Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations)

Summary

The Fleet Training Program Manager (FTPM) serves as the primary operations interface between the training center, its training center evaluators (TCEs), ground/flight instructors, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Duties

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Assures that the training center continuously meets the standards prescribed by the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), agency orders, and directives and assures compliance in all aspects of training through the use of a planned surveillance and inspection program on a continuing basis.

As the team lead, determines through surveillance and investigation that the training center is adequately staffed with appropriately qualified instructors and TCEs. Monitors TCEs to determine adequacy and quality of approved training programs. Conducts initial and annual training and designation of all assigned evaluators. Reviews flight training equipment discrepancy logs to assure compliance with established criteria. Assists the National Simulator Program Manager in initial and recurring qualifications of flight simulators and selected flight training devices.

Coordinates with Principal Operations Inspectors throughout the FAA who are assigned air carrier operators using the training center to ensure proper application of training programs for the particular air carrier involved. Coordinates with training center management regarding regulatory changes, FAA policy matters, and updated training requirements as needed. Coordinates and conducts various surveillance and certification activities, as appropriate, with other FAA district office inspectors. Provides technical oversight to assigned Fleet Training Program Managers.

Initiates and/or assists in the emergency suspension of airmen certificates. Conducts enforcement investigations and prepares final reports in those cases requiring legal disposition. Provides technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives depositions.

Reviews and submits with recommendations, training center certificate applications, training center curriculum, and associated revisions. Recommends amendments to previously approved programs when contrary to existing regulatory requirements, to eliminate unsafe practices or to improve the specificity of instruction. Determines appropriate methods and/or plans for securing corrective action, when needed, and conducts follow-up inspections to ensure that appropriate action has been taken.

Recommends the designation of training center evaluators for types of aircraft and simulators operated by the training center. Examines and trains training center evaluators for initial designation, recertification and standardization actions as necessary. Conducts practical tests for certification and ratings. Conducts reexamination of certificated airmen when it is determined that they do not meet the minimum standards required for the certificate they hold. Approves flight simulators and flight training devices for each maneuver, procedure, crewmember function, circling approach, and runway scene to be used in an approved training program.

Develops and conducts a surveillance program for all training center activities. Monitors flight crew training programs conducted by the training center to ensure compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations, national and regional directives, and safe operating practices. Monitors TCEs during the conduct of airman certification and recurring evaluations to ensure strict compliance with established standards. Conducts hands-on evaluation of flight training devices to determine that they continue to meet original specifications in accordance with guidance provided in the appropriate Advisory Circulars. Reviews applications for initial evaluation or upgrade evaluation of flight simulators, including the Approval Test Guide. After determining compliance with guidance in the appropriate Advisory Circular, and compatibility with training programs submitted or approved, forwards the application package to the NSPM. Reviews the training center discrepancy logs for discrepancies that would affect the capabilities of the flight training equipment.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
• Security Requirement: Moderate Risk (5): This position requires completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained. Subject to a 5 year period reinvestigation.

Qualifications

Qualifications

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards for Aviation Safety Series, 1825

General Requirements for All Positions:

1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
2. Valid State driver's license;
3. Fluency in the English language;
4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
5. 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, and must meet all of the following requirements:

1. 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);
2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and
3. 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.

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

1. 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.
2. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a flight check to Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating;
3. Possession of Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating.
4. Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years.
5. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
6. Possession of single and multi-engine land airplane ratings.
7. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved.
8. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate.

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

1. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight;
2. Not more than 2 flying accidents during the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved;
3. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard.
4. Minimum 100 flight hours during the last 3 years;
5. 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);
6. 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
7. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

This position does not require a 2nd Class Medical. Incumbent will not be required to participate in the 4040 EBC Flight Program involving the use of airplanes. The incumbent will participate in the 4040 Flight Program limited to flight currency in simulators representative of his/her assigned fleet programs.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants for this position must demonstrate in their application that they possess at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the (FV-I, FG/GS-13) level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

Specialized experience is defined as: experience assisting, conducting, or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement activities. Additional experience may be in investigating and reporting on accidents, incidents, and violations.

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.

The recency of specialized experience is waived for current and former FAA employees in the 1825 series.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.

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

Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Education

Educaton is not qualifying for this position and may not be substituted for experience.

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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

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 FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives 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 or Leadership and Management Dimension. In lieu of providing a response, please include WORK HISTORY IN YOUR RESUME THAT DESCRIBES HOW YOU MEET THE ANSWER YOU CHOSE FOR EACH SECTION. Please include specific examples and details which illustrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Please include applicable date ranges.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be placed in alphabetical order and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

In-grade/Downgrade applications will be accepted.

If the agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.