Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees

The incumbent provides the flight operations emphasis and crew representation in all phases of developmental work involved prior to certification and subsequent to placing such aircraft into service.

The work of this position has considerable impact on the level of safety achieved during the training of pilots and initial industry operation of the aircraft. Incumbent evaluates detailed flight characteristics of the aircraft in order to establish training requirements which will be used as standards and guidelines for operations inspectors in evaluating and approving training programs. Likewise, incumbent must develop a detailed knowledge of the aircraft's instrument and component systems in order to develop a sound and reasonable list of minimum instruments and equipment to be required for initial dispatch of the aircraft to ensure operational safety of the aircraft. Incumbent is also responsible to provide information to aviation safety inspectors on all modifications and procedural changes to the aircraft in order to attain optimum safety and efficiency in its operations.

The incumbent has contacts at all levels within the FAA. Contacts involve industry representatives including pilots, operators and/or personnel in charge of flight testing for aircraft manufacturers. Contacts are also with foreign government aviation officials and manufacturers on an international basis. These contacts will be for the purpose of coordinating and resolving problems imposed by certification and operations requirements, coordinating equipment and training requirements, and for the exchange of essential information.

Specifically, the incumbent serves as a member of the Type Certification Board, Flight Test Group and as advisor to Aircraft Certification Service on flight operation problems involved in the certification process of newly designed aircraft preparatory to the aircraft being type certificated and introduced into service. In this capacity, the incumbent will prepare recommendations for amendments to the regulations or proposed special crew training requirements or procedures for aircraft when needed, participates in the development of FAA approved flight manuals and represent the Flight Standards Service in the flight tests leading to type certification and service evaluation of the aircraft.

Acting as representative of the Flight Standards Service and Chairman of the Flight Standardization Board, the incumbent will recommend to the appropriate Flight Standards Division the appropriate pilot certificate type rating and specific training program standards to be used for the training of flight crews or FAA inspectors receiving training in aircraft. Determines safe limits of required maneuvers based on flight test results and reviews fight test evaluations of possible unsafe characteristics of the aircraft.

Serves as Flight Standards Service representative and Chairman of the Flight Operations Evaluation Board to determine minimum aircraft instruments and equipment required for dispatch or continuance of flight.

Incumbent keeps abreast of all modifications, changes and technical advances for assigned aircraft to assure continued safe operation. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates problem areas and initiates action to correct technical deficiencies associated with the operation and pilot training of the assigned aircraft.

Works with operators introducing new aircraft into service to assure the FAA keeps abreast of current operational problems.

Performs certification activities or enroute inspections when required.

Provides expert consultation in support of accident or incident investigations, analysis, and implementation of corrective actions related to the particular aircraft assigned.

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)
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
• Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations

Qualifications

Minimum Eligibility Requirements For All Positions:

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.

When the predominant work involves air carrier operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

1. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight;
2. Not more than 2 flying accidents during the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved;
3. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard.
4. Minimum 100 flight hours during the last 3 years;
5. Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating (Department of Navy positions require pilot experience as demonstrated by previous ATP level performance in large multi-engine airplanes and helicopters);
6. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate; and
7. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

Medical Requirements: 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.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of the aircraft must:

1. Possess a valid second – class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; and
2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

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.

Recency of specialized experience is waived for employees currently in the 1825 series.

Note - Selectees must possess a valid second class medical certificate as they will be in the Flight Program requiring operation of aircraft.

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-1825-13. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Specialized experience may include experience with Part 121 Aircraft Operations; expert knowledge of the regulations, policies and procedures. Evaluating detailed flight characteristics of aircraft in order to establish training requirements. Detailed knowledge of an aircraft's instrument and component systems in order to ensure operational safety of the aircraft. Participating in the development of aircraft flight manuals. Providing expert consultation in the support of accident or incident investigations, analysis and implementation of corrective actions related to the particular aircraft assigned.

Lateral movement: To assist in determining qualification requirements, applicants transferring between specialties at the same grade level are strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) check sheet and upload it along with their resume. Check sheets are contained in Order 3410.26, Flight Standards Service Air Carrier and General Aviation Qualification Assessment Tool for AFS Aviation Safety Inspectors. This order is located at: https://my.faa.gov/org/linebusiness/avs/offices/afx/tools/qat.html

Qualifications 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.