Expert: D. Norkus - 8/20/2008

Question
Hey Dottie.  i am a student that's interested on aviation and i am about to take a course in aeronautical law.

So my question is that i want to know what jobs opportunity can i get with an degree/ diploma in aeronautical law, the reason why i am taking this career is that i can not become a pilot because i suffered with hearing loss in my left ear. so i decided to do aviation law.

Will it be possible to become an Aviation Accident Investigator with a degree in aviation law, what jobs opportunity will i have to choose from and what are the benefits???

Thank you so much for your time!!!

Answer
Toni,

Sorry, but since I am an airline pilot with no practical experience in Av Law, I cannot address the careers where you might apply such a degree.

However, I must respond to your comment "I can not become a pilot because I suffered with hearing loss in my left ear."  I think you should look into this again. It is certainly possible to become a pilot with hearing loss or deafness! In fact, I work with an airline pilot who is practically deaf in one ear.

People with such disabilities CAN become recreational or commercial pilots. They must prove that they can still perform the necessary tasks to the FAA and earn what is called a Statement of Demonstrated Ability/SODA, a waiver for the hearing minimums that is attached to their aviation medical certificate. There are even commercial pilots that have hearing aids or cochlear implants under a SODA. You may be surprised, but there is even an organization for deaf pilots- http://www.deafpilots.org

I suggest contacting Pilot Medical Solutions at 800-699-4457 for a FREE consultation. The help pilots with medical conditions or disabilities navigate their way through all the FAA waiver paperwork (and 'red tape') and expedite their medical certification in a few days or weeks.

Regarding the NTSB:
While I have had training in the investigative procedure of aviation accidents for my degree, as a I am working for an airline I obviously have not applied for such a job with the NTSB. That said, in order to qualify for a position as a NTSB field investigator, you must be a licensed commercial pilot who is multi-engine and instrument rated with at least 1,000 hours flight time plus 300 in multi-engine aircraft. (If you have that kind of flight time, you qualify for a regional airline job.) So, you would have to obtain a SODA to pursue this career.

Anyone can apply for a position if they meet the requirements, which can be found at the NTSB vacancies job description page:
http://www.ntsb.gov/Vacancies/descriptions/ASIField.htm

Their FAQ page states:  
What about employment opportunities with the NTSB?

"The NTSB generally hires investigators who have specific qualifications and/or previous safety work experience in transportation. We have hired current FAA air traffic controllers, airline transport category pilots, hazardous material experts, maritime experts, and aerospace engineers  just to name a few of the disciplines. We also have an intern and co-op program. Several of our senior investigators and managers started out as student interns and have risen through the ranks over many years."

"Watch for job openings (including intern and co-op positions) on our website and carefully review the position requirements: http://www.ntsb.gov/Vacancies/listing.htm

You can contact the NTSB Human Resources for career info too. They would be able to address any non-pilot vacancies they have. Call (800) 573-0937.

The NTSB also offers unpaid intern/co-op opportunities, no piloting experience required. I suggest contacting Erin Gormley at gormlee@ntsb.gov for information. Intern info is available on the vacancies link above.

Hope this is helpful,
Dottie