Aviation Safety Inspectors

Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) : Aviation safety inspectors apply a broad knowledge of the aviation industry, the general principles of aviation safety, and the Federal laws, regulations, and policies affecting aviation. In addition, they apply intensive technical knowledge and skill in the operation and maintenance of aircraft. Below is a brief description of the duties and responsibilities of an Inspector and the specific qualification requirements:

Descriptions

Operations:

Inspectors in this specialty apply knowledge and skills typically acquired as airmen (pilots, navigators, flight instructors, etc.), to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the operation of aircraft. They engage primarily in the following types of assignments: (a) Examining airmen for initial certification and continuing competence; (b) evaluating airmen training programs, equipment, and facilities; and (c) evaluating the operational aspect of programs of air carriers and similar commercial and aviation operations for adequacy of facilities, equipment, procedures, and overall management to ensure safe operation of the aircraft. They may perform a variety of other inspections, investigations, and advisory duties. However, the primary requirement for positions in this specialization is knowledge and skill in the operation of aircraft.

Airworthiness (Avionics/Maintenance):
Inspectors in this specialty apply knowledge and skills typically acquired as repairman of aircraft, aircraft parts, or avionics equipment to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the airworthiness and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment. They engage primarily in the following types of assignments: (a) Evaluating mechanics and repair facilities for initial certification and continuing adequacy; (b) evaluating the mechanic‘s training program; (c) inspecting aircraft and related equipment for airworthiness; and (d) evaluating the maintenance aspects of programs of air carriers and similar commercial operations. The evaluations may include the adequacy of maintenance facilities, equipment and procedures; the competence of employees; the adequacy of the program or schedule for periodic maintenance and overhauls; and the airworthiness of the aircraft. Aviation Safety Inspectors (Airworthiness) may perform a variety of other inspections, investigations and advisory duties. However the primary requirement for positions in this specialty is knowledge and skill pertaining to the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft.

Qualifications
Qualifications vary according to job position. U.S. citizenship and pre-employment drug screening are required for some positions. A complete list of qualification requirements for ASI positions is available in the Vacancy Announcement.

Operations Safety Inspectors For Air Carriers or General Aviation:

Air Carrier and General Aviation Operations Inspectors evaluate airmen, their training programs, equipment and facilities. They investigate violations involving incidents/accidents of the Federal Aviation Regulations, including both general and air carrier industries.

Qualifications

1. When the predominant work involves air carrier operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements.
A. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi–engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight;
B. Not more than 2 flying accidents during the last 5 years in which the applicant‘s pilot error was involved;
C. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard.
D. Minimum 100 flight hours during the last 3 years;
E. Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating (Department of Navy positions require pilot experience as demonstrated by previous ATP level performance in large multi–engine airplanes and helicopters);
F. Possession of a valid second–class FAA medical certificate (For positions within the Department of Navy, applicants must also be physically qualified to ride as an observer aboard squadron aircraft. In addition, must also meet physical requirements to travel and lift heavy objects while performing mishap investigations); and
G. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

To Apply for this vacancy click on the link provided. AAC-AMH-08-ACO-001-10893

When the predominant work involves general aviation operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements.


A. Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi–engine airplane and instrument airplane ratings. Must have given a minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction in an aircraft.
B. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a flight check to Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating;
C. Possession of Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating.
D. Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years.
E. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
F. Possession of single and multi-engine land airplane ratings.
G. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant‘s pilot error was involved.
H. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate.

To Apply for this vacancy click on the link provided. AAC-AMH-08-GAO-002-10905

Avionics Safety Inspectors For Air Carriers or General Aviation

Avionics Safety Inspectors evaluate avionics technicians, training programs and repair facilities. They investigate violations involving incidents/accidents of the Federal Aviation Regulations, including both general and air carrier industries. They are also responsible for inspecting aircraft and all related equipment.

Qualifications:

1. When the predominant work involves air carrier avionics, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

A. Aircraft avionics experience involving the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of installed avionics systems on aircraft.
B. Avionics maintenance experience on aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.
C. Aircraft avionics work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years.

To Apply for this vacancy click on the link provided. AAC-AMH-08-ACV-005-10910

When the predominant work involves general aviation avionics, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

A. Aircraft avionics experience involving the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of installed avionics systems on aircraft.
B. Aircraft avionics work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years.

To Apply for this vacancy click on the link provided. AAC-AMH-08-GAV-006-10911

Maintenance Safety Inspectors For Air Carriers or General Aviation

Maintenance Safety Inspectors evaluate aviation mechanics, their facilities and training programs as well as inspect aircraft and related equipment for airworthiness. They investigate violations involving incidents/accidents of the Federal Aviation Regulations, including both general and air carrier industries.

Qualifications

1. When the predominant work involves air carrier maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

A. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and systems of multi–engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight maintained under an airworthiness maintenance and inspection program.
B. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency.
C. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness.
D. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.
E. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.

To Apply for this vacancy click on the link provided. AAC-AMH-08-ACM-003-10908

When the predominant work involves general aviation maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

A. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness.
B. Maintenance experience with aircraft 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight.
C. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state or Federal governmental agency.
D. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.
E. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.

To Apply for this vacancy click on the link provided. AAC-AMH-08-GAM-004-10909

General Aviation Safety Inspector FAQs

These FAQs apply to Operations, Avionics, and Maintenance Inspector positions.

How do I apply for Aviation Safety Inspector positions?
Apply online: Please see the link below each proficiency type, then follow the instructions.

Why can't I submit training records, SF-171, resume' or veteran's preference when applying for these positions?
The online application process is quite extensive. Your aviation related experience will be fully evaluated by aircraft type, FARs, certificates, etc. If you are referred for employment consideration, you will be required to provide documents including licenses, certifications, and logbooks to support the application submitted.

What changes am I allowed to make to my online application?
Your application can be updated by accessing the online system. The announcement is Open/Continous and any changes may be made as long as the announcement is in an open status. Once the announcement closes, only contact information may be updated.

How are applicants selected?
As Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) have positions to be filled, they request a list of eligible applicants who meet the criteria for the positions. Selections are made from these referral lists. With your user ID and password you can access the online system to determine if you have been placed on a referral list.

How soon will I be selected after I have established eligibility for an Aviation Safety Inspector position?
Each FSDO has a unique inspection mission. As vacancies occur, the FSDO manager will determine what skills are necessary and at what level the vacancy will be filled.

How does living overseas affect my employment opportunities with the FAA for Aviation Safety Inspector positions?
To be eligible for the ASI occupation all applicants must be a U.S. Citizen. You may be considered and selected for these vacancies. An interview may be conducted by telephone; however, any travel associated with the pre-employment process will be at your expense.

Will the government pay for my moving expenses if I am selected?
Expenses are not authorized for relocation in conjunction with an initial appointment.

I will be getting out of the military in 6 months and have been rated eligible for Aviation Safety Inspector positions. If my name is referred to a region for employment consideration and I am not available to accept the position, what will happen to my application?
If you are unable to accept a position because you are not available, your records will be inactivated. When you become available you can access the online system and reapply.

Is it appropriate for me to contact the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) where I would like to be employed?
FSDO locations and addresses are available online.

Why do I have to reapply each year?
Submitting a new application gives you the opportunity to provide the most up-to-date information concerning your education, training, and experience. It also assures selecting officials receive the most current information on applicants.

What office can I contact if I have additional questions about my application and/or the application process?
If you have additional questions or need assistance, contact the Aviation Careers Division at (405) 954-4657, by fax at (405) 954-5766 or by 9-AMC-amh-300@faa.gov