Aerodromes Inspector (Ground Handling)

Civil Aviation Authority; England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Civil Aviation Authority is seeking an Aerodrome Inspector – Ground Handling to oversee regulatory compliance at UK aerodromes and heliports. Hybrid role based at Gatwick, with a focus on audits, risk management and policy implementation.

You will work to ensure compliance with the UK Air Navigation Order, CAP 168 and relevant EU/UK safety standards, while contributing to safety performance and training new inspectors. Competitive salary and permanent contract on offer.

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of ICAO Annexes 14 & 19
• CAP168 awareness and UK Air Navigation Order sections
• Knowledge of IATA AHM and Ground Operations Manual (IGOM)

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct audits/inspections as part of regulatory oversight of ground handling organisations
• Contribute to Performance Based Oversight as Technical Specialist for allocated entities
• Act as a focal point for expert assessment on changes or innovations in ground handling operations
• Manage ground handling declaration applications to meet regulatory criteria
• Collaborate with teams to achieve safety regulation objectives within budgets
• Participate in investigations and review Mandatory Occurrence Reports as needed
• Assist in regulatory policy discussions and training of new inspectors/officers

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Auditing skills

Risk management

Briefings & presentations

Job description

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

Date: 8 Oct 2026

Location: Gatwick, GB

Aerodrome Inspector – GROUND HANDLING (5645)

Salary: Upto £60,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

Security Level: CTC

Location: Gatwick / Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship

Interview Date: WC 16 Nov Gatwick In person

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

You will be accountable to the Principal Inspector Ground Handling for the regulatory oversight of Ground Handling Organisations at UK Certified and Licensed aerodromes / heliports, to ensure compliance with the requirements of the UK Air Navigation Order, UK (EU) Reg No 139/2014 and CAP 168 ‘Licensing of Aerodromes’

• The planning and conduct of audits and inspections as part of a programme of effective regulatory oversight of Ground Handling Organisations (as allocated) in accordance with the requirements of UK (EU) Reg No 139/2014, other applicable international legislation, CAP168 and the UK ANO (as amended).
• Contributing to the Performance Based Oversight process as Technical Specialist / Oversight Manager for allocated Entities to ensure shared intelligence on industry performance is available to support regulatory oversight based on safety performance and in accordance with the principles and practices of Better Regulation.
• Acting as the focal point for professional expertise and technical assessment for any change projects or innovation within ground handling operations; to ensure that relevant criteria are met, and that safety is effectively managed during and after the work or with the introduction of the new development.
• Managing ground handling declaration applications to ensure that all agreed regulatory criteria are met.
• Working collaboratively with others to achieve the goals of AATMI by achieving performance objectives agreed with the Principal Inspector Ground Handling within the timescales specified.
• Reviewing relevant Mandatory Occurrence Reports and (where appropriate) participating in incident investigation processes as a member of an investigations team, to provide expert knowledge. This may include investigation of whistleblower allegations.
• Participating effectively (in a technical expert role) in discussions on matters of regulatory policy and procedures.
• Deputising as required for Principal Inspector Ground Handling.
• Contributing to the cost-effective provision of safety regulation by operating within the constraints of the T&RE expenditure budget.
• Co-operating with other functional areas of the Division or Group (and on occasion with external organisations, other regulators and government) to achieve optimum safety regulation.
• Contributing to the training of new Inspectors/Inspecting Officers including signing-off elements of the training syllabi.
• Providing support to CAAi contracts as directed.

About You

You will have a detailed understanding of the safety regulatory requirements associated with the ground handling operations in the UK. In this regard, a detailed knowledge of the following documents is required: -

• ICAO Annexes 14 & 19
• CAP168
• Relevant sections of the UK Air Navigation Order.
• Knowledge and understanding of IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) and Ground Operations Manual (IGOM).
• You will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles of Safety and Quality Management. Practical or regulatory experience of Ground Handling Operations in accordance with a Safety Management System is essential.
• Can assess and critique the effectiveness of an SMS at expert level is required.
• Will have completed an appropriate course of training in risk management techniques and have gained experience in the practical application of these techniques in a ground handling operational environment.
• Will have completed training in auditing skills and techniques.
• Confidently able to provide briefings of technical matters to a range of audiences, and must therefore have a confident but approachable style, be comfortable in communicating in a range of formats, and be able to present issues and supporting arguments in a concise yet comprehensive manner.

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 is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. To help ensure transparency and protect the independence and reputation of the CAA, candidates invited to interview will be required to complete a Declaration of Interests form, disclosing any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that could influence, or be seen to influence, their ability to perform the role objectively and impartially.

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 Intelligenceby 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, factuallyaccurateand taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has beenidentified(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

Interview Date: WC 16 Nov Gatwick In person

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.

Job Segment

Compliance, Inspector, Inspection, Quality Control Inspector, Risk Management, Legal, Quality, Engineering, Finance