Originally Posted by
lifter123
I guess being an "expert witness" really isn't where I would want that to go, but rather having a strong background in aviation safety and accident investigation...therefore making me a more well-rounded pilot.
However, a masters degree in that field could prove to be a good back-up career. What I was really wondering is, how does one become an aviation accident investigator? Is there some sort of degree, certificate, or as you mentioned, just working with the NTSB for a very long time and moving up the ladder. As always, thank you for the insightful response.
The NTSB hires aviation investigators off the street, I think you need 400 hours flight time and some relevant technical education or experience. By relevant I mean engineering, meteorology, maintenance, etc. Most folks start working GA accidents, and then move up to bigger stuff. The jobs openings are local, ie you go wherever the opening exists. They train you on investigations techniques, so you do not need prior training on that...you need some technical knowledge relevant to aviation (more than just flight ops, those are a dime-a-dozen).
I imagine a degree or coursework in accident investigation would help, but underlying technical expertise is still very important. Besides a relevant degree, I think an A&P might qualify you too.
Google it, you can probably find some job openings.
Like Paul mentioned, if you work for a union airline (especially ALPA), you can volunteer your time and get training by the union on investigation procedures...you will not be the main investigator, but you will be privy to the process. Obviously the union guys only work on the rare occasion when an airliner goes down.