Position Summary:
The Principal Inspector (Maintenance) General Aviation/Part 135 functions as the primary airworthiness interface between assigned air carrier/air operators/air agencies/airmen/designees and the Federal Aviation Administration. Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Federal Aviation Regulations with respect to maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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, prescribed safe practices, and furnish clear and specific instructions governing maintenance programs. Approves operations specifications and amendments thereto.
- Determines if overhaul and inspection time limitations warrant revision.
- 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. Requires or directs correction of any deficiencies/discrepancies and refuses or withdraws approval if they cannot be resolved.
- Directs or participates in proving flight evaluations to determine compliance with the FARs. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval.
- Incumbent determines the need for, and then establishes work programs for surveillance and inspection of assigned organizations within manpower and budget limitations to assure adherence to the applicable regulations.
- General technical and administrative supervision is provided by (an assigned supervisor within the district office).
- Has responsibility 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 on the operations specifications and approves/disapproves requests and provides additional conditions and limitations, as needed.
- 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 non-routine air carrier surveillance.
- Directs 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Evaluates an operator’s proposed reliability programs for compliance with national policies. Advises operator of deficiencies and required changes. Approves/disapproves reliability programs.
- 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.
- Determines if the air carrier’s training program meets the requirements of the FARs, is compatible with the maintenance program, is properly organized and effectively conducted, and results in trained and competent personnel.
Required Education & Experience:
- All or None of the applicants may be interviewed
- US Citizenship is required.
- Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
- Valid State driver’s license;
- Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents)
- Ingrade/Downgrade Applications will be accepted
- Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);
- Fluency in the English language;
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.