delivery.

This list is not exhaustive. As part of a varied and dynamic role, you may undertake other duties appropriate to your skills and experience.

This role offers the opportunity to work across the full spectrum of UK aerodromes. One day you may be visiting a small recreational flying airfield, while the next could involve conducting oversight activities at a major international airport. You will work with stakeholders at all levels, from undertaking desktop audits and airside inspections to meeting with senior aerodrome leaders. Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate effectively across a range of audiences will be essential.

You will bring experience in:

• Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS)
• Emergency Response Planning
• Aerodrome Safety Management

The role requires regular travel throughout the UK, including overnight stays and visits to remote locations that may not be accessible by public transport, as well as occasional flights to island locations. A full UK driving licence is essential.

Essential Criteria:

• Personal values aligned with the CAA's values.
• Demonstrable experience in aerodrome emergency planning and Rescue and Firefighting Services.
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework governing aerodrome operations.
• Strong understanding of Safety Management Systems and their practical application within aerodrome environments.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders across the aviation sector.
• Ability to respond effectively to safety-critical situations and challenge assumptions where appropriate.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Competent user of IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Criteria:

• Understanding of human factors principles.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading meetings with senior stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

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.

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.

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 committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

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.