Serves as an Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation Operations) for the General Aviation and Commerical Division, Operations Branch, AFS-830. Provides necessary guidance for aviation safety inspectors to ensure compliance with all general, special, and safety provisions of general aviation aircraft, unmanned aircraft, optionally piloted aircraft, and aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
General Requirements for All Positions: 1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years; 2. Valid State driver's license; 3. Fluency in the English language; 4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and 5. 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: 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. In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of the aircraft must: 1. Possess a valid second – class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; and 2. 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: 1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or 2. 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 general aviation operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements. 1. 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. 2. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a flight check to Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating; 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. Possession of single and multi-engine land airplane ratings. 7. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved. 8. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate. 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/GS-13 grade levels. 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 knowledge and extensive experience in general aviation civil aircraft operations. Collecting and analyzing operational and strategic intelligence/data. Developing new approaches in response to emerging technology. Leading major change initiatives resulting in new/revised policy/procedure; Extensive experience in communicating and influencing outcomes with external and internal stakeholders. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Serves an Aviation Safety Inspector responsible for reviewing, drafting and evaluating, on a continuing basis, established rules and regulations related to assigned technical programs to assure that they have kept pace with the needs to which they were directed and that they are still reasonable, necessary, and adequate. Evaluates regulatory petitions or proposals from within or outside the agency, and recommends the development of new or amended rules, regulations, or other regulatory material, and the discontinuance of rules and regulations no longer considered necessary. Responsible for the preparation of Federal Register notices regarding assigned technical programs for original petitions for exemptions and analysis of technical input from other employees within Flight Standards. Also, the incumbent coordinates with other Aviation Safety and Flight Standards Organizations to develop a complete analysis and appropriate response. Since exemptions are rulemaking documents, this review may include coordination with the Office of General Counsel so that the denial, grant or other disposition of petition for rulemaking will withstand a legal challenge. Technical input must be reviewed for completeness and ensure it responds to all aspects of an exemption petition. Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of division policy in assigned programs areas to include evaluation and analysis. Develops policies, including advisory circulars, inspector guidelines, and training standards related to certification, inspection, surveillance and operation of assigned program areas. Reviews and evaluates, on a continuing basis, established rules and regulations to assure they have kept pace with needs to which they were directed and that they are still reasonable, necessary, and adequate. Participates in national and international working groups and panels with other organization elements of the agency, or other government agencies, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and industry representatives for the purpose of resolving complex and controversial problems having a direct influence on the safety of assigned technical programs operations, facilities, and equipment. Conducts or participates in group or team meetings which include representatives of other government agencies, the aviation industry, aviation organizations, state, municipal and foreign governments where assigned programs and responsibilities are involved. Develops operational policies, including advisory circulars, inspector guidelines, and training standards, and other applicable standards in support of assigned programs. Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of division policy in assigned program areas. The inspector often engages with internal and external stakeholders to promote safety, understanding, and compliance related to assigned programs. Represents the agency as a technical trainer/instructor delivering formal training for assigned technical programs. May review and analyze Enforcement Investigative Reports (EIR) packages received from Safety Assurance offices to ensure packages are complete, accurate and are in compliance with FAA and Flight Standards orders and policies. Prepares a variety of correspondence to other organizations within Flight Standards, aviation industry, other governmental agencies, Members of Congress, and the general public, much of which is highly technical and of high priority. Responsible for justifying and recommending new or amended Federal Aviation Regulations, and developing policies, standards, programs and procedures for general aviation and commercial operations.