Clarification from the agency

Also open to those eligible for 30% or more disabled.

Provides the flight operations emphasis and crew representation in all phases of developmental work involved prior to certification and subsequent to placing such aircraft into service regarding modifications, upgrades, and operational issues.

The work of this position has considerable impact on the level of safety achieved during the training of pilots and initial industry operation of the aircraft. Evaluate detailed flight characteristics of the aircraft in order to establish training requirements, which will be used as standards and guidelines for operations inspectors in evaluating and approving training programs. Develop a detailed knowledge of the aircraft's instrument and component systems in order to develop a sound and reasonable list of minimum instruments and equipment to be required for initial dispatch of aircraft to ensure operational safety of the aircraft. Provide information to aviation safety inspectors on all modification and procedural changes to the aircraft in order to attain optimum safety and efficiency in its operation.

Has contacts at all levels within Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification Service. These contacts will be for the purpose of coordinating and resolving problems imposed by certification and operations requirements, coordinating equipment and training requirements, and for the exchange of essential information.

Serves as a member of the Type Certification Board, Flight Test Group and as advisor to the aircraft certification on flight operation problems involved in the certification processes of newly designed aircraft preparatory to the aircraft being type certificated and introduced into service. Prepare recommendations for amendments to the regulations or proposed special crew training requirements or procedures for aircraft when needed, participate in the development of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved aircraft flight manuals, and represent the Flight Standards Service in the flight tests leading to type certification and service evaluation of the aircraft.

Serve as a representative of the Flight Standards Service and leader of the Flight Standardization Board, recommend to the appropriate Flight Standards division the appropriate pilot certificate type rating and specific training program standards to be used for training of flight crews or FAA inspectors receiving training in aircraft. Determines safe limits of required maneuvers based on flight test results, and reviews flight test evaluations for possible unsafe characteristics of the aircraft.

Keeps abreast of all modifications, changes, and technical advances for assigned aircraft to assure continued safe operation. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates problem areas and initiates action to correct technical deficiencies associated with the operation and pilot training of the assigned aircraft.

Works with operators introducing new aircraft into service to assure that FAA keeps abreast of current operational problems.

Participates in the flight program as an aircrew member and, as such, must meet the medical and flight currency requirements in accordance with FAA policies and guidance.

Performs other certification activities, pilot evaluations/competencies, and enroute inspections when required.

Provides expert consultation in support of accident or incident investigations, analysis, and implementation of corrective actions related to the particular aircraft assigned.

May be requested to act as an aircraft specific course mentor and provide feedback on requests for equivalent training from Safety Assurance Offices.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
• Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate required.
• Applicants must complete FAA Form 3330-473.
• Must submit copies of certificates by closing date of announcement.

Qualifications

General Requirements for All Positions:

• Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
• Valid State driver's license;
• Fluency in the English language;
• No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, and must meet all of the following requirements:

• Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain;
• Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
• Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of aircraft must:

• Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations; and
• Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:

• Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or
• Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

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

• At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight;
• Not more than 2 flying accidents during the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved;
• Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard.
• Minimum 100 flight hours during the last 3 years;
• 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);
• 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
• Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

To qualify for this position at the FG-14 level you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 grade levels. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is mastery of, and skill in applying, laws and regulations to inspection, investigation, enforcement, and/or compliance work. Work at this level involves developing new techniques, legal processes and approaches, and requires mastery of advanced principles and concepts. Assisting, conducting, or performing expert technical functions on certification activities for CFR Part 25 Transport Aircraft and supporting CFR Part 121 air carriers/air operators. Solve problems demanding technologically advanced methods and innovative approaches.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

Only supplemental documentation, e.g. transcripts or veteran's documentation will be accepted in combination with your on-line application. These documents must be uploaded or faxed to 847-294-7858 on or before the closing date of this announcement. All submitted documents should reference the announcement number.

Applicants MUST submit a copy of their certificates/licenses/FAA Form 3330-47-3 unless they are currently occupying an Operations 1825 series position. If the back side of the license contains the ratings, be sure to copy both sides. All forms/certificates/licenses must be submitted by closing date of announcement to receive consideration. Failure to do so will result in your application being rated incomplete.

• FAA-3330-473 : 2181/1825 Supplemental Qualifications Statement
• SF-15 : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference

Next steps