Become an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector: A Career with the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the backbone of global aviation safety. As the industry evolves with new technologies and complex aircraft, the need for experienced, dedicated professionals to provide regulatory oversight has never been greater. We are currently seeking an Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier - Flight Oversight) to join our International Programs and Policy Division. If you possess the flight experience and regulatory knowledge to influence safety standards on an international scale, this is your opportunity to serve the public and protect the skies.
Job Responsibilities
As an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector, you will act as the primary interface between the FAA and foreign air carriers. Your duties include:
- Serving as the lead regulatory authority for assigned foreign operators and airmen.
- Performing rigorous surveillance, certification, and compliance investigations.
- Evaluating flight operation programs involving large, sophisticated turbojet fleets.
- Providing expert guidance on 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
- Resolving complex, often controversial, issues affecting aviation safety and industry standards.
| Feature | Role Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Federal Aviation Administration |
| Job Series | 1825 (Aviation Safety) |
| Grade | FG-14 |
| Location | Nationwide (Multiple Duty Locations) |
| Salary | $107,446 - $139,684 |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet stringent criteria set by the Office of Personnel Management. Candidates must possess:
- A valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
- 1,500 total flight hours.
- One year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft over 12,500 lbs.
- Three years of experience in an aviation-related organization (e.g., air carriers, commercial operators).
- Clear background regarding previous flight accidents and regulatory violations.
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $107,446 to $139,684 per year. Compensation reflects the high level of responsibility and the critical nature of the regulatory decisions made in this role.
Benefits
Working for the FAA comes with the robust benefits package afforded to federal employees, including:
- Competitive health, vision, and dental plans.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Significant paid time off including vacation and sick leave.
- Access to professional training and career advancement pathways.
Application Tips
- Be Concise: Your resume is limited to two pages. Focus on high-impact accomplishments.
- Evidence-Based: Do not provide generic KSA responses. Use your work history to explain exactly how you meet the specialized experience requirements.
- Verify Documentation: Ensure all pilot certifications and SF-50 forms are included before submission.
Serving as an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA is more than a job—it is a mission to uphold the highest levels of safety in global aviation. If you are a seasoned pilot ready to transition your expertise into a high-level regulatory role, we encourage you to apply before the July 28, 2026, deadline.
Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac-Flight Oversight) Job Matters
Take your aviation expertise global. Join the FAA as an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector and shape the safety standards of the world’s most advanced flight operations.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac-Flight Oversight) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier - Flight Oversight) to serve as a vital link between foreign operators and U.S. aviation safety standards. In this high-impact role, you will perform regulatory oversight, conduct complex evaluations of flight operations, and ensure that air carriers meet the rigorous safety protocols mandated by 14 CFR. This position offers the opportunity to work with prominent international carriers and handle sophisticated, modern aircraft fleets.
Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac-Flight Oversight)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
- At least one year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft over 12,500 lbs.
- Three years of experience with an air carrier, commercial operator, or air agency.
- Valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
- No more than two pilot-error accidents in the last five years.
- No more than two incidents involving FAA regulation violations in the last five years.
- Ability to pass a Tier 3 background investigation for Secret clearance.
- Pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Valid state driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac-Flight Oversight)
- Prior specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I/FG-13 level.
- Demonstrated ability to perform surveillance, investigation, and compliance recommendations for Part 121, 135, or 129 air carriers.
- Expertise in evaluating flight operation programs utilizing advanced aircraft systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal competitive salary package.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Generous federal retirement and pension plans.
- ✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac-Flight Oversight) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac-Flight Oversight) Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
- Upload all required documentation, including your pilot certificates, ratings, and SF-50 (if currently an FAA employee).
- Complete the online application, ensuring your work history provides specific examples of how you meet the specialized experience requirements.
- Submit your application by the closing date of July 28, 2026.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Resumes are strictly limited to two pages; focus on relevant achievements.
- Do not use KSA narrative blocks; embed your specific examples directly into your work history description.
- Be precise with flight hours and multi-engine aircraft weight specifications.
- Ensure your SF-50 is clearly legible and contains all required blocks if applying as a current FAA staff member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to act as a flight crew member in this position?
No. Flight Oversight ASIs do not perform job functions as a required crewmember, nor do they act as safety pilots.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No. At this grade level, specific operational experience is required and cannot be replaced by academic credentials.
What kind of background check is required?
This position requires a favorable adjudication of a Tier 3 (T3) background investigation for a Secret security clearance.
Is there travel required?
Yes, this position involves significant regulatory oversight duties, which may include travel to perform inspections or attend meetings with international stakeholders.
Is the position telework-eligible?
Yes, this role allows for telework flexibility consistent with agency policies.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA, a sub-agency of the Department of Transportation, manages the most efficient and safe aerospace system in the world. With over 44,000 employees, we are committed to innovation—ranging from autonomous vehicle research to long-endurance solar-powered aircraft. We value diversity, integrity, and safety above all else.