Expert: D. Norkus - 6/4/2006

Question
Hello Dottie,
I am currently enrolled in Embry Riddle majoring in Professional Aeronautics with a concentration in Aviation Safety. I have 2 A.S. degrees in Flight Attendant and Airline Customer Service. I am interested in the NTSB. Do they have paid internsbips that I can do while attending school? Do I need flight hours for the internship? I am trying to get the experience while in school.
Thank You  

Answer
Paola-
Applicants for field investigator positions usually have aerospace industry work experience and in order to qualify for a position as a NTSB field investigator, one must be a licensed commercial pilot who is multi-engine and instrument rated with at least 1,000 hours flight time (300 in twins). To apply for an NTSB internship, you must be a licensed pilot as well. Regarding internships, their FAQ page states:

"...students should also hold a least a private pilot license and have at least 50 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) flight time. Students who hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating and 200 hours of PIC time are preferred."

So, you will have to pursue your pilot certificates if you wish to go the NTSB field investigator route.

They call interns 'student volunteers' so it seems they are not paid. However, "a student volunteer may be hired back the following year into a paid position under the provisions of the NTSB's Cooperative Education Program. These paid COOP positions may then lead to a permanent position with the NTSB upon graduation."

Read more about their internship program and vacancies in it at these links-

http://www.ntsb.gov/Vacancies/student_internships_AS.htm
http://www.ntsb.gov/Vacancies/descriptions/Internships.htm

Hope this helps

Dottie