Accountable Manager - Repair Station

Accountable Manager

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Accountable Manager to lead the overall operation of our FAA Part 145 Repair Station. This critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring the repair station operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), manufacturer requirements, and customer standards.

The Accountable Manager serves as the primary liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides strategic oversight of repair station operations, ensures adequate resources are available to support maintenance activities, and fosters a culture of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. While responsibilities may be delegated to qualified personnel, the Accountable Manager retains ultimate responsibility for the repair station's performance and compliance.

Regulatory Compliance & Oversight

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for all operations conducted under 14 CFR Part 145.
• Ensure the repair station operates in full compliance with all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, manufacturer recommendations, and customer requirements.
• Maintain overall responsibility for regulatory compliance, quality, and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure repair station personnel consistently adhere to applicable FAA regulations and company policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the FAA and maintain positive working relationships with regulatory authorities.
• Act as the Accountable Manager for the FAA Drug and Alcohol Program.

Operational Leadership

• Direct the complete operation of the FAA Part 145 Repair Station, including facilities, personnel, equipment, and resources.
• Ensure the repair station has adequate housing, equipment, tooling, materials, and qualified personnel necessary to support maintenance operations.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet operational demands while maintaining regulatory compliance and safety standards.
• Oversee repair station manuals and ensure documentation remains current, accurate, and compliant with FAA requirements.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the President.

Safety Management

• Establish and promote a strong culture of safety throughout the organization.
• Ensure adequate firefighting equipment is available, maintained, and inspected for serviceability.
• Develop and oversee emergency response procedures, including periodic evacuation drills.
• Ensure personnel receive training on emergency procedures and proper use of firefighting equipment.
• Establish and maintain standards that ensure appropriate safety precautions are consistently observed throughout the repair station.

Training & Personnel Development

• Establish procedures to identify and evaluate initial and recurrent training requirements for repair station personnel.
• Ensure employees receive the training necessary to perform assigned work safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support employee development and maintain a qualified workforce capable of meeting operational and regulatory expectations.

Customer & Industry Coordination

• Establish and maintain effective liaison with FAA-certificated air carriers and other customers.
• Ensure maintenance performed on registered ("N" number) aircraft or articles complies with all applicable FAR requirements and customer specifications.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews as required.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College degree in Aviation, Aviation Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 35 years of management or supervisory experience in civil aviation maintenance.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within an FAA-regulated maintenance environment.
• Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, ERP systems, Adobe Acrobat, OEM portals, 2-factor authentication protocols.

Required Certifications

• Active FAA Part 65 Airframe (A), Powerplant (P), or Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate, or
• Ability to obtain one, or
• FAA Part 65 Repairman Certificate that has been active within the past two years.

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145 (Repair Stations).
• Strong understanding of 14 CFR Part 43 (Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration).
• Knowledge of FAA regulatory requirements, repair station operations, and quality systems.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to interact professionally with FAA representatives, customers, vendors, and employees.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining compliance and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience serving as an FAA Accountable Manager or in a similar regulatory leadership role.
• Experience with FAA audits, regulatory inspections, and repair station certification processes.
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems (SMS), quality assurance programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

This position is based within an FAA Part 145 Repair Station and requires regular interaction with maintenance personnel, regulatory agencies, customers, and executive leadership. The role includes office and hangar/shop environments and may require occasional travel for regulatory meetings, customer visits, or industry events.