Aerodromes Inspector

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Date: 22 Sept 2026

Location: Gatwick, GB

Aerodrome Inspector
-Rescue and Firefighting Services- (5622)

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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…