Aviation Technical Specialists in AOPA's Pilot Information Center serve as a technical resource to AOPA members, staff, and the aviation community at large. Responsibilities include analysis and resolution of member inquiries and issues pertaining to flight operations, enforcement actions, aircraft ownership and maintenance, regulations, airports, security, medical, airspace, charting, flight training, and support of AOPA’s flight instructor refresher course. Specialists utilize personal aviation experience and expertise along with industry and government contacts to conduct research used to guide advocacy and outreach efforts throughout AOPA.  

Specialists are also responsible for member education on AOPA products and services during their communication with members. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

Member Aviation Technical Support (80%) 

• Responds to member inquiries via email, phone, chat, mail, and in-person communication, providing aviation technical expertise and guidance. This can require research and outreach to government and private sector aviation contacts not generally available to membership.
• Represents both the department and the association in public settings such as air shows and conventions, with related occasional travel as required. 

AOPA Internal Support (10%) 

• Provide aviation technical expertise to all AOPA departments in support of association goals and objectives. 
• Communicate with other AOPA departments to maintain specialist awareness of operations and initiatives that impact pilots and AOPA members. 
• Maintain open communication with those departments to provide feedback and insight into current member perceptions. 

AOPA Online Resources Support (10%) 

• Develop and provide resources for the AOPA website, AOPA App, and AOPA Social Media. 

**Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs. 

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with recent flight experience.
• Solid understanding of aviation subject matter, including FAA regulations, the nation's airspace system, airport governance and operations, aircraft ownership, aircraft maintenance, FAA rulemaking, flight operations, pilot security requirements, pilot and instructor certificate privileges and limitations, enforcement procedures, ATC operations, and flight training.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the aviation industry, including current events that impact aviation, as well as current and developing technologies and trends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Experience in internet research methodology and competence in the use of Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:  

• An aviation-related undergraduate degree or comparable experience.
• FAA Flight Instructor Certificate.
• FAA Airframe & Powerplant Certificate.
• FAA Inspection Authorization designation.
• Call center environment and customer interface technology experience, such as Salesforce, Five-9, and Zendesk.