Flight Examiner Standards, Fixed Wing

• Research, provide advice and direct policy on the maintenance, update and development of flight standards
• Stakeholder engagement and building relationships is key for this role
• Permanent position based in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Licensing and Standards, the position of Flight Examiner is a pivotal role within CAA. This role sits alongside four other Flight Examiners within the Licensing and Standards Unit.  This is a rare and exciting opportunity working both within CAA and with external organisations and participants.

A key purpose of the Flight Examiner role is to conduct various examinations of industry-based Flight Examiners to ensure they comply with the regulatory requirements laid out by the Civil Aviation Act. To maintain flight standards CAA Flight Examiners conduct flight tests and other assessments required under delegation from the Director CAA. Therefore, travel and time away from home is a requirement of this position to undertake these responsibilities.

Additionally, this position will research, provide advice and direct policy on the maintenance, update and development of flight standards with a focus on flight training, licensing and ratings required under Part 61, but not limited to this field. 

This position is located in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch but other locations across New Zealand can be considered.

The salary band for this role is $136,939 to $168,191. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

For more information on the role please view the position description.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for an exceptional communicator who will build strong relationships with external Flight Training Organisations and internally within CAA for other programmes of work. This requires the position holder to provide accurate and thorough advice on regulatory system requirements in relation to flight training and examining, flight operations and flight safety in general.  

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience: 

• An ICAO Professional Pilot Licence either ATPL or CPL with an Instrument Rating, Instructor Category A or B Rating and (if applicable) a wide range of Flight Examiner approvals. (Equivalent Military experience will also be considered).
• Substantial, varied and relevant experience in the aviation industry with general operational knowledge and experience (CAR Parts 61/91/119/135/141)
• The ability to establish and maintain approachable professional relationships with industry and its sector bodies.

About us

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation.

Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly.

Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Ready to Apply?

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close:  Thursday 16 July 2026

Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.