Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight)

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees.

This Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) position will not conduct certification (pilot evaluation, testing and checking) job functions as a required crewmember, including safety pilot.  This position will apply a broad knowledge of the aviation industry, aviation safety, and Federal aviation laws, regulations and policies.

Performs assignments that involve providing leadership to others in applying and providing authoritative technical expertise regarding aviation programs, policies, systems and special projects. Typical assignments include developing policies and guidance, serving as a primary technical specialist or as a technical trainer/ instructor.  Work contributes to the objectives of Flight Program Operations, the system-wide efficiency and effectiveness of domestic or international civil aviation inspection programs, and the safety of civil aviation. 

Formulates, defines, develops and conducts or oversee studies, evaluates results and provide recommendations for sufficiency of data, acceptability of recommendation, and impact upon current and proposed operations. Maintains a high level of awareness of current Flight Program Operations' functions and responsibilities including technical programs and activities. Will have access to confidential matters, information and decisions that potentially impact employees and the agency. Position is excluded from bargaining unit coverage as the incumbent will be called upon to gather statistical data and/or create and generate reports and participate in analysis that would affect and/or influence managerial policy that impacts bargaining unit actions.

Provide administrative direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The inspector independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The inspector interprets policy and provides guidance to lower-level inspectors on difficult or complex policy interpretations. Work is considered technically authoritative and is normally accepted without change. Completed work may be reviewed for adherence to FAA policy and for assurance that project requirements have been fulfilled.

Applies a comprehensive knowledge in the development, administration, and enforcement of regulations and standards as they apply to Aviation Safety. Has broad knowledge of Flight Program Operations' mission and goals.

Plans and directs the use of time and resources to accomplish organizational objectives. He or she defines, organizes, and uses resources to accomplish work activities within established schedules, analyzes program requirements and accomplishments, and makes or directs adjustments as necessary to address organizational needs.

Contacts are internal and external to the agency. Often represents the agency as a senior point of contact for policy development, inspection activities, or as a technical trainer/instructor delivering formal training. Contacts vary significantly depending on the purpose of the contacts, the level of authority required to resolve issues, and the nature of the technical problem at hand. Typical contacts involve dealings with members of senior management staffs, representatives of professional organizations, staff members of industry groups, representatives of other government agencies, and representatives of other civil aviation authorities.

Is expected to follow established laws, orders, policies, and regulations that provide general guidance for completing work objectives but is allowed considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. Uses resourcefulness, initiative, and judgment based on experience to develop and implement evaluation procedures to address problems where precedents are not applicable. Methods, practices, or decisions may be used as guidance in similar problem areas.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
• Successful completion of security investigation may be required.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• Please review Required Documents & Additional Information.

Qualifications

General Requirements for All Positions:

1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
2. Valid State driver's license;
3. Fluency in the English language;
4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
5. High school diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The minimum medical requirements include the following requirements:

1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);
2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and
3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

This position does not require a second-class medical certificate.  Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:

1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or
2. Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements, but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

Applicants must meet specific qualifications requirements as outlined in the Human Resource Policy Manual Policy Chapter Supplement for Flight Oversight, EMP-1.7h. Information can be found on the following website:

EMP-1.7h FAA Specific Qualifications Guidance for 1825 Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) ¿ With No Medical Certificate Requirement

Certificate and Ratings:

This position requires rating(s) and/or certificate(s) for minimum qualification in one of the following specialties: Air Carrier (Flight Oversight), General Aviation (Flight Oversight) or Rotorcraft-Helicopter (Flight Oversight). A copy of the rating(s) and/or certificate(s) are required for all candidates newly appointed to the FAA for a given 1825 Series specialty.

Applicants must submit rating(s) and/or certificate(s) unless they are currently occupying (or previously held) a position in one of the above mentioned 1825 Series specialties (Air Carrier [Flight Oversight], General Aviation [Flight Oversight] or Rotorcraft-Helicopter [Flight Oversight]).

In addition, to qualify for this position at the FV-J level, applicants must possess 52 weeks of specialized experience at the FV-I (FG/GS-13) level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. 

Specialized experience includes: 

• Experience in analyzing and summarizing a variety of technical, regulatory and policy documents as they pertain to the enforcement of regulations and standards of aviation safety and flight inspection. 
• Work involves providing authoritative expert technical guidance and operational control, ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Work at this grade level/pay band is rarely reviewed. When work is reviewed, it is generally accomplished through status reports to ensure compliance and alignment with FAA requirements. 

Note: Recency of specialized experience is waived for current/former 1825 series employees.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history. 

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

A Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) is required to verify area of consideration. SF-50(s) and any other supplemental documentation (e.g., transcript) will be accepted in combination with your online application and must be uploaded with your application or emailed to 9-AMC-AHF-S210@faa.gov on or before the closing date of this announcement. All emailed documents should reference the announcement number. 

If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.

If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.

Next steps

Additional locations