Flight Operations Inspector

Overview

Great opportunity to positively influence the continuous improvement in aviation safety performance.

Air Transport or Commercial Pilots Licence is required for this role.

Wellington based but will consider Auckland Airport or Christchurch Airport.

By joining us, you will be part of a team where meaningful work, collaboration and innovation come together to help keep New Zealand's skies safe and secure.

At the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, we are constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing environment and the aviation industry.

Recent legislative changes, along with an organisational realignment, have opened exciting new opportunities across the Authority.

These changes are part of a broader effort to better position our teams for the future by enabling us to be more collaborative, efficient, and effective in everything we do.

As we step confidently into our role as a modern regulator, we are embracing intelligence-led, risk-based approaches that help us make a real difference for our people and the communities we serve – with a strong value-for-money ethos.

We're also committed to enabling aviation participants to support economic growth in New Zealand's aviation sector.

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 Certificates for Air Transport, Aviation Training, Adventure Aviation and Recreational Organisations and assisting with aviation safety related work as required, will require regular travel around New Zealand.

The certification process can relate to new airlines 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 on behalf of the Director.

You should hold an ATPL (A) or a minimum CPL (A)and have experience in air transport (Part 119 / 121 / 125 / 135 and / or 115) operations.

A Flight Examiner qualification or instructing background is desired.

Having experience in flight operations or training management, adventure and recreation aviation 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.

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 Monday 29 September 2025

Profile description :

Promote safety and operational best practices within the New Zealand aviation system

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