Aviation Safety Inspector

Summary

Serves Principal Operations Inspector (POI) for Denver FSDO in Casper, WY . The POI position is responsible for applying knowledge of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) field personnel and the public governing all matters to general aviation operations safety issues.

Duties

The POI receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The POI, mostly independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The APO provides policy assistance to field level Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) on difficult or complex policy interpretations. The work is normally accepted without change. Completed work may be reviewed for adherence to FAA policy and for assurance that project requirements have been fulfilled.

ASIs at the FG-13 level issue certificates to and monitor (1) a large and complex aviation organization or (2) a number of smaller organizations that, together, are comparable in complexity to one large one. They are the primary contact point with the aviation organization(s). They may decide on issuance of the original certificates. They evaluate and decide upon proposals to change the authorized programs of the organizations. They continuously monitor the activities of organizations to determine whether they are following their authorized program, Federal regulations, and good safety practices.

FG-13 assignments are characterized by one or more of the following:
1. Multiengine turboprop, turbojet, or rotorcraft helicopter aircraft;
2. A variety of flight operations with diverse types of aircraft which may include turbine
powered aircraft and unmanned aircraft; or
3. Novel and complex aviation operations.

POIs plan and conduct their assignments with substantial technical independence. They receive administrative policy guidance and technical advice from their supervisors, policy makers, and higher-level inspectors. They independently plan and carry out a work program to meet the needs and monitor the activities of the organizations for which they have certification responsibility. Work may require the occasional assistance of other employees to conduct inspections and evaluate operations.

The POI applies a mastery knowledge level of the appropriate specialization and a broad knowledge of the
line of business mission and goals to assigned programs and areas of responsibility.

Plans and directs the use of time and resources to accomplish organizational objectives. He or she
defines, organizes, and uses resources to accomplish work activities within established schedules, analyzes
program requirements and accomplishments, and makes or directs adjustments as necessary to address organizational needs.

Guidelines and precedents are frequently inadequate for dealing with novel or complex operations. Incumbents understand and apply the basic principles of aviation safety and interpret the intent of the regulations.

Contacts are frequently with owners and top managers of aviation corporations and involve negotiating and resolving the full range of issues and problems that confront large aviation organizations. Occasionally issues are controversial, arousing considerable public interest.

Participate extensively in the certification inspection and surveillance of highly complex air carrier operations where principal program responsibility is vested in an aviation safety inspector of higher grade. POIs have broad authority to negotiate with carrier management and make technical determinations within the coverage of approved specifications and policy manuals.

Provides guidance to field level staff to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique problems with the intervention of management or a technical specialist. Develop plans, techniques, and policies to address current and anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems.

Occasionally represents the agency as a point of contact for policy development, inspection activities or as a technical trainer/instructor delivering formal training.

Keeps management informed of the status of all programs and projects and is held accountable for the technical accuracy, proper coordination, and timeliness of completed staff work.

Performs other duties as assigned.