Flight Operations Inspector

• Apply your expertise across complex aviation operations
• Diverse work spanning certification, safety and oversight
• Permanent position, based at Wellington, Auckland Airport or Christchurch Airport

About the role

This role will provide you the opportunity to positively influence the continuous improvement in aviation safety performance by engaging and communicating closely with operators. You will promote safety and operational best practices within the New Zealand aviation system. As such, you will be required to exercise sound judgement and responsibility within an established operating framework.

You’ll be responsible for managing certification for Helicopter and Agricultural Organisations and assisting with aviation safety related work as required. The certification process can relate to new or existing operations requiring re-certification. You’ll work across a diverse range of aviation safety activities including, risk management and technical papers. From time to time, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to flight testings and simulator approvals.

 To be considered for this opportunity, you must meet the following criteria:

• You should hold and or have held a minimum of a CPL (H) with experience in air transport (Part 119/135 and/or 137) operations

Ideally, you will also have:

• An Agricultural Rating and experience
• Flight Examiner or instructing experience
• An NVIS Rating and experience
• Instrument Flight Rules, PBN qualifications and experience
• Having experience in helicopter flight operations or training management
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems

Other aviation qualifications including applicable tertiary qualifications or related experience would be considered. 

Travel is a regular part of the role and provides the opportunity to engage directly with aviation organisations throughout New Zealand and on occasion overseas.

The salary band for this role is $115,536 - $161,412, with the mid-range $141,751. 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

You will be respected by others for your integrity, professionalism and aviation experience and be passionate about improving safety performance.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate:

• Operational knowledge and experience
• Proven experience with rotor wing in the Part 119/135/137/141 environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with external stakeholders to provide clear and objective decisions about potential safety issues
• Bring a systems thinking approach combined with an ability to think critically and solve problems
• Safety Management Systems experience in any of these environments.  

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.

Why Join Us?

• 5 weeks annual leave, with an additional 2 days after five years of continuous service
• Sick leave entitlements from day 1 and Ten days Domestic leave annually
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%
• Vision assistance
• Flu Vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Programme

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: Tuesday 6 October 2026.