Become an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA

Are you looking to pivot from the cockpit to a career that shapes the safety standards of the entire aviation industry? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as an Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight), specifically in an Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (AAPM) capacity. This role is a cornerstone of the FAA’s mission to ensure the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Job Responsibilities

The AAPM works directly under an Aircrew Program Manager to provide rigorous oversight of air carrier operations. Key responsibilities include:

Surveillance: Developing and executing programs to monitor pilot examiners and check airmen.
Compliance: Ensuring that air carriers adhere to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).
Investigation: Conducting detailed investigations into incidents, accidents, and public complaints.
Technical Advice: Serving as an advisor to the Principal Inspector regarding training and testing standards.
Evaluation: Assessing training programs, simulators, and manuals to eliminate unsafe practices.

Comparison: Role Requirements

Requirement Type	Qualification Standard
Flight Hours	1,500 Hours Total
Pilot Certificate	Valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
Specialized Experience	1 Year at FV-H or GS-12 Level
Operational Experience	3 Years in an air carrier or aviation organization

Requirements

This position is rigorous and requires a strong background in aviation. Beyond the specific flight requirements mentioned in the table, you must possess a clean safety record (no more than two accidents/violations in the last five years) and maintain physical standards that ensure you can safely navigate aviation environments.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $90,925 to $118,204 per year, depending on qualifications and location.

Benefits

Working for the FAA comes with the robust benefits of federal employment, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
Access to ongoing professional development and technical training.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your two-page resume is highly specific. The FAA no longer requires narrative KSA responses; instead, infuse your work history with concrete examples that map directly to the specialized experience requested. If you are an current FAA employee, ensure your SF-50 is readily available for upload to verify your status.

This role offers a unique opportunity to transition your flight experience into a high-impact oversight position. If you are ready to champion safety standards at the national level, apply to the FAA today.

Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) (Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (Aapm)) Job Matters

Elevate your career in aviation oversight: Help the FAA ensure the highest standards of safety and excellence as an Assistant Aircrew Program Manager.

Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) (Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (Aapm)) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a skilled professional to join the Air Carrier Safety Assurance team as an Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight), serving in an Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (AAPM) capacity. In this role, you will play a critical part in maintaining the integrity of aircrew training programs and testing standards for assigned air carriers. You will work closely with an Aircrew Program Manager to oversee operations, monitor designated examiners, and ensure strict compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. This is a vital position for those dedicated to aviation safety and operational excellence.

Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) (Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (Aapm))

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Valid state driver's license.
Fluency in the English language.
Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.
Must hold 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 with an air carrier, commercial operator, or air agency certificate.
No more than two flying accidents in the last five years involving pilot error.
No more than two Federal aviation regulation violations in the last five years.
Ability to meet physical standards for vision, hearing, and aircraft safety.

Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) (Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (Aapm))

Specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H or GS/FG-12 grade level.
Proven track record in monitoring complex aviation organizations.
Demonstrated ability to develop work programs and surveillance schedules.
Experience in technical advising regarding training and testing procedures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance programs
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Work-life balance initiatives including telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) (Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (Aapm)) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) (Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (Aapm)) Job

Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Register or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Ensure your resume includes specific start/end dates, hours worked, and detailed job descriptions for all relevant history.
Upload required documentation, including SF-50 if currently employed by the FAA.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Submit your application package by the closing date of August 10, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Resumes are strictly limited to two pages; prioritize your most relevant experience.
Do not just list job duties; provide specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the specialized experience requirements.
Ensure your work history includes your employer's name, job title, and specific timeframe.
If applying as an FAA employee, verify that your SF-50 includes all required blocks to avoid processing delays.
If you make any changes to your application after submission, you must resubmit it for the changes to be recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for experience?

No, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience for this position.

Is travel required for this role?

Yes, this position involves travel as part of the surveillance and oversight responsibilities.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation?

The FAA provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Contact the agency contact listed in the announcement or your local FAA Civil Rights Office to initiate the process.

What is the closing date for this application?

*A: The deadline to apply is August 10, 2026.*

Is this position eligible for remote work?

*A: This position is eligible for telework, but candidates must be prepared to work on-site or travel for surveillance duties as required.*

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a division of the Department of Transportation, oversees every aspect of civil aviation in the United States. With a workforce exceeding 44,000 employees, the FAA is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, covering everything from traditional air traffic control to the integration of autonomous and electric aircraft. Joining the FAA means contributing to a mission that impacts millions of travelers daily.