The largest number of aviation jobs found within the Federal Government (outside the Department of Defense) is with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the Department of Transportation. The FAA, with a total of approximately 47,000 employees, is charged with the administration and enforcement of all federal air regulations to insure the safety of air transportation. The FAA also promotes, guides and assists the development of a national system of civil airports. The FAA provides pilots with flight information and air traffic control services from flight planning to landing.

Position Description
Aviation safety inspectors develop, administer, and enforce regulations and standards concerning civil aviation safety, including (1) the airworthiness of aircraft and aircraft systems, (2) the competence of pilots, mechanics, and other airmen personnel, and (3) safety aspects of aviation facilities, equipment and procedures. These positions require knowledge and skill in the operation, maintenance or manufacture of aircraft and aircraft systems.

Working Conditions
The jobs require considerable travel, as inspections, consultations and investigations must be made at various facilities and locations or at the scenes of accidents. Forty hours constitute a normal work week. Change of assignment from one duty station to another is required as staffing demands. Inspectors are required to travel frequently and to occasionally work irregular duty hours. more >>