The incumbent of this position is assigned to the Flight Standards Service. The incumbent is responsible for applying 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) field personnel and the public governing all matters to air carrier operations safety issues.
General Requirements for All Positions: 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. 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: Have 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; Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); 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. In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of aircraft must: Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations; and 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: Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or 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. When the predominant work involves air carrier operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight; Not more than 2 flying accidents during the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved; Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard; Minimum 100 flight hours during the last 3 years; 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); 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 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 experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 grade level as an Aviation Safety Inspector. 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: inspection, surveillance, and monitoring of air carriers through all phases of operations, including training programs and records; provide guidance in the development of required operations manuals and record keeping systems; analyze reports to insure compliance with operations programs; conduct enforcement investigations and prepares final reports and recommendations on dispositions. 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. To assist in determining qualification requirements, applicants transferring between specialties at the same grade level are strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) check sheet and upload it along with their resume. Check sheets are contained in Order 3410.26, Flight Standards Service Air Carrier and General Aviation Qualifications Assessment Tool for AFS Aviation Safety Inspectors. This order is located at: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/3410.26.pdf. NOTE: Recency of specialized experience and the need for a valid second-class FAA medical certificate is waived for employees in the 1825 series.
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.