Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) (General Aviation Principal Maintenance Inspector) at US Department of Transportation in Orlando, FL

Responsibilities

Incumbent determines the need for, and then establishes work programs for surveillance and inspection of assigned organizations within manpower and budget limitations to assure adherence to the applicable regulations.

Assures on a continuing basis that assigned organizations are properly and adequately organized, staffed, and equipped; have and conduct an adequate training program, including an acceptable record keeping system; and have facilities and procedures that meet all regulatory requirements. Chairs joint FAA-industry meetings; maintains regular contact with organizations assigned; and coordinates with top management officials. Requires or directs correction of any deficiencies/discrepancies and refuses or withdraws approval if they cannot be resolved.

Develops maintenance program requirements through participation on Maintenance Review Boards. Coordinates Minimum Equipment List (MEL) approvals with the principal operations inspector. Takes enforcement action in instances of noncompliance with the MEL.

Is responsible for the conduct of enforcement investigations and preparation of final reports and recommendations on disposition. Performs or supervises the emergency suspension of certificates or cancellations of operations specifications. Conducts or directs the reexamination of certificated airmen or recertification of an operator or agency.

Conducts investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, and aircraft incidents and accidents. Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives depositions. Coordinates with geographic inspectors for the accomplishment of non-routine air carrier surveillance.

Has responsibility for initial and ongoing certification of air carriers, aircraft, airmen and air agencies. Makes recommendations on the appointment of designees.

Evaluates requests to operate under conditions not previously specified in the maintenance portion on the operations specifications and approves/disapproves requests and provides additional conditions and limitations, as needed.

Provides guidance to the assigned air carrier in the development of required maintenance manuals and record keeping systems. Reviews and determines adequacy of manuals associated with the air carrier's maintenance programs and revisions thereto. Assures that manuals and revisions comply with regulatory requirements, prescribed safe practices, and furnish clear and specific instructions governing maintenance programs. Approves operations specifications and amendments thereto.

Determines if the maintenance facilities being established or contract arrangements entered into by air carriers for the purpose of overhaul work, major repairs, alterations, and other maintenance are satisfactory. Reviews changes and negotiates with air carrier management to resolve problems.

Determines if overhaul and inspection time limitations warrant revision.

Evaluates an operator's proposed reliability programs for compliance with national policies. Advises operator of deficiencies and required changes. Approves/disapproves reliability programs.

Determines if the air carrier's training program meets the requirements of the FARs, is compatible with the maintenance program, is properly organized and effectively conducted, and results in trained and competent personnel.

Directs or participates in proving flight evaluations to determine compliance with the FARs. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval.

Directs the inspection and surveillance of the air carrier's continuous airworthiness maintenance program. Monitors all phases of the air carrier's maintenance operation, including the following: maintenance, engineering, quality control, production control, training, and reliability programs.

General technical and administrative supervision is provided by (an assigned supervisor within the district office).

Travel Required

25% or less - The job may require up to 25% travel.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US Citizenship is required.Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents)Ingrade/Downgrade Applications will be acceptedAll or None of the applicants may be interviewed

Qualifications

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards for Aviation Safety Series, 1825

General Requirements for All Positions:

1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
2. Valid State driver's license;
3. Fluency in the English language;
4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
5. High school diploma or equivalent

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation, and must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);
2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and
3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

When the predominant work involves general aviation maintenance, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

1. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness.
2. Maintenance experience with aircraft 12,500 pounds or less maximum certificated takeoff weight.
3. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state or Federal governmental agency.
4. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.
5. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.

Note: Recency of specialized experience is waived for current and former FAA employees in the 1825 series.

Certificate and Ratings: This position requires a certificate and ratings for minimum qualification in the following specialty: General Aviation Maintenance. A copy of the certificate and ratings are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 1825 specialty of General Aviation Maintenance. Therefore, applicants must submit a copy of their certificate and ratings unless they are currently occupying (or previously held) General Aviation (Maintenance) 1825 Series Position.

Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the (FV-I, FG/GS-13) level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized Experience may include, but is not limited to, experience assisting, conducting, or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement activities. Additional experience may be in investigating and reporting on accidents, incidents, and violations.