Air Traffic Control Specialist at FAA Airport Traffic Control Tower- The air traffic control specialists at FAA airport traffic control towers (terminals) direct air traffic so it flows smoothly and efficiently. The controllers give pilots taxiing and takeoff instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice based on their own observations, information received from the National Weather Service, air route traffic control centers (ARTCC), flight service stations, aircraft pilots, and other sources. They provide separation between landing and departing aircraft and transfer control of aircraft on instrument flights to the ARTCC controller when the aircraft leaves their airspace, and receive control of aircraft on instrument flights coming into their airspace from controllers at adjacent facilities. They must be able to quickly recall registration numbers of aircraft under their control, the aircraft types and speeds, positions in the air, and also the location of navigational aids in the area.

Air Traffic Control Specialist at FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center- Air traffic control specialists at FAA air route traffic control centers (ARTCC) give aircraft instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice regarding flight conditions during the enroute portion of flights. They provide separation between aircraft flying along the Federal airways or operating into or out of airports not served by a terminal facility. Center controllers use radar or manual procedures to keep track of the progress of all instrument flights within the center's airspace. The controllers transfer control of aircraft to the controllers in the adjacent center or to the approach control or terminal when the aircraft enters that facility's airspace. Center controllers are required to use computer equipment, radio, radar, telephones, and other electronic communication devices. Shift work is necessary. Due to the radar equipment, they work in semi-darkness, and unlike the controllers in airport traffic control towers, they never see the aircraft they control except as "targets" on the radarscope.

Controllers at FAA Flight Service Stations- The air traffic control specialists at the FAA's flight service stations (FSS) provide preflight, in-flight and emergency assistance to all pilots on request. They work with some pilots face-to-face at their facilities, and they also communicate with pilots by phone and radio. The specialists provide information about weather conditions for specific flights, receive and forward pilot's flight plans, relay air traffic control instructions, assist pilots in emergency situations, provide airport advisory service, and initiate searches for missing or overdue aircraft.

Electronic Technician (FAA)- Electronics technicians install and maintain electronic equipment required for aerial navigation, communications between aircraft and ground services, and control of aircraft movements to assure safety in the air and smoothly flowing air traffic. This involves work with radar, radio, computers, wire communications systems, and other electronic devices at airports and along the network of Federal airways. It includes preventive maintenance (inspection of equipment, meter reading, replacement of deteriorating parts, adjustments) and corrective maintenance (trouble-shooting, repair and replacement of malfunctioning equipment). Electronics technicians may also specialize in design, development, and evaluation of new types of electronic equipment for the Federal airways.

Aviation Safety Inspector (FAA)- 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.

Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations)- Persons appointed to these positions apply knowledge and skills acquired as airmen (pilots, navigators, flight instructors, etc.) to develop and administer the regulations and safety standards pertaining to the operation of aircraft. Their primary duties include: (1) examining airmen for initial certification and continuing competence, (2) evaluating airmen training programs, equipment and facilities, and (3) evaluating the operations aspect of programs of air carriers and other commercial aviation operations.

Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness)- Persons appointed to these positions apply knowledge and skills acquired as repair persons of aircraft and aircraft parts or avionics equipment to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the airworthiness and maintenance of aircraft and related systems. Their primary duties include: (1) evaluating mechanics and repair facilities for initial certification and continuing adequacy, (2) evaluating mechanics training programs, (3) inspecting aircraft and related systems for airworthiness, and (4) evaluating the maintenance aspects of programs of air carriers and other commercial operators including the adequacy of maintenance facilities, equipment, and procedures, the competence of personnel, the adequacy of the program or schedule for periodic maintenance and overhauls, and the airworthiness of aircraft.

Aviation Safety Inspector (Manufacturing)- Persons appointed to these positions primarily apply knowledge and skills pertaining to the design and production of aircraft, aircraft parts, and avionics equipment. Their primary duties include: (1) inspecting prototype or modified aircraft, aircraft parts and avionics equipment for conformity with design specifications, (2) inspecting production operations including equipment, facilities, techniques, and qualify control programs for capability to product the aircraft or parts in conformance with design specifications and safety standards, and (3) making original airworthiness determinations and issuing certificates for all civil aircraft including modified import, export military surplus, and amateur-built aircraft.

Airspace System Inspection Pilot (FAA)- The airspace system inspection pilots conduct inflight inspections of ground-based air navigational facilities to determine if they are operating correctly. They pilot multi-engine high performance jet aircraft with specially installed ultra-sophisticated, computerized, and automated electronic equipment to serve as a flying electronic laboratory on day and night flights, under both visual and instrument flight rules, recording and analyzing facility performance, and reporting potential hazards to air navigation for correction. Pilots assist in accident investigations by making special flight tests of any FAA navigational aids involved. They maintain liaison with aviation interests regarding the installation, operation, and use of their navigational facilities, but are mostly involved with the FAA people who maintain the navaids.

Flight Test Pilot (FAA)- FAA flight test pilots check the airworthiness of aircraft through inspection, flight testing, and evaluations of flight performance, engine operation, and flight characteristics of either prototype aircraft or modifications of production aircraft and aircraft components that are presented for FAA type certification. Flight test pilots supervise FAA-designated flight-test representatives and participate in investigations of accidents and violations of Federal Air Regulations.

Maintenance Mechanic (FAA)- There are a number of employees classified under the Federal Wage System schedule. These employees perform jobs associated with the trades and crafts and are paid on an hourly basis. One example is FAA maintenance mechanics who maintain aids to navigation such as the approach light systems service airport runways. They also work on the structural, electrical, and mechanical devices that are major parts of other facilities. This includes maintenance and repair of heating, air conditioning, and ventilating systems; electrical generating and power distribution systems; and the buildings and antenna structures that housed a wide variety of FAA facilities. The job involves carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, and masonry construction, and installing, repairing, and maintaining air conditioning, heating or power-generated equipment.

Engineering Aid or Technician (FAA) - Depending upon the specialty, engineering aids or technicians assist engineers by drafting engineering plans, conducting efficiency and performance test, making calculations, setting upon laboratory equipment and instruments, and preparing technical reports, specifications and estimates.

National Weather Service Meteorologists and Meteorological Technicians- In general, meteorologists who work most closely with aviation are operational, or synoptic, meteorologists (as contrasted to meteorologists working in theoretical or applied meteorological research). They are the forecasters who provide the day-to-day, hour-to-hour observations, analysis, forecasts, warnings, and advice to pilots, airport operators and airlines. Meteorologists report weather conditions expected at airports, current conditions, and enroute forecasts.