Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Operations)

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High-Level Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Principal Inspector (Operations) accomplishes the following duties:

• Technical Administration - 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.
• 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 Minimum Equipment List (MEL) approvals with principal airworthiness inspectors. Takes enforcement in instances of noncompliance with the MEL. Coordinates with geographic inspectors for the accomplishment of non-routine, air carrier surveillance.
• Certification - Approves/accepts or disapproves/rejects manuals, school curriculum, and revisions to such. May require amendments to previously approved documents to accomplish the following: correct any conflict with regulatory requirements; eliminate unsafe practices; and/or improve the specificity of instruction.
• Evaluates training programs to insure they meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). Approves /disapproves these training programs including flight simulators, training devices, or other such equipment used in these programs.
• Approves/disapproves designation of check airmen and makes recommendations on the appointment of designees.
• Evaluates operations and facilities by on-site inspections and review of reports by geographic inspectors and others. Negotiates changes essential or desirable in their policies and procedures.
• Evaluates and approves/disapproves requests, to operate under conditions not previously authorized and may prescribe additional conditions and limitations as appropriate.
• Approves the original issuance of operations specifications and issues original operating certificates. Approves amendments to operations specifications. Evaluates the safety of proposed changes in route or airport authorizations; prescribes any changes required before approval.
• Directs or participates in proving flight evaluations to determine compliance with FARs. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval.
• Surveillance - Is responsible for monitoring all phases of operations including: training programs and records; base and station facilities; and route systems. Coordinates with and reviews reports from geographic inspectors and others to identify trends which indicate deterioration in the safety of operations. Directs or suggests changes required to correct such trends.
• Is responsible for monitoring the activities of designated examiners, check airmen, and instructors.
• Other - May be assigned other duties and responsibilities which are non-grade controlling. The incumbent will be required to participate in the flight program as an aircrew member and, as such, must meet medical and flight currency requirements as set forth in agency orders governing the operation of aircraft. The inspector, when so directed, is required to keep an appropriate control point informed as to his/her whereabouts and the phone number at which he/she can be reached in the event of an aviation incident/accident requiring FAA investigation.