Aviation Safety Inspectors in this specialty (General Aviation Avionics) apply knowledge and skills typically acquired as repairman of aircraft, aircraft parts, and avionics equipment to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the airworthiness and avionics maintenance of aircraft and related equipment. This is an in-person position and you are expected to report to your duty location.
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: 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); Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and 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. 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: Aircraft avionics experience involving the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of installed avionics systems on aircraft; and Aircraft avionics work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years. Specialized experience at the FG-7 level involves developmental assignments, such as work as a Avionics Technician. Work at this level is typically subject to close review and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with instructions. Specialized experience at the FG-9 level involves assignments involving familiar aircraft, facilities and equipment, such as work as a Lead Avionics Technician. Work at this level is typically subject to review and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with instructions. Specialized experience at the FG-11 involves assignments with a broad scope of responsibility, more variety and less clear guidelines, such as work as a Supervisory Avionics Inspector. 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 work as a Manager with responsibility for supervising the maintenance of avionics systems for a Title 14 CFR Part 145 repair station .Work at this level is typically reviewed only to assess the impact on overall organizational objectives.
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.