Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation Operations) for the Emerging Technologies Branch, AFS-170. Serves as operations technical expert and advisor on assigned manufactured or modified Unmanned Aircraft, Advanced Air Mobility, Urban Air Mobility, Optionally Piloted Aircraft, and associated systems.
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 for All Positions: 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. In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of the aircraft must: Possess a valid second – class medical certificate in accordance with 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. Aviation Safety Inspectors (Operations) When the predominant work involves general aviation operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements. Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi-engine airplane and instrument airplane ratings. Must have given a minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction in an aircraft. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a flight check to Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating; Possession of Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating. Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. Possession of single and multi-engine land airplane ratings. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate. Note - Recency of experience is waived for applicants currently in the 1825 series 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-13 grade level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Experience includes assisting, conducting, or performing various technical functions related to certification of CFR Part 23 Normal Category Airplanes AND supporting CFR Part 135 air carrier/ air operators and CFR Part 91 General Operation and Flight Rules operations. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Provides operations representation in all phases of developmental work involved during and prior to certification and subsequent to placing such unmanned aircraft, advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, and optionally piloted aircraft and associated systems into service. The work of this position has considerable impact on the level of safety for industry operation of these aircraft. Serves as Operations consultant with respect to technical matters pertaining to airborne operational and performance requirements, equipment, maintenance, and standards used within area of responsibility. Reviews and evaluates the operational suitability of equipment used in assigned aircraft and associated systems. Participates in Type Certification Board in making decisions related to the operational suitability of aircraft produced by aircraft manufacturers. Serves as member on Flight Standards Boards (FSB) and Flight Operations Evaluation Boards (FOEB) evaluating and presenting Operational considerations/impact or requirements. Evaluates the abilities of the unmanned aircraft, advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, and optionally piloted aircraft and associated processes, manuals, and documents to ensure they perform as expected. Provides technical advisory service relative to unique and unusually complex operational needs and regulatory requirements. Participates in the development and establishment of national and international standards, procedures and airworthiness criteria tailored especially to meet the requirements and conditions considered necessary to assure effectiveness of the design for assigned aircraft. Relates the assigned aircraft manufacturer's operational requirements for unmanned aircraft, advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, and optionally piloted aircraft and associated systems to the aviation industry with particular emphasis on assuring realistic, economically feasible, and technically practical programs which may be applied by the industry. Familiarizes and applies knowledge of operating rules under development but not yet written by Flight Standards. Engages frequently with internal FAA policy groups to ensure that type certificated unmanned aircraft, advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, optionally piloted aircraft and associated systems will be able to operate in the NAS with the need for limited exemptions as rule making continues. Establishes contacts at all levels within the regional and Washington offices of FAA. Contacts involve industry representatives including pilots, operators and/or personnel in charge of flight testing for aircraft manufacturers. Contacts are also with foreign government aviation officials and manufacturers on an international basis. These contacts will be for coordinating and resolving problems imposed by certification and operations requirements, coordinating equipment and training requirements, and for the exchange of essential information. Participates in industry and aviation meetings and represents the Flight Standards Service on assigned matters. Develops and implements special operations projects as required to accomplish program objectives. Recommends technical program or policy changes as appropriate. Provides technical assistance with respect to the initial development and approval of aircraft flight manuals for unmanned aircraft, advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, and optionally piloted aircraft utilized by the aviation industry. Provides expert consultation in support of accident or incident investigations, analysis, and implementation of corrective actions related to unmanned aircraft, advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, and optionally piloted aircraft and associated systems. Participates in the flight program as an aircrew member and, as such, must meet the medical and flight currency requirements in accordance with FAA policies and guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned.