Become an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the backbone of global aviation safety. If you are an experienced pilot with a deep understanding of flight operations and a commitment to regulatory excellence, this is your opportunity to pivot your career toward high-level policy and safety oversight. We are hiring an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) to influence the way foreign air carriers operate within and around the U.S. aerospace system.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Act as the primary interface for foreign air operators and agencies.
- Analyze complex flight operations, including large-scale turbojet fleets.
- Design and execute surveillance programs to ensure compliance with 14 CFR.
- Provide expert policy interpretation and guidance to agency leadership.
- Conduct thorough investigations into operational incidents.
Comparison: Role Requirements
| Requirement Type | Essential Criteria |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | Minimum 1,500 total hours |
| Recent Experience | 100 hours in the last 3 years |
| Certification | ATP or Commercial with Instrument Rating |
| Medical | Valid 2nd-Class Medical Certificate |
| Background Check | Tier 3 (Secret Clearance) |
Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate significant aviation expertise. You must be a U.S. citizen and hold a high school diploma. Your flight history must be clean, with no more than two violations in the last five years and no history of drug abuse. You must be prepared to travel as needed and perform physical tasks required during mishap investigations.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $107,446 to $139,684 per year, commensurate with your experience and the specific locality of the duty station. Federal employees also benefit from comprehensive health, life, and retirement packages.
Benefits
Working for the FAA means more than just a paycheck. You will enjoy:
- Robust health insurance options.
- A structured retirement plan (FERS).
- Paid leave and federal holidays.
- Opportunities for remote work and telework.
- A collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Application Tips
To stand out, your two-page resume must clearly link your experience to the requirements listed in this announcement. Be specific regarding your pilot hours and the multi-engine aircraft you have flown. Ensure all employer information includes dates and average hours worked to allow for accurate assessment by HR.
If you are ready to apply your aviation expertise to a critical safety role, the FAA is the place to be. Apply today to help us ensure the safety and efficiency of the world's most advanced aerospace system.
Why This Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) Job Matters
Take your aviation expertise to the global stage. As an International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector, you will influence the safety standards of world-leading air carriers and shape the future of international flight operations.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an elite Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) to serve as a critical liaison between the agency and foreign air operators. In this high-stakes role, you will perform technical oversight, ensure compliance with federal aviation regulations, and conduct complex investigations. You will work independently to design and implement safety programs that impact the international aviation landscape. This position offers the opportunity to apply deep technical knowledge to sophisticated turbojet fleets and major operational facilities, ensuring that the highest safety standards are maintained worldwide.
Requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
- At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft over 12,500 lbs MTOW.
- Valid Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument rating.
- Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate.
- Completion and favorable adjudication of a Tier 3 background investigation.
- Not more than two separate incidents of FAA regulation violations in the last 5 years.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Fluency in the English language.
Preferred Qualifications for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations)
- Demonstrated professional flying skill at the Airline Transport Pilot standard.
- Recent flight experience with at least 100 hours logged in the last 3 years.
- Experience in certification, surveillance, and compliance for FAR Part 121, 135, or 129 operations.
- Expert knowledge of operational capabilities and limitations of advanced multi-engine turbojet aircraft.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the FERS system.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Structured training and career development programs.
- ✓Work-life balance initiatives such as telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account profile.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather supporting documentation, including your pilot certificates, medical certificates, and current SF-50 if you are a federal employee.
- Review your work history to ensure all required information (hours per week, employer name, dates) is clearly stated for each role.
- Apply online through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Submit your application and monitor your status through your account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Quantify your experience: Be specific about your flight hours and the types of aircraft operated.
- Keep it concise: Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Address the KSAs: Do not write separate narratives, but weave specific examples of your competencies into your work history descriptions.
- Check your status: Log in to your USAJOBS account regularly to verify your application status and resubmit if any changes are made.
- Organize documents: Ensure your SF-50 includes all required blocks if you are a current FAA employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is designated as telework eligible, depending on the specific requirements of the duty station and operational needs.
What happens if I forget to resubmit after editing my application?
Changes made to an application will not be considered if the application is not resubmitted. Always hit the submit button after any updates.
Can I substitute education for the flight experience requirements?
No, education cannot be substituted for the specialized aviation experience required for this role.
What is the security clearance for this job?
This position requires a Secret (Tier 3) background investigation.
Are there drug testing requirements?
Yes, as a testing-designated position, you will be subject to both pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is a diverse, forward-thinking agency managing over 44,000 professionals. From managing the world’s busiest airspace to researching sustainable aviation technologies, the FAA ensures that every flight is as safe as possible. Joining the International Program Division means you will be at the forefront of international collaboration, working with foreign civil aviation authorities to uphold the highest global standards.