Elevate Your Career: Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA in Tampa

Are you a seasoned pilot looking to pivot your career toward aviation safety and regulatory oversight? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking highly qualified professionals to serve as Aviation Safety Inspectors (General Aviation-Operations) in Tampa, Florida. This is a pivotal role for those passionate about maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System.

Job Responsibilities

As an Aviation Safety Inspector, you will perform a variety of technical and administrative functions, including:

Technical Administration: Ensuring air operators maintain proper staffing, equipment, and training records.
Surveillance: Monitoring training programs, facility bases, and route systems to identify and mitigate safety trends.
Certification: Reviewing and approving manuals, curricula, and operations specifications for safety compliance.
Investigations: Leading enforcement actions, investigating public complaints, and providing technical testimony in legal proceedings.

Comparison of Requirements

Requirement Type	Detail	Status
Certification	ATP or Commercial with Instrument Rating	Required
Flight Hours	1,500 Total Hours	Required
Recent Experience	100 Hours in last 3 years	Required
Education	High School Diploma/Equivalent	Required

Requirements

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the rigorous standards set by the FAA for the 1825 job series. Key requirements include holding a valid flight instructor certificate, demonstrating professional flying skills, and maintaining a clean record regarding aviation accidents and regulatory violations. Additionally, physical fitness for the role is mandatory.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $106,437 to $138,370 per year, commensurate with experience and the locality pay scale for the Tampa area.

Benefits

FAA employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including health insurance, federal retirement plans, and generous leave policies designed to support a healthy work-life balance.

Application Tips

Be Concise: Keep your resume to exactly two pages.
Align Your History: Use your work experience section to mirror the 'Specialized Experience' language in the job announcement.
Provide Documentation: Ensure you upload all necessary certifications and flight hour logs before the closing date.

Serving as an Aviation Safety Inspector is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of every passenger and operator in the sky. If you meet the criteria and are ready to serve the public, apply to join the FAA Tampa team today.

Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation-Operations (Apoi)) Job Matters

Take flight in your career with the FAA—help shape the future of aviation safety in the vibrant hub of Tampa, Florida.

Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation-Operations (Apoi)) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation-Operations) to join the Tampa Flight Standards District Office. In this vital role, you will be at the forefront of aviation oversight, ensuring that air operators maintain the highest standards of safety, compliance, and regulatory integrity. You will perform technical administration, conduct rigorous surveillance, and oversee certification processes, directly contributing to the world's safest aerospace system.

Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation-Operations (Apoi))

U.S. Citizenship.
Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi-engine airplane and instrument airplane ratings.
Minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction provided.
Professional flying skills demonstrated to Commercial Pilot Certificate level with instrument rating.
Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating.
Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years.
Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate.
Not more than two flying accidents in the last 5 years involving pilot error.
No more than two separate incidents involving Federal Aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years.
Valid state driver's license.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Fluency in the English language.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H/FG-12 grade level.

Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation-Operations (Apoi))

Proven background in FAR Part 135 air carrier operational surveillance.
Expertise in certification, investigation, and compliance recommendation.
Ability to effectively coordinate with industry management and legal counsel.
Experience in conducting technical evaluations of training programs and manuals.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS.
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave programs.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework options where applicable.

💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation-Operations (Apoi)) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation-Operations (Apoi)) Job

Review the full announcement details and requirements on the USAJOBS portal.
Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly highlights your specialized experience.
Create or update your USAJOBS account and upload all required documents (including SF-50 if currently an FAA employee).
Submit your application through the official FAA portal by the closing date of August 13, 2026.
Complete any required online assessments as instructed during the application process.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Use concrete examples that align your work history with the specialized experience requirements.
Check your math: Ensure your flight hours meet the minimum thresholds clearly stated in your resume.
Redact sensitive data: Remove personally identifiable information (PII) like social security numbers from faxed documents.
Resubmit if changes are made: If you update your application, remember to hit 'submit' again to ensure the latest version is evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can education substitute for experience?

No, education is not qualifying for this position and cannot be substituted for the required professional flight experience.

Is a medical certificate required?

Yes, applicants must possess a valid second-class FAA medical certificate to perform the duties of an aircrew member.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy and management approval.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration is the primary government body responsible for the safety of civil aviation in the United States. With over 44,000 dedicated professionals, the FAA works tirelessly to advance aerospace technology, from autonomous drones to high-speed commercial flight. Joining the FAA means contributing to a mission that impacts millions of lives every day.