Become a Principal Operations Inspector: Launch Your Career with the FAA
Are you an experienced helicopter pilot looking to transition your career into a high-impact leadership role? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) to serve as a Principal Operations Inspector (POI) in Spokane Valley, Washington. This role is a cornerstone of aviation safety, ensuring that operators adhere to the highest standards of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).
Job Responsibilities
As a Principal Operations Inspector, you will serve as the primary interface between the FAA and assigned air operators. Your responsibilities include:
- Program Management: Establishing work programs for the surveillance and inspection of assigned organizations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assuring that organizations are adequately organized, staffed, and equipped to meet regulatory requirements.
- Investigations: Conducting enforcement investigations, preparing final reports, and providing technical assistance for legal proceedings.
- Certification: Approving operations specifications, evaluating training programs, and validating flight simulator equipment.
- Safety Advocacy: Maintaining regular contact with operators to identify and resolve safety deficiencies before they escalate.
Requirements
This position demands a high level of expertise. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Certificates | ATP or Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter/Instrument ratings. |
| Flight Experience | Minimum 1,500 total hours, including 1,000 hours in helicopters. |
| Instruction | Minimum 200 hours of helicopter flight instruction. |
| Recency | 100 hours in helicopters or Level D simulators in the last 5 years. |
| Compliance | Clean record regarding aviation regulation violations and accidents. |
Salary Overview
The position is classified within the FG pay band with a starting annual salary range of $126,432 to $164,366. This compensation reflects the high level of responsibility and specialized technical expertise required for the role.
Benefits
Working for the FAA offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Excellent federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Accrued annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Extensive professional development programs and career advancement opportunities.
- Access to diverse workplace resources, including potential telework options.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, follow these expert tips:
- Refine Your Resume: Keep your resume strictly limited to two pages. Focus on highlighting how your past work history directly maps to the specialized experience required for a POI role.
- Evidence-Based Answers: Instead of vague statements, use your work history section to provide concrete examples of how you have performed technical functions, conducted investigations, or managed compliance.
- Documentation Accuracy: Ensure that your SF-50 (for current FAA employees) and all pilot/medical certificates are clearly legible and uploaded correctly. Failure to provide complete information can lead to an ineligible status.
- Resubmission: Always resubmit your application if you update any information in your profile during the open announcement period.
The role of a Principal Operations Inspector is vital to the safety of the U.S. aviation system. By joining the FAA in Spokane Valley, you are not just taking a job; you are taking on a mission to safeguard the future of flight. If you possess the required flight time, instructor ratings, and commitment to safety, we encourage you to apply before the November 11, 2026, deadline.
Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) (Principal Operations Inspector (Poi)) Job Matters
Take your career to new heights with the Federal Aviation Administration as a Principal Operations Inspector in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) (Principal Operations Inspector (Poi)) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) to serve as a Principal Operations Inspector (POI) based in Spokane Valley, Washington. In this pivotal role, you will act as the primary liaison between the FAA and aviation operators, ensuring strict compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations while fostering a culture of safety and excellence within the helicopter industry.
Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) (Principal Operations Inspector (Poi))
- U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
- Valid State driver's license.
- Fluency in the English language.
- No more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulation violations in the last 5 years.
- No more than two flying accidents in the last 5 years where pilot error was a factor.
- Must be physically able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating OR a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument-Helicopter ratings.
- Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument-Helicopter ratings.
- Minimum 1,500 total flight hours (1,000 must be in helicopters).
- Minimum 200 hours of flight instruction in a helicopter.
- Minimum 100 flight hours in helicopters or Level D Helicopter Simulators within the last 5 years.
Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) (Principal Operations Inspector (Poi))
- Demonstrated experience in certification, surveillance, and enforcement activities under FAR Part 135.
- Strong analytical skills regarding complex aviation organization operations.
- Experience in technical manual review and regulatory policy negotiation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages.
- ✓Retirement savings plan (FERS) with government matching.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Potential for telework eligibility.
- ✓Transit and commuting benefits.
💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) (Principal Operations Inspector (Poi)) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) (Principal Operations Inspector (Poi)) Job
- Review your resume to ensure it is limited to two pages.
- Gather your required documents: SF-50 (for current FAA employees), Pilot Certificates, and Medical Certificates.
- Visit the FAA careers portal to create or update your profile.
- Submit your application and required documents before the closing date of November 11, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates or interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Your work history should clearly align with the specialized experience requirements.
- Do not provide narrative KSA responses; instead, weave your examples into your work history description.
- Check your documentation: Ensure all work history entries include job titles, series/grade, and hours worked per week.
- Resubmit if you make changes: If you edit your application after submission, you must resubmit to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Tier 2 (T2) background investigation.
Can I use education to substitute for experience?
No, for this specific position, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience.
What happens if I forget to resubmit my application after an edit?
Your changes will not be included, and only the previously submitted version will be evaluated.
What is the security level for this position?
*A: This position requires a Tier 2 (T2) background investigation.*
Do I need to write KSA narratives?
*A: No. The FAA has moved away from KSA narratives. You should integrate specific examples into your work history instead.*
Is relocation assistance provided?
*A: Yes, relocation benefits are available for this position.*
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. With a workforce of over 44,000, the FAA is dedicated to providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world. From overseeing traditional air traffic control to spearheading research into autonomous and electric aircraft, the FAA is at the forefront of aerospace innovation. Joining the FAA means becoming part of a diverse, mission-driven team that keeps the skies safe.