Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation - Maintenance)

The Assistant Principal Inspector (GA - Maintenance) serves as a full assistant to a Principal Inspector (Maintenance) performing the full range of certification, surveillance, and inspection duties for a Large Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) CFR Part 135 Certificate. Duties include program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Federal Aviation Regulations with respect to maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration programs.

Under the general direction of the Principal Inspector (Maintenance) accomplishes the following duties: Technical Administration Assures, on a continuing basis, that assigned organizations are properly and adequately organized, staffed, and equipped, and include 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.

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. The Inspector 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 cancellation 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. Certification The Inspector is responsibility for initial and ongoing certification of air carriers, aircraft, airmen, and 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 by air carriers for 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 FARs, 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 FARs. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval.

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. Analyzes trends to detect a deterioration in the maintenance program.

Is responsible for monitoring the activities of air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees. Performs other duties as assigned.