About the opportunity
This position serves as a Supervisory Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) within the FAA’s Flight Standards organization. The incumbent will manage a flight standards office, direct the work of multiple units, and lead subordinate employees. Responsibilities include executing the agency’s aviation safety mission, building change coalitions, and ensuring the highest level of safety compliance with regulatory standards. The supervisor will set performance standards, manage budgets and human resources, and ensure accountability. The role requires advanced knowledge of aviation safety, risk management, and administrative policies. The position may involve oversight of programs requiring access to classified information up to the secret level and requires commitment to the FAA’s EEO program.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive federal salary range of $131,438 to $228,000 per annum
- Comprehensive federal employee benefits package
- Opportunities for professional leadership and management development
- Situational telework eligibility in accordance with agency policy
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-J or GS-14 grade level
- Hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating OR a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument-Helicopter ratings
- Hold a valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument-Helicopter ratings
- Minimum 1,500 total flight hours, including 1,000 hours in helicopters
- Minimum 200 hours of flight instruction in a helicopter
- Minimum 100 flight hours in helicopters (or Level D Simulator) within the last 5 years
- Not more than two incidents involving Federal aviation regulation violations in the last 5 years
- Not more than two flying accidents involving pilot error in the last 5 years
- Valid state driver's license and high school diploma or equivalent
- Must meet specific medical requirements, including a valid second-class medical certificate if participating in aircraft operations
Required documents
- Resume (limited to two pages)
- Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) for current or former FAA employees
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 5, 2026
How to apply
- Apply online through the USAJOBS portal
- Complete all required assessments and provide detailed work history addressing qualifications
- Ensure resume is limited to two pages and includes all required employment details
- Upload necessary documentation such as the SF-50 if applicable
- Resubmit the application if any changes are made after the initial submission
Additional information
- Position may be subject to a background investigation and a one-year probationary period
- Covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
- May require filing a financial disclosure statement
- FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies
- This vacancy may be used to fill other similar vacant positions
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Experienced aviation professionals with a strong background in rotorcraft-helicopter operations and flight instruction
- Current or former FAA employees looking to transition into a supervisory or management role within Flight Standards
- Leaders with proven experience in managing budgets, human resources, and complex safety compliance programs in aviation environments
What should you think carefully about?
- The application process is highly specific; failure to include all required details in the two-page resume may result in an ineligible rating
- The role involves significant administrative and leadership responsibilities, which may shift the focus away from direct flight operations
- The position is subject to strict FAA financial disclosure and outside employment restrictions, which may impact personal investments or secondary work
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent fit for senior aviation professionals aiming to transition into high-level federal management. It offers the opportunity to influence national aviation safety policy and lead organizational change within the FAA, making it a significant career milestone for those dedicated to public service and aviation oversight.
Our take
Candidates with extensive rotorcraft-helicopter experience and a desire to lead within the federal aviation sector should apply. Those who prefer purely operational or flying-focused roles without the burden of administrative and personnel management may find this position less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
