Become an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA

Are you ready to use your pilot expertise to ensure the safety of the skies? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is hiring an Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations) based in Watkins, Colorado. This role is a vital component of the Flight Standards Service, responsible for maintaining the highest safety standards in aviation.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Principal Operations Inspector, your duties will be diverse and highly technical:

Technical Administration: Assessing air carriers and agencies for regulatory compliance regarding training and equipment.
Surveillance: Monitoring training programs, base facilities, and operational trends to identify safety risks.
Certification: Approving operational manuals, school curriculums, and flight training devices.
Investigations: Leading enforcement investigations and responding to public or congressional inquiries regarding aviation incidents.

Comparison of Key Qualifications

Feature	Requirement
Total Flight Time	1,500 Hours
Recent Experience	100 Hours in last 3 years
Flight Instruction	200 Hours minimum
Medical Certificate	2nd Class Required

Requirements

To be eligible, you must hold a valid Flight Instructor Certificate with multi-engine instrument ratings. You must also possess a clean safety record, including no more than two regulatory violations or two pilot-error accidents within the past five years. Proficiency in English and a valid driver's license are mandatory.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $118,675 to $154,280 per year. In addition to salary, employees have access to a robust benefits package, including federal health, retirement, and life insurance plans, as well as a defined-benefit pension program.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume must be no longer than two pages.
Be Specific: Quantify your flight hours clearly in your work history.
Stay Updated: Always resubmit your application if you make any changes after the initial submission.

If you have the flight credentials and the desire to serve the public by upholding safety, this is the perfect opportunity. Apply today to help the FAA maintain the safest aerospace system in the world.

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

Take your aviation expertise to the next level by ensuring safety and compliance across the Colorado skies with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations) to join the Denver Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in Watkins, Colorado. In this critical role, you will serve as an Assistant Principal Operations Inspector, overseeing the certification, surveillance, and safety compliance of air carriers, operators, and aviation agencies. You will be instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of the national airspace system, providing oversight that directly impacts public safety and operational integrity.

Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations)

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must possess a valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi-engine airplane and instrument airplane ratings.
Minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction provided.
Must hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument airplane rating.
Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years.
Valid second-class FAA medical certificate.
No more than two separate incidents of Federal Aviation regulation violations in the last 5 years.
Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years involving pilot error.
Demonstrated one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/FG-12 level in the FAA.

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

Experience in technical certification, surveillance, and investigation of FAR Part 135 air operators.
Expertise in reviewing and approving training programs, flight simulators, and manual revisions.
Ability to coordinate Minimum Equipment List (MEL) approvals and handle enforcement investigations.
Strong communication skills for testifying at court trials and formal hearings.
Demonstrated ability to perform on-site facility evaluations and safety trend analysis.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement system participation (FERS).
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Potential for telework based on agency policy.

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

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

Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather supporting documentation, including your current SF-50 if you are a federal employee.
Submit your application through the official FAA/USAJOBS online portal.
Ensure all work history entries are detailed, including job titles, hours worked, and specific tasks that map to the requirements.
Complete any required online assessments provided during the application flow.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is firm and strictly enforced.
Clearly highlight your flight hours and recent experience as specified in the qualification standards.
Do not use KSA narrative boxes; instead, integrate your relevant skills and experience directly into your work history section.
Verify your SF-50 reflects your correct tenure and organization before uploading.
Double-check your application for completeness; resubmit if you make any post-submission changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for the flight experience requirements?

No, education cannot be substituted for the specific flight and specialized experience requirements of this position.

What is the typical medical requirement for this role?

Applicants must maintain a valid second-class medical certificate and pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires the completion and favorable adjudication of a Moderate Risk (Tier 2) Background Investigation.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration is the primary government body responsible for the regulation of civil aviation in the United States. Beyond just managing air traffic, the FAA is a hub for innovation, exploring new technologies like electric aircraft and autonomous vehicles. Employees here enjoy a mission-driven culture focused on safety, efficiency, and professional growth.