Airspace Restrictions Regulator

Salary: £52,143 up to £56,855 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: SC

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

The CAA is the UK's aviation regulator, responsible for keeping passengers and the public safe. Recognised as a world leader in our field, we are at the cutting edge of the exciting and ever-changing aviation environment. Never standing still, our work includes diverse activities from driving world-class safety standards, through minimising the environmental impact of aviation on local communities to the ATOL holiday financial protection scheme.

The Role

Our Airspace Regulation Off Route Airspace section is the focal point for regulatory and policy oversight of airspace restrictions, which ensure the safety and security of those on the ground and in the air, in support of commercial and state events, police and military. This role is intended as a development opportunity, to enable persons with suitable aviation qualifications and experience, to progress their aviation career as an Airspace Regulator.

You’ll carry out a pivotal role in the team including:

• Assess and process applications for establishment of permanent and temporary airspace restrictions and coordinate promulgation of associated airspace notices.
• Provide advice and guidance, including delivery of bespoke briefings to airspace activity sponsors, event organisers/coordinators and liaise with associated ANSPs as necessary.
• Assess the implications of airspace restrictions on other airspace users, negotiate safe operating conditions with all affected parties, take account of associated airspace, quality and safety management policies.
• Use charts and publications to notify airspace users through Briefing Sheets, Aeronautical Information Circulars, Supplements, SkyWise and NOTAMs.
• Support UK Government State requirements for restricted airspace, such as the Royal Household, Home Office, Police and Military.
• Support CAA responsibilities for the establishment of emergency restrictions of flying through fulfilling periods of ‘on call’ out of hours duty.

About You

Essential skills and experience:

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of UK airspace and UK aviation environment, particularly in the lower levels.
• Possess a detailed understanding of Special Use Airspace (SUA) and the UK aviation legislation associated with the establishment of such structures. Knowledge of Unusual Aerial Activities (UAA) in UK airspace.
• Be able to rapidly establish personal credibility with technical specialists and develop constructive relationships with representatives of national aviation bodies, airspace users and those associated with aviation related activities.
• Be able to work independently in a small team, with minimum supervision.
• Be pro-active and possess good organisational skills and the ability to work effectively within a wider multi-disciplined team.
• Possess effective written and oral communication skills to support engaging with contacts at all levels throughout the CAA and externally. Have experience of MS Office packages specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Possess an awareness of emerging technological developments within aviation, particularly with regard to new airspace users.
• Understanding the regulation of Open and Specific Category Unmanned Aircraft Systems particularly with regard to overflight and endangerment.
• Have a good understanding of mapping software such as Graphical Information Systems.
• Provide advice and guidance to airspace change sponsors to enable them to comply with the requirements of the airspace change process. Liaise and coordinate with specialists from across the wider CAA departments as necessary in support of ACP activities.
• Have a good understanding of key legislative factors influencing and determining the CAA’s role as an airspace regulator e.g. the Civil Aviation Act, Air Navigation Order and Rules of the Air.

What Can We Offer You?

The Off-Route Airspace elements of Airspace Regulation are dynamic operational environments responsible for assessing, deconflicting and circulating detail of unusual aerial activities within the UK flight information region.

Working within a professional, supportive and multi-disciplined team of civilian and military personnel you will contribute to regulatory and policy oversight of airspace restrictions. Often working flexibly and independently, you will be a key enabler in the provision of advice and guidance. You’ll work closely with air navigation service providers, aerodromes, General Aviation airspace user groups, the Ministry of Defence and other Government departments on a variety of issues. You’ll work in a supportive team and have access to a variety of excellent internal and external airspace related and personal development training opportunities.

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 we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.

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

For more information on SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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 Click Here

Closing Date: Sunday 28th September 2025

Interview Date: W/C Monday 6th or 13th October 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.