Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness), Air Carrier Avionics

International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector

The International Principal Aviation Safety Inspector receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The ASI independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The ASI provides policy assistance to 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.

Applies expert knowledge of flight operations for an advanced multiengine turbojet aircraft. Such employees are concerned with all aspects of the operational capabilities and limitations of the aircraft. Assignments at this level are of great scope and unusual complexity and the organizations monitored are major factors in the industry.

As the principal representative in regulatory oversight of foreign air carrier activities, exercises authority over foreign air operators, maintenance organizations, maintenance airmen and designated entities with very extensive and complex operations. Analyzes maintenance operations involving large fleets of turbojet aircraft engaged in large-scale passenger and freight service, evaluates maintenance activities and complete aircraft overhaul facilities which are equipped and staffed to handle the latest and most sophisticated turbojet aircraft and associated systems, and approves maintenance programs for FAA registered aircraft operate by a foreign operator. This level includes the responsibility for nationally and internationally prominent carriers who operate the largest, most advanced fleets of turbojet aircraft in the industry.

Exercises regulatory authority and safety responsibility over a complex of broad and varied air carrier and general aviation organizations such as operator maintenance facilities and contracted repair stations when the activities monitored equate collectively to a major air carrier in terms of size and complexity of aircraft fleet employed, scope and technical complexity of operations, management sophistication, industry leadership, and public impact.

The ASI is expected to follow established laws, orders, policies, and regulations that provide general guidance for completing work objectives, but is allowed considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. The ASI uses resourcefulness, initiative, and judgement based on experience to develop and implement evaluation procedures to address problems where precedents are not applicable. Methods, practices, or decisions may be used as guidance in similar problem areas.

The ASI keeps management informed of the status of all programs and projects and is held accountable for the technical accuracy, proper coordination, and timeliness of completed staff work. Provides staff assistance and serves as advisor to the manager on all matters pertaining to assigned tasking. Assists ASIs, ASTs, and others with Safety Assurance queries that are technical or guidance.

Assists in the preparation of a variety of highly technical and high priority correspondence to the foreign aviation industry, foreign civil aviation authorities, other U.S. governmental agencies, members of Congress, and the general public. Assures that correspondence is properly coordinated, technically and grammatically accurate, clear and concise, and that it reflects the philosophy, policies, and objectives of the Office, Division, Service, and the FAA.

Performs other duties as required.