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Summary

Aviation Safety Inspectors in this specialty (General Aviation Maintenance) apply knowledge and skills typically acquired as repairman of aircraft, aircraft parts, or avionics equipment to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the airworthiness and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
07/11/2025 to 07/31/2025
Salary
$52,205 to - $98,422 per year

FG-9 $52,205-$67,865 FG-11 $63,163-$82,108 FG-12 $75,706-$98,422 Salaries shown reflect base pay only. Locality pay will vary per location.

Pay scale & grade
FG 9 - 12
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
FAA Flight Standards Duty Locations Nationwide
Many vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—Telework may be authorized for an eligible position(s)/employee(s) as determined by agency policy. Until such determination is made, the employee must report to the FAA official duty station as stipulated in the firm offer.
Travel Required
75% or less - The job may require up to 75% travel.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes— - Fixed Rate PCS - Permanent Change of Station for Certain Locations Only and Subject to Fund Availability (U.S. Citizens) - In accordance with applicable FAA Travel regulations, a fixed relocation payment of $10,000 will be paid to new hires to Federal service, former Federal employees (reinstatements), and student trainees. A fixed relocation payment of $10,000 will be paid to current Federal employees. Relocation expenses paid are subject to applicable taxes.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
12
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
FAA-AHF-25-GAM-95648
Control number
840371200

Duties

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Candidate must complete an extensive training program to include formal and on-the-job training up to and possibly 24 months regardless of grade level.

Duties at the FG-9 grade level may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Assisting in enforcement investigation and preparation of final reports;
  • Participating in accident/incident and complaint investigation; and
  • Assisting in the re-examination of certificated airmen or recertification of an operator or agency.

Duties at the FG-11 grade level may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Assuring that aviation organization and airmen comply with regulatory requirements and reports deficiencies to the principal inspector or supervisor;
  • Providing assistance in the evaluation of air carriers, air agencies, and air operators and making recommendations to the principal inspector or supervisor; and
  • Assisting in the recertification of an operator or agency.

Duties at the FG-12 grade level include but are not limited to the following:

  • Evaluating mechanics and repair facilities for initial certification and continuing adequacy;
  • Evaluating the mechanic's training program;
  • Inspecting aircraft and related equipment for airworthiness; and
  • Evaluating the maintenance aspects of programs of air carriers and similar commercial operations. The evaluations may include the adequacy of maintenance facilities, equipment and procedures; the competence of employees; the adequacy of the program or schedule for periodic maintenance and overhauls; and the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Aviation Safety Inspectors (Airworthiness) may perform a variety of other inspections, investigations and advisory duties however, the primary requirement for positions in this specialty is knowledge and skill pertaining to the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft.

Inspectors are required to travel frequently and to occasionally work irregular duty hours.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.
  • FRONT and BACK of your mechanic certificate must be provided.
  • Veterans' preference documents must be uploaded/submitted with application.

Qualifications

OPM Qualifications Standard for Aviation Safety Series, FG-1825 Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

  • Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal Aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
  • Valid State driver`s license;
  • Fluency in the English language;
  • No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
  • 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.

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 next lower level at 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:

  • Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness;

  • Maintenance experience with 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight;

  • Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state or Federal government agency;

  • Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years; and

  • FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.

Specialized experience equivalent to the FG-7 level includes duties such as a Mechanic for a part 145 operator with airframe and power plant ratings.

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, such as duties as a Lead Mechanic for a part 121, 135, or 145 operator.

Specialized experience at the FG-11 grade level involves a broad scope of responsibility, more variety, and less clear guidelines such as duties as a Quality Auditor for a Title 14 CFR Part 121, or 135; General Foreman, Foreman, Shift Supervisor, or Shift Manager for a Part 121, 135, or 145; or Supervisory Inspector for a Part 91, 91K, 121, 125, 135, or 145 repair station. 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.

Specialized experience at the FG-12 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 such as Manager above General Foreman/Supervisory Inspector for a title 14 CFR Part 121 or 135 operator or Manager above General Foreman/Supervisory inspector for a Part 145 repair station with airframe and/or power plant ratings. Work at this level is typically reviewed only to assess the impact on overall organizational objectives.


In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a selective factor for this position. This means possession of this criterion is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess this criterion are ineligible for further consideration.
  • Do you have maintenance experience with 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight that is clearly reflected in your resume?

  • Do you have aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state or Federal government agency and is that clearly stated in your resume?


IMPORTANT: Ensure that your work experience supports your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA), and Other Factors answers. Your answers and associated work experience will be evaluated further to validate whether the answers that you selected are appropriate.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required.

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 person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

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

Interviews for the Aviation Safety Inspector-General Aviation Maintenance positions are conducted at any National Centralized Hiring Process (NCHP) location or via ZOOM, to determine whether they possess the necessary qualifications, competencies and personal qualities to successfully perform Aviation Safety Inspector duties. If contacted for an interview, interview travel expenses may be reimbursed.

Applicants will be questioned about information on their application and will be required to show appropriate airman certificates, ratings, and pilot logbooks or other appropriate records of flight time to substantiate that the applicant meets the requirements of this announcement.

THE LINK BELOW WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TIPS to assist in the application process.

https://www.faa.gov/jobs/career_fields/aviation_careers/asi/helpful_hints/

PCS incentive is subject to a twelve-month service commitment. Not all locations are eligible for PCS as not all locations are considered hard to fill.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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.

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