DIRECT HIRE - Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations-Rotorcraft-Helicopter) Job

Vacancy No. FAA-AHF-25-ROTO-93358 Department Federal Aviation Administration
Salary $58,176.00 to $96,770.00 Grade 9 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/21/2024 Close Date 1/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Anchorage, AKFairbanks, AKScottsdale, AZSan Jose, CA


Summary

Join the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Rotorcraft-Helicopter Inspector. The FAA creates a work environment rich in opportunity, diversity, teamwork, and work life balance. Benefits such as weekends off, paid holidays, steady work hours, sick and annual leave, health insurance, and many more. Begin a rewarding career with the FAA and be a part of a select group of individuals whose mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Duties

A Recruitment Incentive of $25,000 may be offered to applicants with a signed three-year FAA Recruitment Incentive Service Agreement. Not all locations are eligible for this incentive. You will be notified in your offer letter.

Aviation Safety Inspectors in this specialty (Rotorcraft - Helicopter) apply knowledge and skills typically acquired as airmen (pilots, navigators, flight instructors, etc) to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the operation of rotorcraft.

The Aviation Safety Inspector performs a variety of tasks associated with technical administration, certification, and surveillance. The selectee serves as a developmental performing duties as assigned without authority for actions or decisions and will be required to complete initial new hire training to include formal and on-the-job training up to 24 months.

The Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) is responsible for the performance of assigned technical administration, certification, and surveillance duties and assures that aviation organizations and airmen comply with regulatory requirements and reports deficiencies to the principal inspector or supervisor.

The selectee will be required to participate in the flight program as an aircrew member and, as such, must meet the medical and flight currency requirements as set forth in agency orders governing the operation of aircraft. The inspector, when directed, is required to keep an appropriate control point informed as to his/her whereabouts and the telephone number at which he/she can be reached in the event of an aviation incident/accident requiring FAA investigation.

Duties and responsibilities at the FG-12 level may include but are not limited to:

  • Selectee is delegated the specific authority to make decisions as to the quality of operations activities;
  • Inspecting at the different aviation facilities; assuring that aviation organizations and airmen comply with regulatory requirements, and reporting deficiencies to the principal inspector or supervisor;
  • Conducting the reexamination of certificated airmen or recertification of an operator or agency
  • Reviewing manuals associated with certification requirements of air carriers, air agencies, and air operators for accuracy and FAR compliance;
  • Evaluating training programs to ensure that they meet the requirements of the FARs, including simulators, training devices, and other such equipment, as well as check airmen; monitoring pilots, designated pilot examiners, check airmen, and aviation organization operations and training activities; and
  • Taking appropriate corrective action for deficiencies noted or making recommendations to principal inspector or supervisor.

Duties and responsibilities at the FG-11 level may include but are not limited to:

  • Assisting in enforcement investigations and preparation of final reports and recommendations on disposition;
  • Participating in accident/incident and complaint investigations;
  • Assisting in the emergency suspension of certificates and conducting reexamination of certificated airmen or assisting in recertification of an operator or agency;
  • Providing verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifying at court trials and formal hearings, and giving depositions; and
  • Providing assistance in the evaluation of air carriers, air agencies and air operators and making recommendations to the principal inspector or supervisor.

Duties and responsibilities at the FG-09 level may include but are not limited to:

  • Conducting commercial pilot flight tests in rotary-wing.
  • Investigating requests for waivers for general aviation operations, gathering information, making recommendations, and conducting periodic surveillance for continued compliance with waiver conditions.
  • Inspecting repairs and alterations made on rotary-wing.

May be assigned other duties and responsibilities that are non-grade controlling.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Resume should include FAR part numbers and aircraft for which you have experience.

Qualifications

APPLICANTS FOR THIS POSITION MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS (applications must show that all of the requirements are met in order to receive consideration for this position):

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

  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 graduate or equivalent.

Medical Requirements: Aviation Safety Inspector positions have job-related medical requirements. When applicable, applicants must meet job-related medical requirements which will be assessed and validated during the pre-employment process.

