Become a Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) with the FAA
Are you ready to take your aviation career to the federal level? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance) to join the Office of Air Carrier Safety Assurance. This role is essential to our mission of maintaining the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. If you possess a strong background in aircraft maintenance and a deep understanding of regulatory standards, this is your opportunity to influence aviation safety across the nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) at the FG-13 level, you will operate with a high degree of technical independence. Your core duties include:
- Serving as the primary point of contact for assigned aviation organizations.
- Issuing, monitoring, and evaluating air carrier certificates.
- Conducting on-site inspections of facilities, equipment, and records to ensure compliance with 14 CFR.
- Interpreting complex regulatory requirements and providing guidance to field personnel.
- Negotiating technical and safety issues with senior-level airline management.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:
- U.S. citizenship.
- A valid state driver's license.
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Possession of an FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings.
- Proven experience maintaining and repairing aircraft of 12,500 lbs or more.
| Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Certification | FAA Mechanic Certificate (A&P) |
| Experience | Maintenance experience within the last 3 years |
| Disqualifiers | >2 regulation violations in 5 years |
| Medical | Must be able to perform on-site aircraft inspections |
Salary Overview
This position is compensated within the pay range of $90,925 to $118,024 per year. Compensation is subject to federal locality pay adjustments based on the selected duty location.
Benefits
Working with the FAA provides an excellent suite of federal benefits, including competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance options, robust retirement savings through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
To stand out in the applicant pool, ensure your resume highlights specific, quantifiable achievements. Instead of listing duties, describe how you solved complex maintenance problems or ensured regulatory compliance in your previous roles. Be sure to include dates, specific employer addresses, and the number of hours worked per week for every job entry to avoid eligibility issues.
Serving as a Principal Maintenance Inspector is an honorable path for any aviation professional looking to dedicate their career to safety and excellence. We invite you to review your qualifications and apply today to become a part of the FAA legacy.
Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance - Pmi) Job Matters
Take your career to new heights by serving as a Principal Maintenance Inspector with the FAA, where your technical expertise ensures the safety of the skies.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance - Pmi) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance - PMI) to join our Flight Standards Service. This position offers a unique opportunity to play a vital role in national aviation safety. As a PMI, you will serve as a primary contact for aviation organizations, providing expert guidance, issuing certificates, and ensuring full compliance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations. This role requires mastery in maintenance and repair standards to oversee complex operations and protect the flying public.
Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance - Pmi)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Valid state driver's license.
- Fluency in the English language.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- No more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years.
- No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance.
- Possession of an FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.
- Documented experience with the maintenance and repair of aircraft (12,500 lbs or more).
- Current aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.
- Must meet job-related medical requirements to safely perform inspection duties.
Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance - Pmi)
- One year of specialized experience at the GS/FG-12 level or equivalent.
- Mastery-level knowledge of Title 14 CFR regulations.
- Experience in complex air carrier certification and surveillance.
- Proven ability to negotiate technical issues with executive-level aviation management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Insurance Plans
- ✓Retirement Benefits (FERS)
- ✓Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
- ✓Opportunities for Professional Growth and Training
- ✓Telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance - Pmi) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Maintenance - Pmi) Job
- Prepare a resume (limited to two pages) that clearly documents specific dates, duties, and hours worked.
- Review the specific FAA Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) if applicable.
- Submit your application through the official FAA/USAJobs portal before the closing date.
- Upload required documentation, including your most recent SF-50.
- Complete any necessary online assessments as part of the screening process.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume is the most important part of your application. Ensure it details specific examples that align with the required competencies.
- Include contact information for past supervisors and clear start/end dates for every job entry.
- If applying as a current or former federal employee, ensure your SF-50 clearly displays the required blocks for verification.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues near the 11:59 PM EST deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Principal Maintenance Inspector?
A PMI serves as the main point of contact for air carriers, ensuring their maintenance operations, facilities, and procedures comply with federal safety regulations.
Is a college degree required for this position?
The minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, provided you hold the necessary FAA Mechanic Certificate and meet the professional maintenance experience standards.
Are there medical requirements for this role?
Yes, inspectors must have distant vision and hearing capabilities to perform on-site inspections safely, as they must be able to work around a variety of aircraft.
Do I need a college degree?
*A: A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, provided you meet the FAA certification and maintenance experience standards.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: This position requires on-site inspection duties and is not considered a fully remote role.*
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is a dynamic organization of over 44,000 professionals working at the forefront of aerospace innovation. From managing global air traffic to pioneering the integration of electric and autonomous aircraft, we provide the backbone of the modern transportation system. Joining the FAA means becoming part of a diverse, mission-driven team where your expertise directly contributes to protecting millions of lives daily.