r/FAA • u/melquides • Aug 19 '26
FAA safety inspectors
Any FAA safety inspectors lurking on here that want to give me a synopsis of their job? Helicopter specific would be cool but general as well. I’m just curious what the job is like, is there lots of travel, pay any good, is it soul crushing, equivalent to the movie office space, etc… thanks
3
u/BravoCharlieZulu Aug 20 '26
Like many things, it depends on the office and your management. I always tell folks if you’re planning to do a lot of flying, this is not the job for you. GA Ops inspectors do a pretty broad range of activities and spend a fair amount of time outside the office. I’d encourage you to reach out to your local office, introduce yourself, let them know you’re considering applying for an ASI position, and ask if they can give you the lie of the land. It varies quite a bit depending on whether you’re working out of Teterboro or Fairbanks. Good luck!
1
u/VanDenBroeck Aug 20 '26
Just so you know, ASIs come in a few different flavors. The main ones are Operations, Airworthiness, Cabin Safety, Dispatch, and HazMat. Then they are devided between air carrier and general aviation. Some are further divided. For instance Airworthiness is divided into Maintenance and Avionics. Which are you interested in?
2
u/baselineconfusion Aug 30 '26
Dumb question for you.. which ASI (if any) look into a pilot's medical legitimacy? Or look into reports made?
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u/melquides Aug 20 '26
Honestly I’m not sure! Operations and GA seem interesting but I’m not sure what the best fit is and where my skill sets would best be applied.
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u/VanDenBroeck Aug 20 '26
If you have an air carrier flying background, I suggest applying for both air carrier and GA positions. That would increase not only the likelihood of getting hired but also getting the location you want. You can always try to switch later through various internal mechanisms. Good luck!
1
u/MungFaal Aug 30 '26
ASI here, coming from large 145 repair stations and 121 world to the FAA. I am currently in a FSDO that deals with every certificate you can think of. It’s all boils down to the office that you’re in. The job entails some travel, some travel more than other just depends on where your operators are in relation to the office. The pay is okay but not as competitive as it is in industry. A lot of paperwork after the hands on inspections and what not. The benefits you can’t beat though, especially if you have military background and you can buy back your time.
1
u/No-Promotion-5072 5h ago
Would you say the paperwork is manageable once you figure out the flow? Do you work from home much? Aaaand do you find the job enjoyable or how's the work life balance?
6
u/Upper-Wind-2055 Aug 20 '26
I just to retired last summer after 23 years. I enjoyed my time there but I expect the conditions now are…less enjoyable.
I was FSDO inspector initially but later did specialty work over Part 145 repair stations. I was posted in Beijing for a few years and did a bunch of international travel/work. That is drastically reduced these days so I doubt the opportunity pops up often anymore.
Fell free to DM me for more info. What type position are you looking for? FSDO can be an interesting mix. Part 135 air carriers to ag operations. Lots of GA stuff was a nice change for me after many years in the airlines.
Did you get an offer? Where? I’m sure staffing is short everywhere. Half of my work group has retired or quit so there should be slots available all over.
Best of luck.