Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Operations)

Summary

The International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) functions as the primary interface between assigned foreign operators, agencies, organizations, airmen, designees, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Incumbent has program responsibility to assure that assigned entities meet federal aviation regulations at 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and related direction with respect to operations programs.

Duties

The International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The ASI independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The ASI provides policy assistance to ASIs on difficult or complex policy interpretations. The work is normally accepted without change. Completed work may be reviewed for adherence to FAA policy and for assurance that project requirements have been fulfilled. Applies expert knowledge of flight operations for an advanced multiengine turbojet aircraft. Such employees are concerned with all aspects of the operational capabilities and limitations of the aircraft. Assignments at this level are of great scope and unusual complexity and the organizations monitored are major factors in the industry. As the principal representative in regulatory oversight of foreign air carrier activities, exercises authority over foreign air operators with very extensive and complex operations. Analyzes flight operations involving large fleets of turbojet aircraft engaged in large-scale passenger and freight service, or evaluates maintenance activities and complete aircraft overhaul facilities which are equipped and staffed to handle the latest and most sophisticated turbojet aircraft and associated systems. This level includes the responsibility for nationally and internationally prominent carriers who operate the largest, most advanced fleets of turbojet aircraft in the industry. Exercises regulatory authority and safety responsibility over a complex of broad and varied general aviation organizations such as air taxis, executive and/or industrial operators, and agency¿s when the activities monitored equate collectively to a major air carrier in terms of size and complexity of aircraft fleet employed, scope and technical complexity of operations, management sophistication, industry leadership, and public impact. The ASI is expected to follow established laws, orders, policies, and regulations that provide general guidance for completing work objectives, but is allowed considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. The ASI uses resourcefulness, initiative, and judgement based on experience to develop and implement evaluation procedures to address problems where precedents are not applicable. Methods, practices, or decisions may be used as guidance in similar problem areas. The ASI keeps management informed of the status of all programs and projects and is held accountable for the technical accuracy, proper coordination, and timeliness of completed staff work. Provides staff assistance and serves as advisor to the manager on all matters pertaining to assigned tasking. Assists ASI¿s, AST¿s, and others with Safety Assurance queries that are technical or guidance. Assists in the preparation of a variety of highly technical and high priority correspondence to the foreign aviation industry, foreign civil aviation authorities, other U.S. governmental agencies, members of Congress, and the general public. Assures that correspondence is properly coordinated, technically and grammatically accurate, clear and concise, and that it reflects the philosophy, policies, and objectives of the Office, Division, Service, and the FAA. Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

OPM Qualification Standard for the Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) specialty (from the Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions) is located at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/aviation-safety-series-1825/ 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, 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. Specialized Experience: 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 you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to 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. Specialized experience is: Assisting, conducting or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation and compliance recommendation of operational activities on FAR Part 121 or Part 135, or Part 129 foreign air carriers/air operators. Certificate and Ratings: This position requires a certificate and ratings for minimum qualification in the following specialty: Air Carrier Operations; a copy of the certificate and ratings are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 1825 specialty of Air Carrier Operations. Certificate and ratings are not required from applicants who are current