Aviation Safety Inspector Principal Maintenance Inspector

The PMI receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or fuctions. The PMI mostly independently plans designs and carries out programs projects studies or other work. The PMI provides policy assistance to regional and field level Aviation Safety Inspectors (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.

Some FG-14 assignments involve region wide responsibility for application of expert knowledge of advanced multiengine turbojet aircraft. Such employees are concerned with all aspects of the operational capabilities and limitations of the aircraft. Other FG-14 inspectors establish technical procedures and performance yardsticks and review complete maintenance programs for major air carriers who are leaders in the aviation industry or who have problems of comparable scope and complexity or a uniquely complex group of general aviation organizations. Assignments at this level are of great scope and unusual complexity and the organizations monitored are major factors in the industry.

ASIs at the FG-14 level establish technical procedures and performance indexes and review complete maintenance programs for major air carriers who are leaders in the aviation industry or who have problems of comparable scope and complexity or a uniquely complex group of general aviation organizations. Assignments at this level are of great scope and unusual complexity.

FG-14 employees evaluate flight operations programs for organizations which utilize complex aircraft systems and equipment. Because of organizational complexity or the advanced technology incorporated in the aircraft systems and equipment employees must exercise originality to resolve unique problems. They frequently rely on engineers and designers for specific technical guidance although much of their work is carried out under very broad policy guidelines. Supervisors give GS-14 employees a wide leeway for independent action. Other inspectors seek their advice on problems relating to aircraft and their operation and maintenance. Because of the precedent-setting nature or substantial effect on the aviation industry or public safety their decisions may be reviewed and approved at a higher policy- setting level.

The PMI plans and directs the use of time and resources to accomplish organizational objectives. He or she defines organizes and uses resources to accomplish work activities within established schedules analyzes program requirements and accomplishments and makes or directs adjustments as necessary to address organizational needs.

Decisions typically have broad impact on the operation or maintenance of a particular type of advanced aircraft major air carriers or a geographic area containing a variety of novel and/or complex aviation operations. Decisions also have a significant effect on the safety of the flying public.

FG-14 employees have critically important and frequently controversial contacts with key officials of major manufacturers major carriers and general aviation organizations. Contacts are made to resolve issues which affect the initial certification and major modifications of aircraft maintenance programs and their effect on safety and compliance with regulations.

The PMI provides guidance to field level staff to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique problems with the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Develop plans techniques and policies to address current and anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
• Selectee will be required to report to a FAA Flight Standards duty location.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for an Aviation Safety Inspector in the 1825 series as outlined in the OPM qualification standards. The minimum eligibility requirements for this position are below or may be found on the following link: Requirements for All Applicants:

1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
2. Valid State drivers license;
3. Fluency in the English language;
4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
5. High school diploma or equivalent.

Medical Requirements: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector
position in a safe and efficient manner with or without a reasonable accommodation. The minimum medical
requirements include the following requirements:

1. 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);
2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and
3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

Applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector Air Carrier Maintenance positions must meet all of the following requirements.

1. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes power plants and systems of multi-engine aircraft of more than 12500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight maintained under an airworthiness maintenance and inspection program.
2. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local state or Federal governmental agency.
3. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes power plants and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness.
4. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.
5. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.

(Recency of specialized experience and the need for a second-class medical certificate is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series)

AND

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements applicants for the FG-14 level must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (FG/GS-13 or Pay Band I) in the normal line of progression. Examples of Specialized Experience include:

• Monitoring activities of organizations to determine whether they are following authorized programs and evaluating proposals to change programs.
• Planning and conducting inspections and surveillance of assigned areas of carrier maintenance operations to assure compliance with Federal aviation regulations.
• Principal contact with and having responsibility for the certification inspection and surveillance of the maintenance operations of a group of aviation organizations.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

For Lateral Movements Between 1825 Specialties: assist in determining qualification requirements applicants transferring between specialties at the same grade level are strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) check sheet and upload it along with their resume. Check sheets are contained in Order 3410.26 Flight Standards Service Air Carrier and General Aviation Qualifications Assessment Tool for AFS Aviation Safety Inspectors found using this link