Aviation Safety Inspector (AW - General Aviation Maintenance (PMI)

Federal Aviation Administration; Springfield (IL); Remote; USD 126,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Aviation Administration, headquartered in the Springfield, IL area, seeks an Aviation Safety Inspector (AW - General Aviation Maintenance) to oversee maintenance program evaluations for general aviation organizations and to provide expert guidance on complex policy interpretations.

The role involves exercising certificate authority, evaluating maintenance practices, and representing the agency on regulatory surveillance and technical training.

Qualifications

• Education is not qualifying and may not be substituted for experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design and carry out programs, projects, studies or other work.
• Provide policy assistance to field level Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) on difficult or complex policy interpretations.
• Establish technical procedures and performance indexes and review complete maintenance programs for general aviation organizations.
• ASIs at FG-14 level evaluate maintenance programs for complex aircraft, systems and equipment.
• Decisions have broad impact on operation or maintenance of advanced aircraft and public safety.

Job description

Aviation Safety Inspector (AW - General Aviation Maintenance (PMI))

• Department: Department of Transportation

The duty location for this position is Springfield, IL.

Key Responsibilities

The PMI receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The PMI, mostly independently, plans, designs and carries out programs, projects, studies or other work. The PMI provides policy assistance to field level Aviation Safety Inspectors (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. ASIs at the FG-14 level establish technical procedures and performance indexes and review complete maintenance programs for general aviation organizations who are leaders in the aviation industry, or who have problems 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: As a Service wide expert on a particular type of aircraft: Advises other inspectors of major changes; Evaluates new training methods and equipment; Serves on boards that evaluate incidents, accidents, complaints, and other serious problems relating to the aircraft.

As the principal representative in regulatory surveillance of general aviation activities, exercises certificate authority; or evaluates maintenance activities and complete aircraft overhaul facilities.

Exercises certificate authority and safety responsibility over a complex of broad and varied general aviation organizations such as air taxis, executive and/or industrial operators, repair stations, and flight and mechanic 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. FG-14 employees evaluate maintenance programs for organizations which utilize complex aircraft, systems, and equipment. Because of organizational complexity or the advanced technology incorporated in the aircraft, systems, and equipment, employees must exercise originality to resolve unique problems.

Other inspectors seek their advice on problems relating to aircraft and their operation and maintenance. The PMI plans and directs the use of time and resources to accomplish organizational objectives. They 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 or maintenance of a particular type of advanced aircraft, major air carriers, or a geographic area containing a variety of novel and/or complex aviation operations. Decisions also have a significant effect on the safety of the flying public. Contacts are internal and external to the agency.

The PMI occasionally represents the agency as a point of contact for policy development, inspection activities or as a technical trainer/instructor delivering formal training. The PMI 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.

Assists in the preparation of a variety of technical and high priority correspondence to the Divisions, aviation industry, other governmental agencies, members of Congress, and the general public. Performs other duties as required.

Requirements & Education

Education is not qualifying and may not be substituted for experience.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $125776 – $163514/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-27.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.