Clarification from the agency

Current FAA AVS permanent employees & AMA-200 permanent employees

The incumbent is responsible for applying knowledge of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) field personnel and the public governing all matters related to Air Carrier Operations safety issues. Functions as the focal point for office communications with principal inspectors in other offices/regions.

A. Technical Administration

Responsible for the geographic operations program for the office. Assures, on a continuing basis, that the operators within their jurisdiction are properly and adequately organized, staffed and equipped; have and conduct an adequate training program, including an acceptable record keeping system; and have facilities and procedures that meet all regulatory requirements. Regularly visits the air carrier's/air operator's stations and other offices to maintain contact with their local top management officials and coordinates with the principal inspector for correction of any deficiencies or discrepancies. Conducts enforcement actions and prepares final reports and recommendations on disposition. In consultation with the Principal Inspector, performs the emergency suspension of certificates or cancellation of operations specifications. Conducts or directs the reexamination of certificated airmen. Conducts investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, and aircraft incidents and accidents. Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives dispositions.

B. Certification

Reviews manuals and determines the adequacy of operations manuals for compliance with 14 CFR. Makes recommendations to the principal inspector for amendments to previously approved manuals to accomplish the following: correct any conflict with regulatory requirements; eliminate unsafe practices; and/or improve the specificity of instruction. Evaluates operations and facilities throughout the geographical area by periodic on-site inspection and the review of inspector’s report and makes recommendations of changes essential or desirable in policies and procedures to the principal inspector.

C. Surveillance

Monitors all surveillance phases of the operations on behalf of the Principal Inspector including the following: training programs and records; base and station facilities; and enroute operations (including routes, areas, and/or airports). Evaluates trends which may indicate deterioration in the safety of operations and then personally, or through assistance of other inspectors, coordinates with the Principal Inspector, and suggests changes required to correct such trends. Monitors the activities of examiner designees, check airmen, and instructors, and takes any action that may be required due to this monitoring. Advises the principal inspector, or manager of any problems and controversial situations and of suggestions to resolve such situations. Conducts an operations system analysis independently or as a team member on special inspection teams.

D. Flight Program

Participates in the FAA flight program to maintain qualification and currency requirements applicable to operations inspectors, for the purpose of supporting the FAA in a variety of flight-related functions to include training and evaluation of designated pilot examiners. Evaluates tasks contained in the FAA practical test standards and airman certification standards by participating as pilot in command or as a crewmember. The inspector is required to maintain an FAA second class medical.

Performs other duties as 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.
• Position is designated as Moderate Risk; a background investigation may be required.
• Selectee will be required to report to an FAA/AVS facility.
• This is not a 100% telework position. Situational telework may be available based on the needs of the Office.
• Applicants MUST submit all required certificates (See Required Documents)

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for an Aviation Safety Inspector in the 1825 series as outlined in the OPM qualifications standards. The minimum eligibility requirements for this position are below or may be found on the following link: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/aviation-safety-series-1825/

General Requirements for All Applicants:

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.

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.

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 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.

Applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector, Air Carrier (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.
6. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements listed above, applicants for the FG-13 level must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next to lower grade level in the normal line of progression (FG-12/FV-H as an Aviation Safety Inspector. Specialized experience is defined as:

• Experience interpreting and applying regulations, policies and procedures related to certification and clarification of air carrier aviation and commercial operations (14 CFR Part 121)
• Monitoring activities of organizations to determine whether they are following their authorized program, Federal regulations, and good safety practices;
• Executing assignments that primarily require knowledge of flight operation of air carrier aircraft.
  

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

Recency of experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series.

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.