Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent AVS Line of Business including AMA-200 employees.

The Principal Operations Inspector (POI) receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The POI, mostly independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The POI provides policy assistance to divisional field level ASIs on difficult or complex policy inquiries. The work is normally accepted without change. Completed work may be reviewed for adherence to FAA policy and for assurance that project requirements have been fulfilled.

Some FG-14 assignments involve office, and/or division responsibility for application of expert knowledge of flight operations for an advanced multiengine turboprop and/or turbojet aircraft. Such employees are concerned with all aspects of the operational capabilities and limitations of the aircraft. ASIs at the FG-14 level establish technical procedures and performance indexes and review complete flight operation or maintenance programs for major air carriers who are leaders in the aviation industry, or who have problems of comparable scope and complexity, or a uniquely complex group of general aviation organizations. Assignments at this level are of great scope and unusual complexity and the organizations monitored are major factors in the industry.

The following assignments are illustrative:

1.As an expert on a particular type of sophisticated multiengine turbojet aircraft:
-- Advises other inspectors of major changes in the operation of the aircraft;
-- Standardizes procedures and judgments used by inspectors to evaluate the operation of the aircraft;
-- Evaluates new training methods and equipment (e.g., simulators) for initial certification;
-- Serves on national boards that determine the minimum equipment necessary to operate a particular type of aircraft safely; and
-- Serves on boards that evaluate incidents, accidents, complaints, and other serious problems relating to the aircraft. Develops plans to resolve problems.

2.As the principal representative in regulatory surveillance of air carrier activities, exercises certificate authority over a major air carrier with very extensive and complex operations. Analyzes flight operations involving large fleets of turbojet aircraft engaged in large-scale passenger and freight service. This level includes responsibility for nationally and internationally prominent carriers who operate the largest, most advanced fleets of turbojet aircraft in the industry. (By comparison, FG-13 employees exercise certificate authority over less complex air carriers or perform major portions of the certification, inspection, and surveillance for major carriers under the direction of FG-14 inspectors.)

FG-14 employees develop and evaluate flight operations programs for organizations which utilize the newest, most complex aircraft, systems, and equipment. Because of organizational complexity or the advanced technology incorporated in the aircraft, systems, and equipment, employees must exercise originality to resolve unique problems. They frequently rely on engineers and designers for specific technical guidance although much of their work is carried out under very broad policy guidelines. Supervisors give FG-14 employees a wide leeway for independent action. Other inspectors seek their advice on problems relating to aircraft and their operation. Because of the precedent-setting nature or substantial effect on the aviation industry or public safety, their decisions may be reviewed and approved at a higher policy- setting level.

The POI plans and directs the use of time and resources to accomplish organizational objectives. He or she defines, organizes, and uses resources to accomplish work activities within established schedules, analyzes program requirements and accomplishments, and makes or directs adjustments as necessary to address organizational needs.

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.

Qualifications

Medical Requirements: 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:

A. Have a 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;

B. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);

C. Not have any physical condition 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.

Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (FV-I, FG/GS-13) in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to Operations, Parts 121 and 135 that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specific examples of such experience for this position include, but not limited to: - Assures assigned organizations are properly and adequately organized, staffed and equipped; have and conduct an adequate training program, including an acceptable record system; and have facilities and procedures that meet all regulatory requirements. - Conducts enforcement investigations, prepares reports and recommends disposition. - Conducts investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries and aircraft incidents and accidents. - Provides technical assistance to legal counsel; coordinates Minimum Equipment List (MEL) approvals with the principal airworthiness inspectors. - Coordinates with geographic inspectors for the accomplishment of non-routine air carrier surveillance.

In addition to the specialized experience requirement you must meet all of the following requirements for Air Carrier Operations:

1. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.

2. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard.

3. Possession of Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating.

4. Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years.

5. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.

6. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved.

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

For more information regarding the minimum eligibility requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector's please visit the following website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1800/1825.htm

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.