Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation Flight Oversight), Houston FSDO, SWSD09B

Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation Flight Oversight), Houston FSDO, SWSD09B

Department: Department of Transportation

Location(s): Houston, Texas

Salary Range: $145052 - $188573 Per Year

Job Summary: The Principal Oversight Inspector (POI) serves as the primary flight oversight (FO) interface between assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, designees and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Title 14 Code of Federal Regulation (14 CFR) with respect to general aviation FO programs. Assignments involve service-wide responsibility using expert knowledge of FO for advanced multiengine turbojet aircraft.

Major Duties:

• The POI will establish technical procedures and performance indexes and review complete FO programs for leaders in the aviation industry, or organizations of comparable scope and complexity, or a uniquely complex group of general aviation organizations. Assignments at this level are of great scope and unusual complexity. The following assignments are illustrative: 1. As a Service wide expert on a particular type of advanced multiengine turbojet aircraft: -- Advises other inspectors of major changes in the operation of the aircraft. -- Standardizes procedures and judgments used by inspectors to evaluate the operation of the aircraft. -- Evaluates new training methods and equipment (e.g., simulators) for initial certification. -- Serves on national boards that determine the minimum equipment necessary to operate a particular type of aircraft safely; and -- Serves on boards that evaluate incidents, accidents, complaints, and other serious problems relating to the aircraft. Develops plans to resolve problems. 2. As the principal representative in regulatory oversight of general aviation and air carrier activities, exercises certificate authority over extensive and complex operations. Analyzes flight operations involving large fleets of turbojet aircraft engaged in passenger and freight service. 3. Exercises certificate authority and safety responsibility over a complex of broad and varied general aviation organizations such as air carriers, executive and/or industrial operators, designees, and flight schools 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 magnitude, intensity, and scope of program responsibility are typically such as to require significant and regular assistance of lower graded inspectors. The POI will develop and evaluate flight oversight programs for organizations which utilize the newest, most complex aircraft, systems, and equipment. Because of organizational complexity or technology incorporated in the aircraft, systems, and equipment, the employee must exercise originality to resolve unique problems and will frequently rely on engineers and designers for specific technical guidance although much of their work is carried out under very broad policy guidelines. Supervisors give FG-14 employees a wide leeway for independent action. Other inspectors seek their advice on problems relating to aircraft and their operation. Because of the precedent-setting nature or substantial effect on the aviation industry or public safety, their decisions may be reviewed and approved at a higher policy- setting level. The POI will plan and direct the use of time and resources to accomplish organizational objectives and will define, organize, and use resources to accomplish work activities within established schedules. Analyze program requirements and accomplishments and make or direct adjustments as necessary to address organizational needs. Decisions typically have broad impact on the operation of aircraft or a geographic area containing a variety of novel and/or complex aviation oversight. Decisions have a significant effect on the safety of the flying public. The POI will have critically important and frequently controversial contacts with key officials of major manufacturers and general aviation organizations. Contacts are made to resolve issues which affect the initial certification or oversight programs, and their effect on safety and compliance with regulations. The POI resolves all but unique problems, with the intervention of management or a technical specialist. Develop plans, techniques, and policies to address current and anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems. Contacts are internal and external to the agency. Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications: Basic Requirements. All applicants must meet the following basic requirements: a. Not more than two separate incidents involving Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations violations in the last five years; b. Valid State driver’s license; c. Fluency in the English language. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and e. High school diploma or equivalent Medical Requirements. Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the ASI position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The minimum medical requirements include the following: a. Have good distance vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) b. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and c. Not have any physical conditions that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to operate/occupy a flight deck observer’s seat (jump seat) or a cabin passenger seat in a variety of aircraft. General Aviation (Flight Oversight) Aviation Safety Inspector Qualification Requirements. In addition to meeting the basic and medical requirements, applicants must meet the following additional qualification requirements: a. Must hold a valid or expired Flight Instructor Certificate with an aircraft category rating or have experience serving as an instructor as part of an approved program or course (e.g., Title 14 CFR Part 121, 135, 141, or 142, or Uniformed Services) which provided instruction in an aircraft or an approved flight simulation training device representing an aircraft. Must have given a minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction in an aircraft, an approved flight simulation training device representing an aircraft, or a combination of both. b. Must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument airplane rating. c. Three years of experience working in an organization with an air carrier, commercial operator, or air agency certificate, an organization whose work has led to the certification of individual airmen, or an organization that operated aircraft. d. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. e. Possession of airplane category and single-engine and multi-engine land (airplane) ratings. f. Not more than two flying accidents in the last five years in which the applicant’s pilot error was involved. 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. 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 mastery of, and skill in applying, laws and regulations to assess technical procedures, policy changes, new legislation, new technology, and other significant technical issues to determine the impact on delegation programs. Ability to compose and analyze a variety of written material including directives, policies, procedures, and sensitive/controversial documents. Analyze data using a system safety approach to problem solving, including risk analysis and root cause analysis. Knowledge of use of designees and designee management. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

How to Apply: Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position. You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register. RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION. We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week. Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA. Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible. You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.

Application Deadline: 2026-02-04