Flight Operations Inspector

• Great opportunity to positively influence the continuous improvement in aviation safety performance.
• Commercial Pilots Licence is required for this role.
• Expand your career as a regulator.

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don't just keep New Zealand's skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do.

Now's the time to get on board. We're building a forward-thinking, modern CAA, and we need people who want their work to matter. People who thrive on challenges, value collaboration, and want to make a positive impact every day.

If you're ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand's most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity.

About the role

This role will give you the opportunity to positively influence the continuous improvement in aviation safety performance by engaging and communicating closely with operators. The role 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.

Managing certification for Helicopter and Agricultural Organisations and assisting with aviation safety related work as required, will require regular travel around New Zealand. The certification process can relate to new or existing operations requiring recertification on a five-year cycle. Various approvals are essential as an air operator makes changes to its operation and on occasion, you may be required to conduct CAA work overseas. You will also be involved in safety matters, risk management, technical papers, and may do some flight testing and simulator approvals on behalf of the Director.

• You should hold a minimum CPL (H) with experience in air transport (Part 119/135 and/or 137) operations.
• An Agricultural Rating and experience are desired.
• Flight Examiner or instructing experience is desired.
• An NVIS Rating and experience is desired.
• Instrument Flight Rules, PBN qualifications and experience is desired.
• Having experience in helicopter flight operations or training management would be desirable.
• Similarly, being familiar with Safety Management Systems would be an advantage.
• Other aviation qualifications including applicable tertiary qualifications or related experience would be considered.

This position can be based at either Wellington Airport, Auckland Airport or Christchurch Airport.

The salary band for the Flight Operations Inspector position goes from $115,536 to $161,412. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role and relativities across the organisation.

What You'll Bring

To be successful in this role you will be able to bring operational knowledge and experience and apply this to your work at the Authority.

• Your excellent interpersonal skills mean that you will be able to work closely with external parties to provide clear and objective decisions about potential safety issues, managing difficult conversations as necessary to ensure safety is paramount.
• You will be respected by internal and external parties for your integrity, professionalism and aviation experience and be passionate about improving safety performance.
• Your systems thinking approach combined with your ability to think critically and solve problems will be of benefit in your day-to-day work.
• Flight instructor qualifications are highly desirable.

About Us

Our Values - Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration - represent the standards of behaviour we uphold and guide how we work at the Authority. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contributions. We recognise that our people drive our success.

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

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

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at

Applications close Tuesday 4 November 2025.

Managing certification for Helicopter and Agricultural Organisations and assisting with aviation safety related work as required, will require regular travel around New Zealand.