Become an Aviation Safety Inspector: A Career with the FAA
Are you a seasoned pilot or aviation professional ready to take your career in a new direction? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking dedicated individuals for the position of Aviation Safety Inspector (Geographic Program Inspector). This role is vital to the FAA mission, ensuring the safety of the national airspace through rigorous oversight and regulatory compliance. If you possess the experience and technical expertise required, this is your chance to serve at the highest level of aviation safety.
Job Responsibilities
As a Geographic Program Inspector, your daily impact is significant. You will:
- Technical Administration: Manage the geographic flight activities for your designated office, ensuring operators are adequately staffed and equipped.
- Certification: Evaluate operations manuals for compliance with 14 CFR and recommend changes to resolve safety deficiencies.
- Surveillance: Conduct on-site inspections of training programs, base facilities, and enroute flight operations to identify safety trends.
- Enforcement: Prepare reports on public complaints, congressional inquiries, and potential accidents, providing expert testimony where necessary.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet stringent regulatory standards, including:
- Pilot Experience: Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with at least 1,500 total flight hours.
- Professional History: Three years of relevant experience in an air carrier or aviation agency organization.
- Regulatory Standards: No more than two incidents of regulatory violations and no more than two flying accidents involving pilot error in the last five years.
- Medical Clearance: Ability to safely perform duties and occupy jumpseats or passenger seats.
Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Inspector Roles
| Feature | Standard Inspector | Geographic Program Inspector |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Localized / Office-based | Regional/Geographical Focus |
| Surveillance | Periodic | Targeted (Air Carrier/Operator) |
| Certification | Specific Tasks | Manual/System Analysis |
Salary Overview
This position is highly competitive, offering a salary range of $90,025 to $117,034 per year, depending on qualifications and location-based pay scales.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health/Life Insurance coverage.
- Generous Federal Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid holidays and robust leave accrual.
- Career advancement and growth opportunities.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Address every qualification requirement listed in the announcement in your resume.
- Keep it Brief: FAA requires a maximum two-page resume for this specific position.
- Verify Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 is current and clearly displays required data blocks.
- Submit Early: Do not risk missing the deadline due to potential server congestion on the final day.
Serving as an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA is more than a job; it is a commitment to the safety of every person who takes to the sky. If you have the pilot credentials and the passion for aviation law, we invite you to apply through USAJobs before the closing date. Join us in setting the standard for the future of flight.
Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight), Geographic Program Inspector Job Matters
Elevate aviation safety as a Geographic Program Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration. Join a mission-critical team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in the sky.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight), Geographic Program Inspector Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) to perform critical surveillance, certification, and technical administration duties. In this role, you will ensure air carriers and operators within your designated geographical area strictly adhere to 14 CFR regulations. This position offers a unique opportunity to directly impact aviation safety by evaluating complex flight operations, training programs, and operator facilities while collaborating with management to mitigate safety risks.
Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight), Geographic Program Inspector
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens ineligible).
- Valid State driver's license.
- Fluency in the English language.
- No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that interfere with job performance.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
- Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
- At least one year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds.
- Three years of experience in an air carrier, commercial operator, or air agency environment.
- Not more than two flying accidents involving pilot error in the last five years.
- Not more than two incidents involving Federal aviation regulation violations in the last 5 years.
Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight), Geographic Program Inspector
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H or GS-12 grade level in aviation safety.
- Proven history of monitoring complex aviation organizations for regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated expertise in conducting enforcement actions and safety investigations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement System
- ✓Paid Holidays and Annual/Sick Leave
- ✓Career Advancement Opportunities
- ✓Work-life balance with telework options
💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight), Geographic Program Inspector Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Ac - Flight Oversight), Geographic Program Inspector Job
- Create a profile on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Ensure the resume details specific job titles, series/grades, employer names, start/end dates, and average hours worked.
- Upload required documentation, including SF-50 (if currently an FAA employee).
- Submit the completed online application by the 11:59 PM ET closing date.
- Complete any required online assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and under the two-page limit to ensure it is evaluated.
- Map your work experience directly to the requirements in the job announcement to demonstrate clear eligibility.
- If applying as an current/former federal employee, ensure your SF-50 is accurate and accessible.
- Do not wait until the final hour; submit early to avoid technical issues.
- Redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from any supplemental documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a second-class medical certificate for this position?
No, the Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight) role does not require a second-class medical certificate.
Can I relocate for this job?
The vacancy indicates a nationwide presence where the selectee typically remains in their current duty location.
What happens if I forget to submit my SF-50?
Failure to provide a valid SF-50 (for internal applicants) containing the required blocks will result in an incomplete application and loss of consideration.
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role focuses on overseeing safety, certification, and regulatory compliance for air carriers within a specific geographic region.
Is relocation assistance provided?
This role is primarily for candidates remaining in their current duty locations nationwide.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is the backbone of the global aerospace industry. With a workforce of over 44,000 employees, the agency manages the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. From the research of autonomous vehicles to the integration of electric aircraft, the FAA is at the forefront of modern transportation technology. By joining the FAA, you contribute to a legacy of safety that impacts millions of travelers every single day.