Airspace System Inspection Pilot

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Aviation has become an integral part ofAmerican life. In the 1960’s, only 25percent of Americans had ever flowncommercially. In the late 1980’s, thatfigure had jumped to 72 percent or 450million passengers annually. By the year2000, this number is expected to reach800 million passengers.

The Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) plays a key role in ensuring thatthe U.S. aviation system, the busiest andsafest in the world, complies withestablished standards. The FAA isresponsible for quality assurance of theNational Airspace System.

One of the critical areas of the qualityassurance picture is the flight inspectionprogram, a program offering challengingcareer opportunities to the professionalpilot.

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Airspace system inspection pilots developinstrument flight procedures and flight inspectair navigation aids (NAVAIDS) to certify thatthe NAVAIDS support the instrument flightprocedures. The FAA performs flightinspections on all United StatesGovernment-owned NAVAIDS worldwide.The FAA also provides flight inspection ser-vices for privately-owned U.S. NAVAIDS andfor more than 30 foreign countries.

Instrument flight procedures developedencompass: departure procedures, airways,intersections, holding areas, arrival anddeparture routes, and approach and missedapproach procedures. The NAVAIDSinspected include NDB, VOR, TACAN, DME,ILS, MLS, LORAN-C, GPS, associated visualaids, such as approach light systems, and airtraffic control radars and communications.

Flight inspection is a multi-faceted processwhich must consider the human factorsaspects of the procedure, the flyability ofthe procedure, and the safety of the proce-dure (clearance from obstacles, etc.). Inaddition, flight inspection involves assur-ing that the signal in space produced bythe NAVAIDS meets internationallyaccepted standards and tolerances. Highlysophisticated electronic equipmentoperated by the pilot, copilot, and airborneelectronic technician records, analyzes,and stores the received signal parametersnecessary to assure a safe NationalAirspace System.

FAA pilots fly complex aircraft poweredby reciprocating, turboprop, and turbojetengines to accomplish flight inspectionmissions. These aircraft are equipped withavionics such as flight directors, internalnavigation systems, electronic flight infor-mation systems, and numerous communi-cations and navigation equipment. Inspec-tions are performed under visual andinstrument meteorological conditions, dayor night.

The FAA is a world leader in the use ofautomation to develop instrument flightprocedures, utilizing digitized terrain mapsand a data base containing comprehensiveairspace, airport, NAVAID, and obstacledata.

Some airspace system inspection pilotsalso serve as instructors at the FAAAcademy, located in Oklahoma City,Oklahoma, where they provide flightinspection and instrument proceduresdevelopment training for FAA, military,and foreign governments.

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Airspace system inspection pilots are hired at thegrade GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 levels. Initially, theyserve as copilots on flight inspection missions inorder to gain practical knowledge of terminal andenroute instrument flight procedures. Furtheron-the-job training and formal instruction areprovided in preparation for greater responsibilitiesand advancement to higher grade levels.

Airspace system inspection pilots work for the FAAAviation Standards National Field Office inOklahoma City, OK, or its Flight Inspection FieldOffices located throughout the world (Anchorage,AK; Sacramento, CA; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI;Battle Creek, MI; Atlantic City, NJ; Oklahoma City,OK; Frankfurt, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan); or asinstructors at the Mike Monroney AeronauticalCenter, FAA Academy, in Oklahoma City.

The number of airspace system inspection pilotsneeded to manage this quality assurance system issmall--less than 200. While vacancies in such aselect occupation are few, the FAA is constantlysearching for the very best men and women to fulfillthis vital component of the National AirspaceSystem. The FAA is looking for those who set theexample today, yet wish to set the standards fortomorrow for the finest aviation system in the world.Take command of your career by pursuing a coursewhich will reap long-standing professional benefits.If being a part of an elite group of professionals isyour goal, this may be the job for you.

