CAA Interview

[thebeehive]

Hi all,

Firstly sorry if this is the wrong forum but I don't know which forum to put it in :(

I have been called for interview at the CAA for the position of 'Licensing Assistant' - It would be my first 'proper' job having graduated this summer if I get it (fingers crossed!) and really wondered if anyone knew of any info on the role, CAA or help on the interview?

I have a pdf with some basic info but doesn't give too much info so any help would be much appreciated.

Many thanks :ok:

[no sig]

I would do a web search on matters relating to UK CAA Flight Crew Licensing (FCL) and get a grasp of JAR licence requirements, and perhaps check the the CAA and EASA websites for any further developments in Europe. Also, I might post this on another forum that aircrew frequent. Good luck with it.

[Mr Angry from Purley]

It might be one of those helpful folk at the licencing counter or behind the scenes that validate the licences at a fast pace, good job to start on i would say. Maybe if you know any Pilots have a word with them

[thebeehive]

Thanks for your help.

Any ideas for pilot forums which may be of use?

[The Stotious Imbiber]

Read LASORS on the CAA website, don't get too bogged down on all the details though, they'll provide training for that, It takes about 18 months to become a Licensing Officer display as good an understanding of the different types licence and requirements as you can.

A basic overview,
(N)PPL PPL restricted to UK FIR
PPL - Private flying, no remuneration, can add a night rating and an IMC (instrument flying)
CPL - Commercial flying, right hand seat of Multi-pilot, command of single pilot, flying instructors etc.
ATPL - for left hand seat in Multi crew aircraft.

Issued for
Aeroplanes
Helicopters
(There is no ATPL for the following)
Balloons
Airships
Gyroplanes
Microlights

PLD also does Engineer Licensing (JAR66 and Section L) Plus I believe they do Air Traffic Licences now, but i'm not too clear on these.
Hope this helps and good luck. It's a very good place to (have) work(ed).

[2close]

How apt that you will be interviewed next door to 'The Beehive' - now GB Airways but the original Gatwick Airport Control Tower.

CAA interviewing format is based on knowledge and experience, task related questions, which ask specific questions and ask how you would tackle a particular issue or indeed how you have done similar in a past 'life'. It doesn't matter that you haven't done the actual job - they are fully aware of that - but they will probably be looking for your organisational abilities and your approach to problems, e.g. handling awkward and stroppy clients on the end of the phone or F2F over the public desk.

You will be interviewed by 2 or 3 people, one or two from the department and a HR representative. Interviews tend to be very relaxed. When I was interviewed there I thought one of them had fallen asleep.

Most specialist jobs require the candidate to deliver a short presentation. If you have been asked to prepare a presentation, prepare it thoroughly (dual format for back up) and check and test over and over again. Know your stuff. This may not apply to a new FCL Assistant so if not required, bin this paragraph.

Knowing the structure of Safety Regulation Group (SRG) will not hurt or indeed the CAA as a whole. Whilst you would be based at CAA SRG HQ at Gatwick, CAA Head Office is in Holborn, London, where the majority of the CAA Corporate Departments are located. Check http://www.caa.co.uk

Another thing to do is to have your questions ready. If there is anything you are not sure about now make sure you ask at the interview. Remember, there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.

Hope this helps and if you want to know any more, drop me a line.

2close

[thebeehive]

The Stotious Imbiber & 2close

Big thanks for your help, it is all very useful and I will take it on board.

Interview is approaching and I will let you know if I am sucessful (fingers crossed)