Future Airspace, Airspace Lead

Salary: £66,000 up to £72,000 dependent upon experience plus the relevant Market Related Supplement (£15,862)

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Base Location: Gatwick – Office attendance minimum 2 days per week expected

Security Level: BPSS

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

We are the UK’s aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Role

Act as an Airspace Technical Lead within the BVLOS Facilitation Team, utilising extensive ATM experience and a solid understanding of the evolution of the technologies required to safely integrate new airspace users. The role will be critical in the evolution and long-term implementation of the BVLOS elements of the FoF programme, in conjunction with the AMS. The Airspace Lead will provide advice to external stakeholders, including airspace sponsors, whilst ensuring that learnings are shared across the CAA, to inform and shape Airspace Policy and develop airspace fit for the future integrated landscape.

Core Accountabilities

• Lead the work to provide advice and guidance to selected stakeholders seeking to fly BVLOS in the UK FIRs.
• Provide support, as required, to deliver any necessary changes to the structure and use of that airspace, with new user integration in mind:
  • Determine the appropriate course of action using suitable data, available technologies, information and intelligence to highlight potential safety concerns or airspace access issues.
  • Conduct a review of intended operations and supporting materials, engaging with internal and external stakeholders to ascertain whether and what changes are required to existing airspace and policy.
  • Facilitate the delivery of any change in line with relevant national and international legislation.
• Actively liaise with relevant internal stakeholders to ensure consistency and clarity in line with CAA strategy and policy.
• Work with relevant stakeholder groups to promote all aspects of the BVLOS Facilitation Team’s activities.
• Act as technical lead for relevant meetings and groups both internally and externally.
• Promote Airspace Modernisation Delivery’s activity in all aspects of tasks related to the Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
• Establish open and harmonious relationships with those likely to be affected by the changes recommended by the BVLOS Facilitation Team.
• Manage task contribution and reporting for team members.

About You

Essential

• Have extensive knowledge of ATM and ATC operations in UK airspace, in en-route and terminal environments, gained through either operational or relevant regulatory experience.
• Have substantial stakeholder engagement experience, including aviation professionals, related service providers and the general public, with an ability to distil complex technical detail and ensure it is understood by different audiences.
• Be able to rapidly establish personal credibility with aviation SMEs, technical specialists and RPAS operators, developing constructive relationships, with effective communication skills both written and oral in engaging with contacts at all levels throughout the CAA and externally.
• Have high levels of commitment, reliability and flexibility, and be an excellent team worker with sound interpersonal skills.
• Be innovative and able to develop novel solutions, based on expert knowledge and detailed understanding of ATM and aviation law principles.
• Be able to work with minimum supervision, be pro-active and possess strong time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, and good negotiating skills.
• Possess good organisational skills and the ability to work effectively as set out above with a delivery program within a multi-disciplined team.
• Have experience of MS Office packages specifically Word, Excel and Outlook.

Desirable

• Be a current Commercial/Business/General Aviation Pilot or have worked as a civil or military air traffic controller.
• Hold a robust knowledge of the UK aviation industry supported by an understanding of key legislative factors influencing and determining the CAA’s role as an airspace regulator.
• Have a working knowledge of ICAO, Eurocontrol, the European Union, EASA and other international institutions.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the needs and impacts of a changing mix of airspace users.

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.

BPSS – To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.

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

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit – BPSS clearance

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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process

We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.

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: Friday 6th March 2026

Interview Date: W/C Monday 23rd March 2026

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.

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