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Applicants must demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills required for the work of anairspace system inspection pilot by meeting the minimum flight hour and recency of flight experiencerequirements as indicated below:

MINIMUM FLIGHT HOUR REQUIREMENTS

Category Flight Hours

GS-9 GS-11/12

Total Flight Time 1200 1500

Pilot-In-Command 250 250

Night Flying 50 75

Multiengine Airplane 100 500

Instrument 50 75

Note:

Total Flight Time Category: Flight time as a pilot-in-command or as a copilot inaircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.

Instrument Category: At the GS-9 level, at least 5 of the required instrument flighthours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. At the GS-11 and GS-12levels, at least 10 of the required instrument flight hours must have been logged inactual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulatoror as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.

RECENCY OF FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

Applicants must have a minimum of 100 flighthours in the last 12 months.

FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

All applicants must show:

• general knowledge and skills to pilotaircraft,

AND

• specific knowledge and skills related to theparticular position.

In addition, in order to qualify at the GS-12 level,applicants must have one year of experienceperforming as a pilot or copilot on flight inspectionmissions. This must include skill in positioning air-craft with extreme precision.

OR

Experience which demonstrates the ability to developinstrument flight procedures. This includesknowledge of pertinent regulations, policies, andcriteria; air carrier and general aviation operations;NAVAIDS; and aircraft and pilot limitations andcapabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

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CERTIFICATES AND RATINGS

Applicants must have a current commercialpilot certificate with single and multiengine landand instrument airplane ratings. All positionsrequire an airline transport pilot (ATP)certificate. Applicants without an ATPcertificate will be required to complete the ATPwritten examination successfully within 60 daysafter entry on duty.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must possess a first class medicalcertificate in accordance with FAA regulations.Failure to maintain the first class medical whileemployed will result in removal from theoccupation and possibly the Federal service.

DRUG TESTING PROGRAM

An initial drug screen is required beforeentry on duty. Once hired, employees aresubject to further screenings on a random oran as needed basis.

INTERVIEW/FLIGHT CHECK

Before appointment, applicants will berequired to appear for an interview. Thepurpose of the interview is to evaluatecertain personal characteristics to determinethe applicant’s ability to perform the dutiesof the position successfully. Applicants willbe questioned about information in theirapplications and will be required to showappropriate certificates, ratings, logbooks,or other appropriate records of flight time.

Applicants will be required to demonstrateinstrument proficiency in a multiengineairplane.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants will be rated on the quality of theirexperience as it pertains to the specific positionto be filled. This is based on the informationprovided on the Application for FederalEmployment (SF-171) and SupplementalQualifications Statement-- Record ofAeronautical Experience (OPM Form 1170/21).

CITIZENSHIP

All applicants must be United States citizens atthe time of application for airspace systeminspection pilot positions.

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HOW TO APPLY

The following forms must be submitted:

Application for Federal Employment (SF-171)

Be sure to complete the sections designated for:

l the title of the announcement,l the announcement number, ANDl the lowest grade or salary you will accept.

Be sure to describe all pertinent work experience and provide information on the type of aircraft operatedincluding the gross takeoff weight of the aircraft.

l Some positions will involve:l instructing others;l applying leadership skills;l writing technical material;l dealing with members of industry, local, state, and foreign governments;l applying a knowledge of mathematics, electronics, and computer technology; andl applying organizational, managerial, and administrative skills.

Therefore, it is very important that complete information on relevant training, education, and experiencebe provided.

Supplemental Qualifications Statement—Record of AeronauticalExperience (OPM Form 1170/21)

If claiming 10-Point Veteran Preference: Application for 10-PointVeteran Preference (SF-15) and documentary proof as required (see back of form).

AVAILABILITY

Please refer to the map on pages 8 and 9 which shows the locations of the Flight Inspection Field Offices(FIFO's). Applicants must indicate the locations for which they are interested in receiving employmentconsideration.

