Inspector of Air Accidents

Are you passionate about aircraft accident investigation and looking for a high profile role at the leading edge of aviation safety?

If so, this is a unique opportunity to join the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) as an Inspector of Air Accidents (Recorded Data).

The AAIB is the UK’s aviation safety investigation authority and our purpose is to improve aviation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents and promoting safety action to prevent re-occurrence. We investigate accidents and serious incidents in the UK (including UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) and overseas where there is a UK interest.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will deploy within the UK and worldwide at short notice to gather recorded data evidence relevant to the operation of the aircraft involved. You will be responsible for all recorded data aspects of an investigation, from the initial ‘on site’ phase to the detailed forensic examination of evidence, assessment of aircraft performance and the production of detailed reports and Safety Recommendations. This will include the recovery and analysis of information recorded on damaged or undamaged flight recorders and other avionic systems, and externally recorded data from radar, surveillance video and personal devices. Using state of the art underwater location equipment, you will also lead the search for recorders from aircraft submerged in the sea.

You will liaise with technical personnel from manufacturers, operators, maintainers and regulators, for both the investigation and future development in recorded data capabilities. 

Due to the nature of AAIB operations, you will be exposed to situations, information and material of a sensitive or traumatic nature (video, photographs and recordings) which may be distressing, and be required to speak with accident victims, witnesses and bereaved relatives, using tact and compassion.