Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) (Air Carrier Operations)

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Aviation Safety (AVS), Flight Standards Service, Flight Technologies and Procedures Division, Flight Research and Analysis Branch (AFS-430). The incumbent is the technical expert for the development of technical and scientific standards, programs, policies, procedures, and flight deck criteria pertaining to all aspects of 14 CFR Part 121 flight operations and advanced technologies in transport and non-transport category aircraft.

Duties

Plans and accomplishes highly complex and challenging flight research projects and other work activities applying technical and operational knowledge. Initiates, organizes, and oversees major technical and scientific studies in safety critical and controversial problem areas having national and international ramifications. Areas such as the impact of flight display systems, advanced flight deck design, flight deck crewmember interface, instrument procedure design, instrument procedure charting, and air traffic airspace designs on aircraft operations under all weather conditions within the National Airspace System (NAS). Supports and aids in the development of special flight technical concepts, policies, standards, criteria, procedures, guidance and rules and recommends final approval or disapproval of operators, aircraft, and equipment for these operations. Determines the need for Federal Aviation requirements pertaining to navigation systems, flight procedures, and flight operations. Additionally, recommends research and development requirements for new or revised navigation systems, operational procedures and aircraft equipment and develops policy and criteria for use of these systems. Provides aviation safety oversight and surveillance work relative to flight operations and procedures in the NAS. Implements emerging CNS technology including new operational concepts, systems, equipment, and procedures for new aircraft, earth/space-based navigation and communications systems, airspace systems, or airport facilities and equipment, works to develop national procedures and policy. Uses in-depth technical expertise and high-level specialized knowledge to conceptual and advanced aircraft operational standards, flight guidance and management systems, flight display and avionics systems, procedure design, development initiatives, and operational approvals for flight procedures and technologies. Creates experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by traditional methods or precedents. Reviews and validates design principles, operational procedures, and guidance for flight crew systems, including evaluation of innovative crew interface and interaction concepts in piloted simulation to assess the benefits and liabilities of projected concepts. Identifies, develops, directs, and may conduct training for advanced flight technologies and flight procedures. Serves as a simulator project pilot assigned to critical, Agency-level research projects requiring intense system and pilot knowledge of Boeing and/or Airbus aircraft. Applies in-depth technical expertise related to FAA NextGen air traffic and flight operations applications. Reviews flight parameters through statistical applications in consideration of flight track data to determine individual and collective effect of measurable factors. Maintains knowledge of aircraft operations, usage of instrument approach charts, and interface of navigation systems with instrument operations. Possesses a high degree of competence using sophisticated research facilities, such as piloted aircraft simulators, in order to evaluate operational and procedural performance elements. Maintains knowledge of current government and industry research and development programs with emphasis on those pertaining to new aviation applications, procedures, and technologies. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for an Aviation Safety Inspector in the 1825 series as outlined in the OPM qualification standards. The minimum eligibility requirements for this position are below or may be found on the following link: 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, 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. Specialized Experience, Training, And Certification Requirements: 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 skills 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. 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. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate; 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-13. Specialized experience is expe