Federal

Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Flight Oversight - APOI)

Federal Aviation Administration ยท Department of Transportation
๐Ÿ“ Minneapolis, Minnesota FG-14 $107,446 - $139,684/yr
Posted: Jun 5, 2026 Deadline: Jun 25, 2026 (Closes in 6 days)

About This Position

The Assistant Principal Oversight Inspector (APOI) serves as a full assistant to a Principal Inspector performing full range of certification, surveillance, and inspection duties for assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees. Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) with respect to flight oversight programs. Assists in establishment of work programs for inspection and surveillance.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards: 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 ยฟ 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. When the predominant work involves air carrier maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier) positions must meet all of the following requirements. Aircraft experience involving the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of installed avionics systems on aircraft.

Maintenance experience on aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight. Aircraft maintenance work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last three years.

FAA Mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 grade level as an Aviation Safety Inspector. 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: Monitoring activities of organizations to determine whether they are following authorized programs and evaluating proposals to change programs. Planning and conducting inspections and surveillance of assigned areas of carrier maintenance operations to assure compliance with Federal aviation regulations. Principal contact with, and having responsibility for the certification, inspection, and surveillance of the maintenance operations of a group of aviation organizations.

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.

Recency of specialized experience is waived for those currently in the 1825 series

Major Duties

Under the general direction of the Principal Inspector or Supervisory Principal Inspector accomplishes the following duties: A. Technical Administration On a continuing basis, ensures assigned organizations are properly and adequately organized, staffed and equipped; establishes and conducts adequate training programs; maintains record keeping systems; and facilities and ensures procedures meet all regulatory requirements. Chairs joint Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry meetings.

Maintains regular contact with organizations assigned and coordinates with top management officials. Requires or directs correction of any deficiencies/discrepancies and refuses or withdraws approval if they cannot be resolved. Responsible for conducting enforcement investigations and preparation of final reports and recommendations on disposition.

Performs or supervises the emergency suspension of certificates or cancellation of flight oversight specifications. Conducts or directs the reexamination of certificated airmen or recertification of an operator or agency. Conducts investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, and aircraft incidents and accidents.

Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives dispositions. Coordinates minimum equipment list (MEL) approvals with the principal inspector. Takes enforcement action in instances of noncompliance with the MEL.

Coordinates with geographic inspectors for the accomplishment of non-routine air carrier surveillance B. Certification Approves/accepts or disapproves/rejects manuals and revisions to such manuals. May require amendments to previously approved manuals to accomplish the following: correct any conflict with regulatory requirements; eliminate unsafe practices: and/or improve the specificity of instruction.

Evaluates training programs to ensure that they meet the requirements of 14 CFR. Approves or disapproves these training programs including flight simulators, training devices, or other such equipment used in these programs. Approves/disapproves designation of check airmen and makes recommendations on the appointment of designees.

Evaluates operations and facilities by on-site inspections and review of reports by geographic inspectors or others. Negotiates changes essential or desirable in their policies and procedures. Determines the appropriate methods and/or plans for securing corrective action and determines through on-site inspection or inspector reports the effectiveness of any action.

Evaluates and approves/disapproves requests to operate under conditions not previously authorized and may prescribe additional conditions and limitations as appropriate. Approves the original issuance of flight oversight specifications and issues original operating certificates. Approves amendments to flight oversight specifications.

Evaluates the safety of proposed changes in route or airport authorizations; prescribes any changes required before approval. Directs or participates in flight evaluations to determine compliance with 14 CFR. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval.

C. Surveillance Responsible for monitoring all phases of flight oversight including training programs and records, base and station facilities, and route systems. Coordinates with and reviews reports from geographic inspectors and others to identify trends which indicate deterioration in the safety of operations.

Directs or suggests changes required to correct such trends. Responsible for monitoring the activities of designated examiners, check airmen, and instructors. Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.

How You Will Be Evaluated

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

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 Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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. 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.

Required Documents

If you need to submit additional documents to supplement your on-line application, e.g. transcripts, SF-50, or veterans' documentation, you may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS. Supplemental documentation can also be faxed to (718) 995-5688 on or before the closing date of this announcement. Please include your name and the vacancy announcement number on each of your faxed pages and redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as social security number and date of birth.

If you are a current or former Federal employee (including a current FAA employee), you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement.

You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy. If you are a current Federal employee and need a current copy of your SF-50, please contact your personnel office.

If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/. If you are a former Federal employee, you can obtain a copy of your SF-50 by writing the National Personnel Records Center Annex, 1411 Boulder Boulevard, Valmeyer, IL 62295. Additional information is available from this link: https://www.archives.gov/st-louis/opf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Flight Oversight - APOI) position at Federal Aviation Administration?
The salary range for this position is $107,446 - $139,684/yr. This is a FG-14 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier Flight Oversight - APOI) job located?
This position is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Applicants must meet the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards: 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 ยฟ 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. When the predominant work involves air carrier maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier) positions must meet all of the following requirements. Aircraft experience involving the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of installed avionics systems on aircraft. Maintenance experience on aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight. Aircraft maintenance work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last three years. FAA Mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 grade level as an Aviation Safety Inspector. 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: Monitoring activities of organizations to determine whether they are following authorized programs and evaluating proposals to change programs. Planning and conducting inspections and surveillance of assigned areas of carrier maintenance operations to assure compliance with Federal aviation regulations. Principal contact with, and having responsibility for the certification, inspection, and surveillance of the maintenance operations of a group of aviation organizations. 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. Recency of specialized experience is waived for those currently in the 1825 series
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jun 25, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.