To be honest I think my goal is the NTSB and I'm willing to work up to that. But I despise teaching. Anyone know of other ways towards this goal? Could I put myself through the NTSB courses?
Here are some of the NTSB qualifications/info that I found:
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.
Entry level accident investigator positions are difficult to get into. Investigative experience as an insurance adjuster or piloting a plane in law enforcement is helpful. Entry Level or trainees typically must have one year of specialized experience demonstrating knowledge of civilian aircraft design, manufacture and maintenance operations or civilian aircraft operational requirements, practices and procedures. This experience may include work as a pilot for scheduled air carrier, A&P Mechanic or certified flight instructor. Possession of a valid commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating. Possession of a current first or second class Airman's Medical Certificate.
Requirements of higher level positions may include experience as an entry level or broad knowledge of aviation accident investigations, practices, procedures, and techniques. Specialized experience may also include that of a flight safety officer, flight operations supervisor, aircraft maintenance supervisor, designated pilot examiner, flight instruction supervisor, or flight test pilot. Typically accident investigators must have a high school diploma as well as specialized training in their area of transportation. Military experience, degrees in engineering, and law, and military accident investigation schools are very helpful.
Your skill-set should include strong written and communication skills, inquisitive, ability to empathize and know your audience, analyze and write because you have to get it all down on paper. factual data collection, and public speaking is a plus.
Qualification requirements at the NTSB include: Accident investigators need to be in good physical shape to meet the requirements of the job. Must have excellent organizational and technical writing skills, and ability to effectively speak and write English. The information taken from the accident scene must be assembled and or organized into logical factual and analytical reports. You must also be able to make effective oral presentations about your findings upon request. A valid state driver's license and have the ability to qualify for a US Government issued travel charge card. Aviation related engineering, medical and/or operational experience is required for a variety of professional positions with this safety related organization.
Here's their website:
http://www.ntsb.gov/about/employment.html
I would think that working with a firm such as this one, that I know/have heard of who works with aviation insurance companies and many other entities would be some great experience:
http://www.dviaviation.com/
Here is another entity:
http://www.aviationresponseteam.com/our-company
It might be useful to contact some aviation insurance companies and see if they do their own investigations or who they farm them out to and see what kind of info you can get as to qualifications and positions.
Aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, also have their own accident investigators and safety teams, so you could look for something entry level there such as in, in house lab work.
