Flight Operations Inspector - ASSI

Salary: Circa £70,000 dependent upon experience, inclusive of a Market Related Supplement (MRS)

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: BPSS

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

Air Safety Support International Ltd (ASSI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Established in 2003, ASSI supports the development of civil aviation safety regulation in the UK Overseas Territories (OTs). Its mission is “To ensure, in an inclusive and sustainable manner, that the UK meets its international obligations in respect of aviation safety regulation within the UK Overseas Territories.”

The Role

To carry out the duties of an ASSI Flight Operations Inspector as directed by the Assurance Manager, the COO and CEO. 

To audit / assess the safety of approved organisations and Departments of Civil Aviation (DCAs) based in the UK Overseas Territories (OTs) and to establish their compliance with the requirements of the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order (AN(OT)O), in line with Performance Based Oversight (PBO) principles.

To assist the Flight Operations Policy specialist to produce and maintain the published means of compliance (OTARs) and Guidance Material (OTACs) with the relevant aspects of the AN(OT)O in line with ASSI policy and changes to ICAO SARPs.

To act as a technical expert and to assist ASSI in achieving the overall objectives, such that business needs and strategy are achieved using the tools and procedures available, which includes the use of Centrik, our audit management tool.  To assist with the further development and implementation of PBO and to provide training, both internally and to the OTs, as necessary.

Core Accountabilities

• Conduct objective oversight of all aspects of commercial air transport (CAT) operations for the initial issue and on-going maintenance of an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), in order to be satisfied that they comply with standards and requirements.
• Undertake assessments/audits of private and corporate operators for competence in relation to legislation and compliance with requirements.
• Oversee any necessary Personnel Licensing examinations required under OTAR Part 61 and Flight Examiner competency checks.
• Conduct ramp checks of aircraft and operators.

• Participate in assessments of OTAAs to ensure that they are fit for purpose in-line with ICAO PPQ and follow up to closure, deficiencies raised during the assessments.
• Consider applications for approvals, permissions, exemptions and deviations.
• Manage and undertake the research, production, and maintenance of means of compliance with the legislation (OTARs), guidance material (OTACs) and supporting technical procedures, coordinating with ASSI colleagues and OTAAs as appropriate.
• Identify shortcomings in legislation and promote rectification action through the provision of technical solutions to legal specialists for the development of the AN(OT)O.
• Undertake action, when required, in line with ASSI’s Enforcement policy and procedures.
• Application of SMS and QMS systems, with a proportionate risk-based approach.
• Investigate, or provide technical support for the investigation of, Occurrence Reports and make recommendations to reduce the risk of future occurrences.
• Develop and maintain policy for associated subjects.
• Review relevant ICAO State Letter proposals and respond on behalf of the OTs, resolving any conflicting views.
• Maintain compliance information for relevant ICAO Annexes and others as allocated.
• Work with the DCAs and staff of the OTAAs to ensure smooth, consistent and timely implementation of OTARs.
• Work with the Training Manager to design, plan and implement training and technical assistance for regulatory staff of ASSI and the Overseas Territories.
• Provide ad hoc support and advice to regulatory staff of the Overseas Territory Aviation Authorities.
• Undertake at the discretion of ASSI management, such tasks, outside the jobholder’s normal area of technical expertise, as the job may occasionally demand.
• Provide technical support to industry in order to ensure mitigating actions have been taken in regard to the investigation of, Occurrence Reports.
• Represent Territories and ASSI at national and international forums in respect of the key responsibilities described above.

About You

To be considered for the role you must:

Essential

• Hold or have recently held a Commercial licence, or ATPL(A), with Instrument Rating.
• Considerable experience as a pilot in command and held previous appointments either in operational management in air transport operations, or previous experience as a designated examiner or instructor.
• Considerable operating experience in a commercial environment, preferably with some international experience.
• Knowledge of General Aviation and Corporate operations (Preferably).
• Regulatory experience of overseeing flight operations approvals, including SMS and QMS
• A detailed knowledge of international aviation regulatory requirements and the aircraft / aviation industry.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Information Technology and Information Management Systems as applied within the aviation industry.
• Ability to operate in a wide range of cultural business environments at all levels.
• Capable of using experience and making sound judgments, with an ability to think laterally to identify the wider implications of decisions making.
• Able to challenge information, propositions or assumptions, often of a deep technical nature and across a range of disciplines, affecting safety.
• Be cognisant of cultural diversity and able to exercise diplomacy.
• Knowledge and competence in the field of risk analysis

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 you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit -

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 passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.
 

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

Our Values
 

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please
 

Closing Date: Monday 12th May 2025

Interview Date: 27th / 29th May – 3rd /4th /5th June 2025

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.