(Note: Positions in Honolulu, Frankfurt, and Tokyo are normally filled from within the FAA's work force byfull-performance level airspace system inspection pilots.)

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

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WHERE TO GET THE FORMS

The necessary forms may be obtained from the:

l Aviation Careers Examining Division (seeaddress below)

OR

l Office of Personnel Management (consultyour local telephone directory foraddresses and telephone numbers).

WHERE TO SEND THE FORMS

Completed application packages should be sentto:

WHAT HAPPENS TO APPLICATIONS

Each application will be evaluated against therequirements of the positions. This evaluationwill be based on the extent and quality of theexperience, training, and education as describedon the application forms.

Each application will be rated for all grades forwhich the applicant is eligible, taking intoconsideration the lowest acceptable grade orsalary indicated on the application form.

A Notice of Results will be issued to eachapplicant showing the grade levels for whichrated and whether eligible or ineligible for eachgrade level. No numerical score will beassigned.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS

Insufficient information regarding an applicant’squalifications for airspace system inspectionpilot positions, as well as incomplete forms,may result in an ineligible rating.

LENGTH OF ELIGIBILITY

Eligible applicants will be given employmentconsideration for one year. At the end of theone-year period, eligibility will expire, andapplicants must reapply to reestablish furthereligibility for employment consideration.

EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATION

Eligible applicants will be evaluated against therequirements of specific positions.

Applicants referred for employmentconsideration may be contacted for interviews.Referral is not a guarantee of an interview or ofbeing hired. The applications of those not hiredwill be returned to the Aviation CareersExamining Division and will be available forfurther referral during each applicant’s period ofeligibility. An application cannot be referred tomore than one location at a time unless ashortage of applicants exists.

Federal Aviation AdministrationAviation Careers Examining DivisionP.O . Box 25082, ATTN: AAC-80 (ASIP)Oklahoma City, OK 73125

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SECURITY (SUITABILITY)INVESTIGATION

This investigation will include inquiries toformer employers and/or educational insti-tutions. In addition, it will include a review ofFederal Bureau of Investigation, military, andpolice files. If the investigation reveals anyderogatory information concerning anapplicant’s conduct, reliability, character,trustworthiness, or loyalty to the U.S.Government, the applicant may be removedfrom employment consideration. Falsificationof any information may result in removal fromemployment consideration or, if discovered afterappointment, may result in separation fromemployment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

The first year of permanent employment afterappointment from a competitive registerconstitutes the probationary period. During thisyear, each employee’s abilities, attitudes, andwork habits are observed to determinesuitability for retention in the Federal civilservice. An employee may be dismissed at anytime during probation if it appears that retentionwould not be in the best interest of the FAA.

TRAINING

All required training must be completedsuccessfully, and all required certificates mustbe obtained. Also, satisfactory performance ofassigned duties at all levels is required.Otherwise, employees may be reassigned,demoted, or dismissed from the airspace systeminspection pilot occupation or the FAA.

WORK SCHEDULE

Airspace system inspection pilots may workirregular work schedules depending on the needs

of the organization and may be required to workon weekends and holidays.

In addition, travel away from home up to 50%of the time may be required.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE

Employees earn annual leave for vacations andother purposes which require time away fromtheir jobs, according to the number of years(civilian and creditable military service) theyhave been in the Federal service as follows:

l 13 days a year for the first 3 yearsl 20 days a year for the next 12 yearsl 26 days a year after 15 years

Employees may carry a maximum of 240 hoursof unused annual leave over into a new leaveyear. Any annual leave in excess of 240 hoursthat is not used prior to the end of the leave yearwill be forfeited.

Sick leave is earned at the rate of 13 days ayear. This leave can be used when incapac-itated for duty because of illness, injury,pregnancy, and for medical appointments.

HOLIDAYS

In addition to annual leave, employees will bepaid for each Federal holiday. Currently, thereare 10 paid Federal holidays each year.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT ANDBENEFITS

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BASE PAY

Base pay is determined by theduties and the grade level of eachemployee’s position.

