Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent AVS and AMA-200 employees.

The incumbent applies expert knowledge of and experience with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for FAA field personnel and the public governing all matters to Air Carrier Operations safety issues.

The work involves the full range of air carrier operations activities relative to public and industry use where applicable. Serves as Flight Standards technical expert with responsibility for the planning, development, standardization, evaluation and effectiveness of assigned air carrier operations programs nationwide.

Participates in national and international working groups and panels with other organization elements of the agency, or other government agencies, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and industry representatives for the purpose of resolving complex and controversial problems having a direct influence on the safety of assigned technical programs operations, facilities, and equipment. Conducts or participates in group or team meetings which include representatives of other government agencies, the aviation industry, aviation organizations, state, municipal and foreign governments where assigned programs and responsibilities are involved. Develops operational policies, including advisory circulars, inspector guidelines, and training standards, and other applicable standards in support of assigned programs. Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of division policy in assigned program areas.

Provide timely standardization, policy interpretation, coordination, and Policy office/headquarters support to the region and its field offices. Assists and advises AFS-50 management and regional management in developing and presenting background and justification on proposals, which require headquarters decision, or coordination with other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lines of business, DOT, Department of State, DOD, other interested agencies, ICAO, or foreign governments. Duties and responsibilities require a detailed knowledge and/or expertise in the full range of functional areas of the FAA, those of other government agencies and foreign governments.

Evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of the safety regulations, and has responsibility for perceiving the need for, recommending the initiation of, and justifying new or amended regulations to 14 CFR and supplementary regulator material. Prepares, assists, and advises on proposals under which FAA Flight Standards would work with U.S. military agencies, Department of Defense, U.S. State Department, office of the Secretary, and foreign governments under reimbursable agreements or other International agreements and insures coordination within Flight Standards International Program Division, the Office of International Aviation (API) and others as required. Propose realistic time scheduling in terms of clearance with DOS and other agencies, and that actions are within the framework of approved policies and procedures.

Identifies opportunities for the provision of Flight Standards new and ongoing International activities with foreign countries and international programs for which division is responsible. Identifies the scope and needs of a project and provides information to API for the preparation of appropriate agreements and other documentation, identification of technical experts, and accomplishment of technical assistance projects.

Evaluates, on behalf of division management the effectiveness of Flight Standards International program execution, as part of FAA Flight Standard's international efforts. Recommends and implements actions to increase efficiency and economy of programs.

Ensures that current and new international policies, procedures, and techniques are appropriate and ensures safety and standardization in air carrier operational areas and incorporation into the applicable training programs.

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 Non-Critical Sensitive; a background check may be required.
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.

Qualifications

OPM Qualification Standard for the Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) specialty (from the Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions) is located at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/aviation-safety-series-1825/

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 and must meet all of 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.

Specialized Experience:

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 (For positions within the Department of Navy, applicants must also be physically qualified to ride as an observer aboard squadron aircraft. In addition, must also meet physical requirements to travel and lift heavy objects while performing mishap investigations); and
7. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized experience includes: Experience with data quality review against established guidelines, experience with certificate management, (14 CFR) part numbers 121, 135, or 142.

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

Certificate and Ratings: This position requires a certificate and ratings for minimum qualification in the following specialty: Air Carrier Operations; a copy of the certificate and ratings are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 1825 specialty of Air Carrier Operations. Certificate and ratings are not required from applicants who are currently occupying (or previously held) Air Carrier Operations 1825 series position.

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

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

Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Security Requirements: Non-critical sensitive (2): This position requires completion & favorable adjudication of a Tier 3 (T3) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained and approved.

In-grade/downgrade bids will be accepted.

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.