Aircraft Registrar

Aircraft Registrar - Mark Sawyer

When did you join the CAA?

Back in 1988 – as a Library Assistant. I had a clerical job with the Met Police, but I also had a real interest in aviation. There’s tremendous job satisfaction to be had in doing a job that’s also your hobby – look at me, I’ve been here 20 years, so it must be a great place to work.

How has your career developed?

Well, it’s been my decision to stay in the same department all this time – there’s the job satisfaction again. But within the department I’ve developed. New responsibilities, learning new skills, building up an ability to liaise with people at all levels… the progression is there if you want it.

What does your current role involve?

I deal with the UK registration of Civil Aircraft and the UK register of aircraft mortgages. Basically it’s the DVLA of the air. I handle three work streams - mortgages of new aircrafts imported to UK, transactions of aircraft within the UK and changes of ownership. The aviation jobs are extremely varied and never-ending – the buying and selling of aircraft is continuous. We’re also currently working on a new IT project to rehost all the data and update the system.

What do you value the most about working here?

The atmosphere is extremely friendly and as an employer the CAA is extremely fair – the conditions of employment and the pay, the pension scheme, but most of all the people.