OVERTIME PAY/SPECIALPAY CONSIDERATIONS

Some employees may be entitledto additional pay in accordancewith prevailing regulations.

COST-OF-LIVINGALLOWANCE

Cost-of-living allowances areprovided for employees assignedto certain duty posts such asAlaska and Hawaii.

DEDUCTIONS THAT WILLAFFECT TAKE-HOME PAY

The FAA will automaticallydeduct Federal taxes (and Statetaxes if employees work in Statesthat have agreements with theU. S . Treasury Department forsuch withholdings). In addition,a percentage of base pay isdeducted and deposited toemployees’ accounts to providethem with incomes upon retire-ment. A tax-deferred ThriftSavings Plan is available to sup-plement retirement. Employeesmay choose to join a union andauthorize dues to be deductedfrom their salaries. If employeeselect health and/or life insurancecoverage, premiums will bededucted from their salaries.Also, employees may have al-lotments deducted from theirsalaries for deposit in financialinstitutions, such as credit unionsor banks. United States savingsbonds may be purchasedvoluntarily through the Payroll

Savings Plan by automaticdeduction.

WITHIN-GRADE INCREASES

Employees may get an increase insalary without a change inposition or grade. There aresteps in the salary range of eachgrade to which they progressafter periods of satisfactoryservice. Supervisors must certifythat employees are performingthe duties of their positionssuccessfully in order for them toget within-grade increases.

LIFE INSURANCE

Unless employees decline thebenefit, they will be covered byterm life insurance without takingphysical examinations. Twokinds of insurance are provided,life insurance and accidentaldeath and dismembermentinsurance, in amounts whichusually are at least $2,000 morethan the annual base pay. The

minimum amount of each kind ofprotection is $10,000.

The Government pays one-thirdof the premium cost, andemployees pay the remainder.

Employees who enroll for thebasic life insurance may purchaseoptional insurance, for whichthey pay the full premiums, alsothrough payroll deductions. Theymay elect coverage under one ormore of the following options:

OptionA—an additional $10,000;Option B—an amount equal toone, two, three, four, or fivetimes their annual base pay(rounded to the next $1,000);OROption C—coverage for eligiblefamily members ($5,000 forspouse and $2,500 for eachdependent child).

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HEALTH INSURANCE

Employees have the opportunity to enroll in a group health benefitsplan with better rates and protection than they can get with anindividual plan. Ordinarily, they may enroll or change plans only atinitial employment or during an "open season," which usually occursonce a year. Through the health benefits program, they get guaranteedprotection for themselves and their families which cannot be canceledby the plan. There are no medical examinations, generally no waitingperiod, and no restrictions because of age or physical condition. TheGovernment contributes toward the costs of the plans. Each employeepays a share of the cost through regular payroll deductions. Protectioncontinues after retirement (if the stipulated requirements are met) at thesame cost as for active employees.

RETIREMENT

New employees are covered by the Federal Employees’ RetirementSystem. This system provides that, in addition to Social Security cov-erage, employees will be covered by a guaranteed basic annuity and beeligible to participate in a Thrift Savings Plan. The Thrift SavingsPlan is a tax-deferred savings plan similar to an Individual RetirementAccount.

Individuals who were civil service employees prior to January 1, 1984,may be covered under a different plan, i.e., the Civil ServiceRetirement System. Former civil service employees should check withthe employment office considering them to determine which rules applyto them.

NEPOTISM

It is the policy of the FAA that close relatives may not be assigned toany position in which one relative may directly or indirectly supervise,control, or influence the work or the employment status of anotherrelative.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmentwithout regard to race, religion, color, national origin, political affilia-tion, marital status, nondisqualifying handicap, sex, or age.

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Airspace System Inspection PilotGS-2181-9/11/12

Announcement No. FAA/ASIP-01Date 11-89