Summary The Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) position is assigned to the Training & Simulation Branch, AFS-280. Responsible for applying expert knowledge of and experience with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for FAA field personnel and the public governing all matters related to Air Carrier or General Aviation Operation safety issues. Responsibilities The incumbent serves an Aviation Safety Inspector responsible for reviewing and evaluating, on a continuing basis, established rules and regulations related to assigned technical programs to assure that they have kept pace with the needs to which they were directed and that they are still reasonable, necessary, and adequate. Evaluates regulatory petitions or proposals from within or outside the agency and recommends and participates in the development of new or amended rules, regulations, or other regulatory material, and the discontinuance of rules and regulations no longer considered necessary. Incumbent is responsible for the preparation of Federal Register notices regarding assigned technical programs for original petitions for exemptions and analysis of technical input from other employees within Flight Standards. Also, the incumbent coordinates with other Aviation Safety and Flight Standards Organizations to develop a complete analysis and appropriate response. Since exemptions are rulemaking documents, this review may include coordination with the Office of Rulemaking and the Office of General Counsel so that the denial, grant or disposition of petition for rulemaking will withstand a legal challenge. Technical input must be reviewed for completeness and ensure it responds to all aspects of an exemption petition. Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of division policy in assigned programs areas to include evaluation and analysis. Develops policies, including advisory circulars, inspector guidelines, and training standards related to certification, inspection, surveillance and operation of assigned program areas. Reviews and evaluates, on a continuing basis, established rules and regulations to assure they have kept pace with needs to which they were directed and that they are still reasonable, necessary, and adequate. Assures effective coordination of assigned programs and activities with Safety Assurance offices, other organizational segments of the Division, the Agency and organizations outside of the agency. Participates in national and international working groups and panels with other organization elements of the agency, or other government agencies, and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and industry representatives for the purpose of resolving complex and controversial problems having a direct influence on the safety of assigned technical programs operations, facilities, and equipment. Conducts or participates in group or team meetings which include representatives of other government agencies, the aviation industry, aviation organizations, state, municipal and foreign governments where assigned programs and responsibilities are involved. Develops operational policies, including advisory circulars, inspector guidelines, and training standards, and other applicable standards in support of assigned programs. Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of division policy in assigned program areas. The Inspector often engages with internal and external stakeholders to promote safety, understanding, and compliance related to assigned programs. Represents the agency as a technical trainer/instructor delivering formal training for assigned technical programs. Prepares a variety of correspondence to other organizations within Flight Standards, aviation industry, other governmental agencies, Members of Congress, and the general public, much of which is highly technical and of high priority. Assures that correspondence is properly coordinated and that it is technically and grammatically accurate, clear and concise, and that its tone and content reflect the philosophy, policies, and objectives of Flight Standards and the FAA. Provides technical support and conducts research for internal stakeholders related to a variety of issues. Reviews Safety Assurance office requests to ensure all safety critical information is received from external stakeholders. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. 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, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The minimum medical requirements include the following requirements: Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted); Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others 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 the aircraft must: Possess a valid second – class medical certificate in accordance with 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. Aviation Safety Inspectors (Operations) 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. When the predominant work involves general aviation operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements. 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. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a flight check to Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating; Possession of Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating. Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. Possession of single and multi-engine land airplane ratings. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate. Note - Recency of experience and the need for a valid second-class FAA medical certificate is waived for applicants currently in the 1825 series. To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I/FG-13. 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 includes evaluating Air Carrier or Training Center Training Programs and coordinating the approvals of new technologies and training concepts with appropriate policyholders. Knowledge of the facets of flight standardization board and operators training programs. Extensive participation in certification, inspection, and surveillance as it relates to Air Carrier or General Aviation Operations. Developing new techniques, legal processes and approaches. Mastery of advanced principles and concepts to develop agency wide policies, procedures, and strategies. Provide expert technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to agency management, and other senior agents, officers, or inspectors on critical operations. Make recommendations which change the interpretation of laws, leading to new case law decisions, or influence the development and modification of significant policies or programs. Plan the requirements for, set up, and manage large-scale and/or multi-jurisdictional investigations where methods are subject to changing legal admissibility. Collect and analyze operational and strategic intelligence from wide-ranging sources including Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, military departments, foreign governments, financial institutions, and technology companies. Develop new approaches in response to identified weaknesses and vulnerabilities of ongoing operations; or solve problems demanding technologically advanced methods and innovative approaches. In addition to the above, this vacancy has a Quality Ranking Factor (QRF), listed below. Applicants who meet this factor will be placed in a Well Qualified category. This factor is also listed under the Other Factors section. Experience and knowledge in the principles and practices of Part 121 and/or Part 135 Air Carrier Operations and Training Programs and/or Part 142 Training Programs. For Lateral Movements Between 1825 Specialties: To assist in determining qualification requirements, applicants transferring between specialties at the same grade level are strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) check sheet and upload it along with their resume. Check sheets are contained in Order 3410.26, Flight Standards Service Air Carrier and General Aviation Qualifications Assessment Tool for AFS Aviation Safety Inspectors. This order is located at: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/3410.26.pdf. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. In-Grade/Downgrade Applications will be accepted. Education High school diploma or equivalent Additional Information We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family. As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are not required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA. In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate. How You Will Be Evaluated for Internal Announcements: Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration. Duty Location: Selectee will be required to report to an FAA Aviation Safety (AVS) Duty Location. Position is telework-eligible in accordance with Agency Policy. Incomplete Applications: Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job. Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA. This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by PASS: Flight Standards Services. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay , COLA