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Rotorcraft-Helicopter 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 printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain;
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
  3. Not have any physical conditions that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.
  4. Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; and
  5. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants tentatively selected will be required to:

  1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation; 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 with or without a reasonable accommodation.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-7, FG-9, FG-11, or FG-12 level.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

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

In addition, applicants MUST meet all of the following:

a. Must hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating or a Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating and Instrument-Helicopter rating.
b. Must hold a valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating and Instrument Helicopter rating.
c. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours in an aircraft as pilot-in-command or second–in–command, 1,000 hours of which must be in helicopters.
d. Must have given a minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction in a helicopter.
e. Minimum 100 flight hours in helicopters as pilot-in-command or second-in-command or 100 hours as pilot in a Level D Simulator that replicates a helicopter, or any combination thereof, during the last 5 years.
f. Not more than two flying accidents in the last five years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved.

Specialized experience at the FG-12 grade level involves a wide range of assignments or a few highly complex assignments, requiring planning and organization, setting priorities and working without clear or specific guidelines. Work at this level is typically reviewed only to assess the impact on overall organizational objectives, for example:

  • Director of Operations or Assistant Director of Operations for a Part 135 operator
  • Wing/Group Director of Operations or Squadron, Company, Battalion, Wing, Group, or Regiment Commander

Specialized experience at the FG-11 grade level involves a broad scope of responsibility, more variety, and less clear guidelines. Work at this level is typically subject to review to assure compliance with organized policies or regulations, and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with organizational policies or regulations, for example:

  • Chief Pilot, Assistant Chief Pilot, or Domicile Chief Pilot for a Part 91, 91 K, 125, 129, or 135 fixed or rotary-wing (as applicable) operator
  • Check Airman for a Part 91, 91K, 125, 129, or 135 fixed or rotary-wing (as applicable) operator

Specialized experience at the FG-9 level involves assignments involving familiar aircraft, facilities, and equipment. Work at this level is typically subject to review and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with instructions, for example:

  • Pilot-in-command for a Title 14 CFR Part 91,91 K, 125, 129, or 135 (9 or less) fixed or rotary wing (as applicable) operator
  • Military Aircraft Commander

Specialized experience at the FG-7 grade level involves developmental assignments which assist employees of higher grade. Work at this level is typically subject to close review and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with instructions, for example:

  • Second-in-command (First Officer) for a Title 14 CFR Part 91, 91K, 121, 125, 129, or 135 fixed or rotary wing (as applicable) operator

Education

Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent.

Preview Job Questionnaire

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.

This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. citizen. On-the-Spot will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Three', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

A permanent change of station (PCS) of $10,000 MAY be offered to applicants who meet the criteria in the FAA Travel Policy. This PCS incentive is subject to a twelve-month service commitment.

You will be notified of eligibility in your offer letter.

Pay rates shown are BASE Pay only. The FAA uses OPM's GS Locality Pay Tables to set locality rates in addition to the base pay offered. The minimum locality rate is 16.82%

A Rotorcraft/helicopter check ride will be required after selection.

The Flight Standards Service utilizes a National Centralized Hiring Process (NCHP), for standardized interviewing, screening, and verification of qualifications and experience of Aviation Safety Inspector applicants.

Applicants will be required to appear in person or via ZOOM for an interview and/or other assessments to determine whether they possess the necessary qualifications, competencies and personal qualities to successfully perform Aviation Safety Inspector duties. Applicants will be questioned about information on their application and will be required to show appropriate airmen certificates, ratings, and pilot logbooks or other appropriate records of flight time to substantiate that the applicant meets the requirements of this announcement.

Interviews for this position are conducted at any National Centralized Hiring Process location. All, some, or none of the candidates may be interviewed.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

Required Documents

Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating with Instrument Helicopter OR ATP with Helicopter Rating

AND Flight Instructor Certificate Rotorcraft Helicopter with Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Rating



If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION.

We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

  • Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)

  • Duties (be specific in describing your duties)

  • Employer's name and address

  • Supervisor name and phone number

  • Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)

  • Salary (optional)


Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.

Agency contact information

Aviation Careers
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
Aviation Careers Branch
6500 S. Macarthur Blvd
AHF-S300
Oklahoma City, OK 73169
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.

Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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