Principal Aerodrome Inspector

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Date: 6 Oct 2026

Location: Gatwick, GB

Principal Aerodromes Inspector – Ground Handling (5598)

Salary: Upto £75,000 - dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Full Time permanent

Security Level: SC

Location: Gatwick, Manchester, Stirling, Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship

Closing Date: 20 October

Interview Date: TBC October / November

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.

You will be accountable to the AAA Manager Aerodromes & ATM for the regulatory oversight of Ground Handling Operations at allocated UK Licensed and Certified Aerodromes and Heliports and in so doing, discharging the obligations devolved to the CAA under the terms of UK law and the UK Air Navigation Order.

• The planning and conduct of a programme of effective regulatory oversight audits of UK Licensed and Certified Aerodromes and Heliports in accordance with the requirements of UK legislation and the UK ANO (as amended).
• Acting as Oversight Manager or Sector Manager (if required) for allocated Entities to ensure shared intelligence on industry performance that will be used to exercise regulatory oversight based on safety performance and in accordance with the principles and practices of Better Regulation.
• Ensuring the completion of all regulatory activity leading to the issue of Aerodrome Licences and certificates (or variation thereof) and Authorisations (as Accountable Manager) in accordance with the provisions of the UK requirements for Aerodrome Certification and the UK ANO as appropriate. In achieving this, the post holder will meet CAA business performance requirements in its dealing with industry stakeholders.
• Managing allocated resources to meet stakeholder expectations for the assessment of competence of licensed operational staff and where necessary ensuring Aerodrome Operators complete specified remedial action whenever the competence of licensed individuals is in doubt. In achieving this, the post holder will meet CAA business performance requirements in its dealing with industry stakeholders
• Participating fully and effectively in discussion on matters of regulatory policy and procedures aimed at achieving effective regulation in a manner proportionate to risk. The post holder will act proactively in identifying the need for new, or amendments to existing, policies and procedures.
• Deputising as required for Manager Aerodromes & ATM.
• Managing resource allocation to achieve full and consistent regulatory outcomes within budgetary constraints.
• Providing support to CAAi contracts as required. When doing so, ensuring the quality and timeliness of the technical outputs meets contract and customer expectations and that time recording/travel expenses are submitted in a timely fashion.
• Understanding and applying principles of Performance Based Oversight consistent with the wider CAA approach to Performance Based Regulation.
• Leading and directing high profile CAA projects and initiatives as necessary

Not only will you bring the technical and operational expertise required for the role, but you will also be an inspiring people leader who can support, develop and motivate others while delivering high-quality outcomes in a complex and evolving environment.

To be successful, you will have a proven track record of leading and developing individuals and teams to achieve organisational objectives. You will be confident in creating an inclusive and high-performing culture, enabling…