Aviation Safety Inspector, Assistant Partial Program Manager

Avionics Inspector

Under the general direction of the Front Line Manager or Supervisory Principal Avionics Inspector, assists the Partial Program Manager (Avionics), in accomplishing the following duties:

A. Technical Administration

Within assigned technical program, assures on a continuing basis that 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. Regularly visits the organization's stations and other offices to maintain contact with their management officials; coordinates with the principal inspector for correction of any deficiencies/discrepancies.

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.

Conducts enforcement investigations and prepares final reports and recommendations on disposition. Performs 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 nonroutine air carrier surveillance.

B. Certification

The inspector is responsible 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 of the operations specifications and approves or 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, prescribe 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 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 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 CFRs. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval.

C. Surveillance

Directs and/or performs 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. Analyzes trends to detect a deterioration in the maintenance program.