Become an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector: Your Next Career Flight
If you have spent your career in the rotorcraft industry and are ready to take your expertise to the regulatory level, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants to hear from you. We are currently hiring an Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft/Helicopter) at our Long Beach, California, location.
Job Responsibilities
As a Principal Operations Inspector (POI) at the Long Beach FSDO, you will serve as the primary FAA point of contact for designated operators. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Surveillance: Conducting periodic audits of pilot examiners, check airmen, and air carrier training programs.
- Policy Guidance: Interpreting and communicating complex aviation regulations to industry stakeholders.
- Investigations: Leading enforcement investigations regarding incidents, accidents, or public complaints.
- Certifications: Overseeing the recertification of operators and agencies to ensure they meet stringent safety requirements.
- Collaboration: Coordinating with airworthiness inspectors on Minimum Equipment List (MEL) approvals and representing the FAA in court hearings or congressional inquiries.
Requirements
This is a highly specialized role. To be considered, you must meet strict pilot requirements:
| Requirement Type | Minimum Criteria |
|---|---|
| Certificates | Airline Transport or Commercial Pilot (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) |
| Ratings | Instrument-Helicopter rating required |
| Experience | 1,500 total hours (1,000 in helicopters) |
| Instruction | 200 hours of helicopter flight instruction given |
| Recent Flight | 100 hours in helicopters or Level D Simulators (past 5 years) |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $146,632 to $190,627 per year. Beyond the base compensation, employees enjoy:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Generous federal retirement pension plans.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Paid leave accrual for vacation, illness, and federal holidays.
- Extensive professional development and training programs.
Application Tips
- Watch the Clock: The deadline is August 6, 2026. Do not wait until the final hour.
- Mind the Resume: Your resume is capped at two pages. Ensure every bullet point aligns with the specialized experience requirements listed in the announcement.
- Resubmit: If you update your profile after applying, you must re-click the submit button for your application to be updated.
- Proof of Experience: Be extremely specific with your work history. Include employer names, dates, and total hours for each role.
This role is an incredible opportunity for a seasoned rotorcraft pilot to transition into a position of high authority, shaping the standards that define safety in the helicopter industry. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a new challenge, we invite you to apply today.
Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft/Helicopter) Job Matters
Take your aviation career to new heights in the Golden State! The FAA is looking for an expert rotorcraft pilot to join our Long Beach team as an Aviation Safety Inspector.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft/Helicopter) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft/Helicopter) to join the Long Beach Flight Standards District Office. This role is pivotal in ensuring the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance within the rotorcraft industry. You will serve as a technical authority, providing expert guidance to operators, conducting surveillance, and overseeing certification programs to keep our skies safe.
Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft/Helicopter)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument-Helicopter ratings.
- Possess a valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument-Helicopter ratings.
- Minimum 1,500 total flight hours with 1,000 hours in helicopters.
- At least 200 hours of flight instruction given in a helicopter.
- Minimum 100 flight hours in helicopters or Level D Helicopter Simulators within the last 5 years.
- Valid state driver's license.
- Fluency in the English language.
- Must meet stringent medical requirements, including a valid second-class medical certificate.
- No more than two Federal Aviation Regulation violations in the last 5 years.
- No more than two pilot-error flying accidents in the last 5 years.
Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft/Helicopter)
- Demonstrated specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I/FG-13 level.
- Expert knowledge of rotorcraft operational capabilities and regulatory frameworks.
- Ability to provide technical guidance on policies, procedures, and safety compliance.
- Experience in conducting safety investigations and managing enforcement actions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k style) with government matching.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- ✓Telework eligibility for qualified assignments.
💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft/Helicopter) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft/Helicopter) Job
- Review your eligibility against the specialized experience requirements.
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages, highlighting relevant flight and regulatory experience.
- Ensure your resume includes dates, hours worked, and specific details for all experience.
- Submit your application and required supporting documents (e.g., SF-50) online before the closing date.
- Complete any required online assessments promptly.
💡 General Tips
- Resumes are strictly limited to two pages—keep your content focused on the core requirements.
- Detail your flight hours clearly in your resume to demonstrate you meet the 1,500-hour minimum.
- Always resubmit your application if you make any edits, or the changes will not be saved.
- Use the FAA's provided resources to verify your SF-50 if you are a current federal employee.
- Ensure your document uploads are complete and clearly labeled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my flight simulator hours to count toward the 100-hour recent experience requirement?
Yes, you may use a combination of flight hours in helicopters and pilot hours in a Level D Helicopter Simulator to satisfy the 100-hour requirement within the last five years.
What is the security requirement for this role?
This position requires the successful completion and adjudication of a Moderate Risk (Tier 2) background investigation.
Is education a substitute for the flight experience requirements?
No, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized flight experience for this position.
Do I need to be a current FAA employee to apply?
No, this position is open to qualified applicants. However, specific documentation like an SF-50 is required if you are currently employed by the FAA.
Is drug testing required?
Yes, as this is a safety-sensitive position, you will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen and ongoing random drug and alcohol testing.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the governing body for the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. As part of the Department of Transportation, we oversee every facet of civilian aviation. Our mission is evolving rapidly; we are currently spearheading initiatives in autonomous vehicles, electric aircraft, and high-speed solar flight. When you join the FAA, you aren't just taking a job—you are joining a team of 44,000 professionals working to secure the future of transport.