Advance Your Career as an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (AQPM)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as an Advanced Qualification Program Manager (AQPM). This role is perfect for experienced aviation professionals who are looking to transition into a leadership capacity that directly impacts the safety and standardization of the national airspace.

Job Responsibilities

As an AQPM, you will act as a technical authority within the Midwest Certificate Management Office. Key duties include:

Regulatory Oversight: Ensuring certificate holders strictly adhere to 14 CFR flight operations requirements.
Program Management: Overseeing AQP indoctrination, qualification, and continuing qualification curricula.
Strategic Coordination: Serving as a primary liaison between air carriers and the FAA to manage data development and curriculum approval.
Technical Expertise: Providing guidance to legal counsel and participating in formal hearings as a subject matter expert.

Comparison Table: Qualifications & Expectations

Feature	Requirement Detail
Total Flight Hours	Minimum 1,500 hours
License Needed	Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
Experience Level	3+ years in a certificated organization
Primary Focus	Regulatory Oversight & AQP Management

Requirements

To be eligible, you must hold a valid ATP certificate and have significant experience with multi-engine aircraft. You must also pass stringent medical standards, as the role may require jumpseat access. Citizenship is mandatory for all applicants.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $107,446 to $139,684 per year, commensurate with your qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance, robust retirement plans via the Thrift Savings Plan, and generous leave policies.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Every bullet point in your two-page resume should demonstrate specialized experience.
Use Clear Metrics: When describing past work, include hours per week and specific achievements.
Stay Compliant: Ensure your SF-50 is clearly attached if you are a current federal employee.

If you are ready to pivot from the cockpit to critical regulatory oversight, this FAA position offers an unparalleled opportunity to impact aviation safety. Apply before the September 16, 2026, deadline.

Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight) (Advanced Qualification Program Manager (Aqpm)) Job Matters

Take your aviation career to new heights by shaping the future of safety and regulatory oversight as an Advanced Qualification Program Manager with the FAA.

Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight) (Advanced Qualification Program Manager (Aqpm)) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled Aviation Safety Inspector to serve as an Advanced Qualification Program Manager (AQPM). In this critical role, you will be the technical lead for flight operations programs, ensuring that assigned air carriers and operators adhere to the highest safety standards set by 14 CFR. You will manage complex curricula, conduct rigorous data analysis, and serve as the primary point of contact between industry certificate holders and the FAA. This position is vital to maintaining the integrity, standardization, and safety of the national airspace system.

Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight) (Advanced Qualification Program Manager (Aqpm))

U.S. citizenship is required.
Valid state driver's license.
Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.
Possession of a valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
At least one year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft over 12,500 lbs.
Three years of experience in an aviation organization (air carrier, commercial operator, or air agency).
Must be able to pass medical requirements for jumpseat access.
Fluent in English with no history of chemical dependency.
Not more than two Title 14 CFR violations in the last five years.
Not more than two pilot-error accidents in the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight) (Advanced Qualification Program Manager (Aqpm))

Demonstrated experience in conducting flight crew training and testing.
Expertise in managing and monitoring flight training programs.
Experience in enforcement investigations and report preparation.
Proficiency in data development and analysis for AQP oversight.
Strong communication skills for coordinating with industry stakeholders and legal counsel.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and locality pay.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan.
✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Telework eligibility per agency policy.
✓Opportunities for career advancement within a global regulatory agency.

💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight) (Advanced Qualification Program Manager (Aqpm)) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight) (Advanced Qualification Program Manager (Aqpm)) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on the official career portal.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Gather your most recent SF-50 (if applicable) and required pilot certifications.
Submit your online application by the deadline of September 16, 2026.
Ensure all work history entries are detailed, including hours per week and specific dates.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
Provide clear, specific examples of your specialized experience that align with the duties listed.
Do not just summarize your responsibilities; quantify your achievements and the scope of your previous roles.
Double-check that all required documents, including your SF-50, are attached to avoid disqualification.
If you make any changes to your application after submission, you must re-submit it for the changes to count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote work position?

No, this is not a remote position. The incumbent must report to an FAA Flight Standards duty location, though the role is telework eligible in accordance with agency policy.

Does this role involve flying as a crewmember?

No. As a Flight Oversight Aviation Safety Inspector, you will not serve as a required crewmember or safety pilot.

What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?

The instructions explicitly state that resumes are limited to two pages; failure to comply may impact your eligibility.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA is the primary governing body for aviation in the United States. With a workforce of over 44,000, the agency is committed to providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. Joining the FAA means being at the forefront of technological integration and safety innovation.