Become an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) serves as the backbone of global aerospace safety. We are looking for experienced aviation professionals to join our team as an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector. This role is for those who are passionate about maintaining the highest standards of safety and oversight for international air carriers. If you are ready to pivot from the cockpit to a high-level regulatory oversight position, this is your next career destination.
Job Responsibilities
As an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector, you will:
- Act as the primary FAA point of contact for assigned foreign operators.
- Ensure full compliance with 14 CFR regulations.
- Conduct complex evaluations of flight operations and maintenance systems.
- Provide expert technical advice on advanced multiengine turbojet aircraft.
- Author high-level correspondence for industry leaders and government officials.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- A total of 1,500 flight hours.
- Valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
- A second-class medical certificate.
- Demonstrated proficiency in multi-engine aircraft.
- Ability to pass a T3 background investigation.
Qualifications Comparison
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Flight Hours | 1,500 Total Hours |
| Recent Experience | 100 Hours in last 3 years |
| Medical Status | Valid Class 2 Certificate |
| Regulation Violations | No more than 2 in 5 years |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $107,446 to $139,684 per year, depending on the specific duty location and qualification level. This role offers competitive pay scales consistent with high-level federal aviation expertise.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Federal health insurance.
- Robust retirement savings through FERS.
- Ample paid time off (Annual & Sick leave).
- Professional networking and career growth within the Department of Transportation.
Application Tips
- Keep your resume to a two-page limit.
- Be explicit about your experience with Part 121 or 135 operations.
- Clearly label your certifications and flight hours.
- Ensure you hit the 'submit' button every time you update your application.
Serving as an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector is a profound responsibility. You will play an essential role in keeping our skies safe while working at the cutting edge of aviation technology. If you meet the qualifications, apply today and join the team protecting the future of flight.
Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) Job Matters
Elevate your career as an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector and serve as a vital link between global operators and the FAA, ensuring the highest standards of safety in the skies.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) to lead oversight for complex foreign air carrier operations. As a key representative of the agency, you will ensure that international organizations adhere to rigorous federal aviation regulations. This role offers the unique opportunity to influence global aviation safety, conduct surveillance, and provide technical guidance in a dynamic, high-impact environment.
Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
- At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft weighing over 12,500 lbs.
- Possession of an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating.
- Valid second-class FAA medical certificate.
- No more than two FAA regulation violations in the last 5 years.
- No more than two pilot-error flying accidents in the last 5 years.
- Fluency in the English language.
- Ability to pass a Tier 3 (T3) background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations)
- Expertise in 14 CFR Part 121, 135, or 129 operations.
- Demonstrated ability to perform surveillance, certification, and compliance investigations.
- Advanced technical knowledge of multiengine turbojet aircraft capabilities and limitations.
- Experience providing regulatory oversight for large-scale air carrier operations.
- Proven ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in complex aviation scenarios.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
- ✓Comprehensive retirement planning, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous leave policies, including annual and sick leave.
- ✓Access to life and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts and transit benefits.
💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Create a profile on the official FAA career portal.
- Ensure all work history entries include specific job titles, hours worked, and clear examples of specialized experience.
- Upload required documentation, such as medical certificates and SF-50 forms for current federal employees.
- Submit your online application prior to the closing date.
- Complete any required assessments or questionnaires.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must align clearly with the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the job description.
- Quantify your experience; focus on the complexity of the aircraft and operations you have managed.
- Do not simply provide a narrative for KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) items; weave your specific examples directly into your work history.
- Double-check your SF-50 documentation if applying as a current FAA employee.
- Resubmit your application every time you make an update to ensure the most recent version is evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a college degree required for this role?
No, formal education cannot be substituted for the required specialized pilot experience.
Can I work remotely?
This position requires physical presence and site visits for regulatory oversight; while some telework may be eligible, it is not a fully remote position.
What happens if I forget to resubmit my application after editing it?
Only the previously submitted version will be considered. It is critical to click the submit button again following any changes.
Is this a remote role?
No, it requires onsite regulatory oversight.
How do I prove my specialized experience?
Include detailed descriptions in your work history that align directly with the core job duties mentioned in the announcement.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is part of the Department of Transportation. With a workforce of over 44,000 employees, we manage the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. We are committed to fostering innovation while maintaining the highest security protocols for civilian and commercial aviation.