Clarification from the agency

Open to all US Citizens

A Recruitment Incentive of $25,000 may be offered to applicants with a signed three-year FAA Recruitment Incentive Service Agreement. Locations must be considered hard to fill.

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 enforcement investigations and preparing final reports and recommendations on disposition; performing or assisting in the emergency suspension of certificates or cancellation of operations specifications;
• Conducting the reexamination of certificated airmen or recertification of an operator or agency;
• Conducting investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries and aircraft incidents and accidents; providing verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifying at court trials and formal hearings, and giving depositions;
• Reviewing manuals associated with certification requirements of air carriers, air agencies, and air operators for accuracy and FAR compliance;
• Evaluating training programs to insure that they meet the requirements of the FARs, including simulators, training devices, and other such equipment, as well as check airmen; performing a variety of airmen certification functions; 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.

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

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 must 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:

1. Minimum 100 flight hours in Rotorcraft-Helicopter in the last three years;

2. Commercial Helicopter Pilot Rating with Instrument Helicopter, or Airline Transport Pilot with Helicopter Rating;

3. Flight Instructor Certificate Rotorcraft Helicopter, Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Rating;

4. 1,200 hours of total time requirements (1,000 in actual flight conditions, 250 hours of night flight in which 15 are in a helicopter);

5. 250 hours of flight time in helicopters, which includes at least 75 hours as a pilot in command, or as second in command performing the duties of a pilot in command under the supervision of a pilot in command, or any combination thereof;

6. 500 hours of cross-country flight time;

7. 75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument meteorological conditions, of which at least 50 hours are obtained in flight with at least 25 hours in helicopters as pilot in command or as second in command performing the duties of a pilot in command under the supervision of a pilot in command, or any combination.

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

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.