Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations), POI, Greater Chicago FSDO, GLSD07

Aviation Safety Inspector

Serves as the primary operations interface between assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, designees and the FAA. Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet 14 CFR with respect to operations programs.

The aviation safety inspector (ASI) receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The ASI, mostly independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The ASI provides policy assistance to field level 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.

Issues 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. The primary contact point with the aviation organization(s). Decide on issuance of the original certificates. Evaluate and decide upon proposals to change the authorized programs of the organizations. Continuously monitor the activities of organizations to determine whether they are following their authorized program, Federal regulations, and good safety practices.

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.

Plans and conducts their assignments with substantial technical independence. Receive administrative and policy guidance from their supervisors and policy makers. Obtain technical advice from higher-level inspectors who are experts who have overall program responsibility. 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. The scope and complexity of the work program may be such as to require the occasional assistance of other employees to conduct inspections and evaluate operations.

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. 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. Understand and apply the basic principles of aviation safety and interpret the intent of the regulations. Maintain frequent contact with owners and top managers of aviation corporations and negotiate and resolve the full range of issues that confront large aviation organizations. Occasionally issues are controversial, arousing considerable public interest.

Participates 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. 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.

Performs other duties as assigned.