Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations)

Created at: January 29, 2026 00:48

Company: Federal Aviation Administration

Location: Clemmons, NC, 27012

Job Description:

This Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operation) or (General Aviation Operations) is assigned to the Safety Management, Analytics and Systems Integration Division, AFS-900 and provides global expertise regarding regulatory oversight on a variety of air carrier and general aviation aircraft types.
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. 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 extensive participation in certification, inspection, and surveillance as it relates to Air Carrier Operations/General Aviation Operations. Skill in applying, laws and regulations to inspection, investigation, enforcement, and/or compliance work. Providing expert technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to agency management and other senior agents, officers, or inspectors on critical operations. Solving problems demanding technologically advanced methods and innovative approaches. Must have experience in developing, delivering and overseeing delivery of complex subjects to a wide range of internal or external audiences. Experience using SAS Automation and a high level of understanding of using SAS for risk-based decision making. Experience must show application and outcome. (examples of complex subject: SAS training, technical airline training or other complex subject certification requirements or application of system safety incorporating SMS). 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 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. 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. Experience in providing oversight of designees. Please explain and provide examples. Aviation Safety Inspectors (Operations)
Provides expert advice and guidance in the formulation, development and conduct of highly complex, controversial, and significant studies and projects at the national level. Provides recommendations involving the planning, conduct, gathering of requirements, and development of business model approaches including automation and tools to support the project and identification of risk areas/concerns. Works with teams of multiple disciplines that are involved in developing and implementing new business processes, automation, policy changes, and procedures, including program improvement designs for Flight Standards products with a specific focus and expertise in general aviation operations. Utilizes appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques to determine integration, work methods, practices, and procedures for Flight Standards products. Plans and conducts periodic in-depth evaluations and focused inspections involving the aviation and Air Transportation industry; evaluates Inspector Resources for the oversight of operators with high risk profiles. Provides technical support and conducts research for internal stakeholders related to a variety of issues. Reviews Safety Assurance office requests to ensure all safety critical information is received from external stakeholders. Provides education, resources and support when Safety Assurance offices are resource constrained. May result in the issuance of a letter of authorization (LOA) deviation, advisory circular, notice or updates to guidance. Serves an aviation safety inspector responsible for reviewing 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. Coordinates with other Aviation Safety and Flight Standards Organizations to develop a complete analysis and appropriate response. 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. Provides expert technical leadership, instruction and oversight; assures timely and accurate work and on-the-job accomplishment; notifies supervisor on work accomplishments, milestones, program initiates, training needs and potential problems. The inspector often engages with internal and external stakeholders to promote safety, understanding, and compliance related to assigned programs. Develop formal training and alternate educational methods to impart critical information to Flight Standards. Prepares a variety of correspondence to other organizations within Flight Standards, aviation industry, other governmental agencies.


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