Launch Your Career: Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA

If you have a passion for aviation and a commitment to safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence the industry. As an Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations), you will play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the national airspace system. This position in Louisville, Kentucky, is ideal for experienced pilots ready to transition their operational expertise into a high-impact federal role.

Job Responsibilities

As a Principal Operations Inspector, your primary responsibilities will include:

Surveillance and Compliance: Conducting technical reviews of operational activities for FAR Part 135 carriers.
Program Development: Designing policies and programs to address unique and emerging aviation safety challenges.
Technical Advisement: Acting as a subject matter expert for management, industry leaders, and external governmental agencies.
Flight Operations: Participating in the FAA flight program to maintain currency and evaluate airman certification standards.

Requirements

To qualify for this role, you must meet stringent federal standards, including:

Requirement Type	Specification
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Flight Hours	Minimum 1,500 total hours
Medical	Valid 2nd-Class FAA Medical Certificate
Instruction	Minimum 200 hours of flight instruction
Experience	1+ year specialized at FV-I/FG-13 level

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the FAA's specialized pay structure, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $125,776 to $163,514, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision plans.
Federal pension through FERS.
Generous Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching.
Paid time off and federal holidays.
Training and leadership development opportunities.

Application Tips

Keep it Short: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Ensure every word counts.
Be Specific: Detail your flight hours, aircraft types, and specific regulatory work.
Validate: If you claim a certain level of expertise in your assessment, ensure your resume contains specific anecdotes proving that expertise.

Serving as an Aviation Safety Inspector is more than a job—it is a responsibility to the flying public. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to tackle the complexities of modern aviation, the FAA invites you to apply for this vital role in Louisville.

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

Take your aviation career to new heights by shaping the safety standards of tomorrow as a Principal Operations Inspector with the FAA in Louisville.

Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a highly skilled Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations) to join the Louisville Flight Standards District Office. In this pivotal role, you will perform technical functions related to the certification, surveillance, and compliance of FAR Part 135 air carriers and operators. You will operate with a high degree of independence, serving as an advisor to management while ensuring that complex aviation programs meet the highest safety benchmarks in the industry.

Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations)

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Valid state driver's license.
Fluency in the English language.
Clean record: No more than two FAA regulation violations within the last five years.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and participate in a drug/alcohol testing program.
Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate.
Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi-engine airplane and instrument ratings.
Minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction experience.
Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last three years.
Professional flying skill demonstrated to the Commercial Pilot Certificate level with instrument rating.
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I/FG-13 level.

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

Experience in certification, surveillance, and investigation of FAR Part 135 air carrier operations.
Demonstrated ability to design and implement innovative flight safety programs.
Expertise in evaluating advanced multi-engine turbojet aircraft systems.
Proven experience serving as an advisor to management on high-priority technical aviation matters.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS pension.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
✓Flexible work arrangements and telework opportunities where eligible.

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

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

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Clearly document all relevant work history, including job titles, hours worked per week, and dates.
Gather supporting documentation, such as medical certificates and FAA certificates.
Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
Ensure all answers provided in the online assessment are substantiated by your resume.

💡 General Tips

Resumes exceeding two pages will not be reviewed.
Align your resume language directly with the 'Specialized Experience' requirements listed.
Be specific about your flight hours and instruction experience; include dates and aircraft types.
Double-check your submission—changes made after initial submittal require a full resubmission.
FAA employees should include their SF-50 to verify status and grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a college degree required for this position?

No, education is not qualifying for this specific Aviation Safety Inspector role; only relevant, specialized experience is accepted.

Can I submit my application via email or fax?

No, you must apply through the USAJOBS website. Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted.

What medical requirements must I meet?

You must hold a valid second-class medical certificate and maintain physical standards that allow you to perform essential job functions safely.

Is there a probationary period?

*A: Yes, a one-year probationary period is typically required for new federal hires.*

What is the drug policy?

*A: The position is subject to the Department of Transportation's rigorous drug and alcohol testing program.*

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the backbone of the world's safest and most efficient aerospace system. With over 44,000 employees, the FAA is at the forefront of modernizing aviation technology, from autonomous drones to sustainable electric aircraft. Joining the FAA means becoming part of an elite team of professionals dedicated to the safety of the traveling public and the future of flight.