Civil Aviation Authority
Aerodromes Inspector
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Aerodrome Inspector - Rescue and Firefighting Services- (5622)
Salary: £55,000 to £60,000
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Security Level: CTC
Location: Stirling, Manchester, London, Gatwick, Hybrid
Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship
Closing Date: 25 October 2026
Interview Date: WC 2nd and 16 November 2026
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
Whilst the CAA’s principal office location is at Gatwick, we also have regional offices in Manchester and Stirling. We are committed to flexible and smarter ways of working that support a healthy work-life balance whilst meeting the needs of our colleagues, teams, and the organisation.
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
You will:
- 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.
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This list is not exhaustive. As part of a varied and dynamic role, you may undertake other duties appropriate to your skills and experience.
About You
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.
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.
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If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK
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 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. Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, 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
Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.
Our Values
- Do The Right Thing
- Never Stop Learning
- Build Collaborative Relationships
- Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here
Closing Date: 25 October 2026
Interview Date: WC 2nd and 16 November 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.
No recruitment agencies please.
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