**NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD**

**Air Safety Investigator (Trainee), GS-1815-5/7**

Office of Aviation Safety

Various Regional Offices

**MAJOR DUTIES:** Conducts investigations of aircraft accidents or
incidents mainly involving general aviation aircraft or air carriers not
investigated by centralized teams. On occasion, participates with
centralized teams in investigating major air carrier accidents. Prepares
timely and comprehensive written factual reports of aviation
accidents/incidents that accurately reflect the findings and conclusions
of the investigation. Develops facts during an investigation which may
require the submission of appropriate and timely safety\
recommendations to preclude possible recurrence of similar
accidents/incidents and promote aviation safety. The major portion of
work involves on-scene investigation, assembling factual data, preparing
specialized analysis, and developing conclusions based upon such data.
The ability to speak and write effectively and work as a team member is
essential to successful performance in this position. In meetings and
conferences with other civil and government agencies, the incumbent may
be called upon to present, interpret and maintain the position and view
of the Safety Board. May also be required to testify at public hearings
or to participate in the examination of witnesses at such hearings. Must
be able to tactfully deal with all people encountered during these
activities.

**MANDATORY QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (3):**

1.  **SPECIALIZED WORK EXPERIENCE:**

**GS-5:** One year of specialized experience is required equivalent to
the GS-4 level in the Federal service that demonstrates a knowledge of
civilian aircraft design, manufacture and maintenance operations or
civilian aircraft operational requirements, practices and procedures.
Such experience may have been gained in such work as: 1) pilot for a
scheduled air carrier or air taxi, 2) airframe and powerplant mechanic,
3) certified flight instructor.

**GS-7:** One year of specialized experience is required equivalent to
the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates a knowledge of
civilian aircraft design, manufacture and maintenance operations or
civilian aircraft operational requirements, practices and procedures.
Such experience may have been gained in such work as: 1) pilot for a
scheduled air carrier or air taxi, 2) airframe and powerplant mechanic,
3) certified flight instructor.

2.  **PILOT-IN-COMMAND FLIGHT HOURS:**

**MINIMUM FLIGHT HOURS REQUIRED**

**AS PILOT-IN-COMMAND**

**(Please See \"Special Note\" Below)**

Total Small Airplane Multiengine Last 6

[Grade]{.underline} [Flying]{.underline} [Single Engine\*]{.underline}
[Airplane]{.underline} [Years]{.underline}

GS-5 100 100 None 100

GS-7 500 150 50 300

\*Small Airplane: Single engine driven fixed-wing aircraft with gross
takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less. Multiengine fixed-wing aircraft
weighing 12,500 pounds or less may also be included if the aircraft is
designed with centerline thrust.

Note: One full year of experience acquired within the past six years as
an aircraft accident investigator, instructor in aircraft accident
investigation, operator or manager of a civil airport, flight safety
officer, safety engineer, or accident prevention specialist counts as
100 hours towards the total number of pilot-in-command flight hours
required during the last six years.

3.  **PILOT CERTIFICATES AND RATINGS:**

4.  Possession of a valid commercial pilot certificate with an
    instrument airplane

> rating or airline transport pilot certificate.
>
> 2\) Possession of ASEL and AMEL Ratings at GS-7 and ASEL at GS-5.

3.  Possession of a first or second class Airman\'s Medical Certificate
    which must

> be current at the time the application is submitted.

**DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):** Applicants who
meet the specialized experience, pilot-in-command flight hours, and
certification requirements described above will be further evaluated to
determine the extent to which their education, related work experience,
training, awards, and supervisory appraisals indicate they possess or
have the potential to acquire knowledge, skills, abilities and personal
characteristics (KSAs) required to perform the duties and
responsibilities described above. Please describe briefly your
experience/training, etc. to each of the following KSAs. Be sure to
include any appropriate awards received. At the end of your description,
please indicate where you gained this experience.

[Candidates should submit a **SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT** with their
application which describes their experience and training in terms of
the KSAs below:]{.underline}

1.  Skill in writing technical reports.

2\. Skill in making oral presentations before large audiences.

3.  Knowledge of basic aviation accident investigation practices,
    procedures, and techniques.

4\. Knowledge of General Aviation/Air Carrier flight operations.

5\. Formal Education which resulted in a BS/BA or higher academic
degree.

6\. Certificates and Training including ATC, A&P, dual-ratings
(rotorcraft and fixed- wing aircraft), type ratings in transportation
category aircraft, etc.

**OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS REGARDING JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING
CONDITIONS:** You must be able to effectively speak and write English.
You must have a valid State driver's license and qualify for a U. S.
Government-issued travel charge card. You will be required to remain
\"On call\" for travel to investigative assignments outside normal work
hours. You will frequently be given investigative assignments on short
notice. These assignments may involve work at unusual hours for long
periods of time at accident sites in sometimes remote, rugged, and
hostile settings. You must be ready, willing, and able to work in
physically demanding, adverse conditions such as swamps, deserts, ships
at sea, and uneven and mountainous terrain. You will be required to wear
and operate appropriate personal protective equipment to deal with these
adverse environmental and potentially hazardous conditions, which may
also involve biohazards. Your travel to the accident site may require
extensive travel in aircraft and driving, as well as strenuous walking,
hiking, and climbing in areas with treacherous footing. You may also be
exposed to adverse topographic, weather, and atmospheric conditions
where temperatures may be at extremes. You will need to carry all the
necessary personal protective equipment, tools, and instruments to video
tape and photograph pertinent factual information, take notes, make
measurements, and otherwise document the wreckage and accident site. You
must be able to physically maneuver around the accident site, which
includes frequently climbing in, out, and on various parts of the
wreckage for the purpose of documenting and gathering evidence. The
position requires organizational and technical writing skills. You must
be resourceful and capable of providing effective leadership to
non-government participants in Safety Board investigations; you must be
capable of assembling and organizing technical data, preparing
comprehensive and logical factual and analytical reports, and making
effective oral presentations regarding your findings. In meetings or
conferences, you might be called upon to present, interpret, and
maintain the positions and views of the Safety Board, to exchange
information, and to interpret practices, procedures, or regulations.