The Assistant Principal Avionics Inspector (APAI) serves as a full assistant to a Principal Inspector (Maintenance/Avionics) performing the full range of certification, surveillance, and inspection duties for assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees.
A. Technical Administration On a continuing basis, ensures assigned organizations are properly and adequately organized, staffed/equipped; establishes and conducts adequate training programs; maintains record keeping systems; and facilities and ensures procedures meet all regulatory requirements. Chairs joint Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and 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 avionics 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. Conducts enforcement investigations, prepares 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 dispositions.
Coordinates with geographic inspectors for the accomplishment of non-routine air carrier surveillance B. Certification Responsible 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 airworthiness portion of the operations specifications and approves/disapproves requests providing additional conditions and limitations as needed. Provides guidance to 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 airworthiness programs and revisions.
Ensures manuals and revisions comply with regulatory requirements, prescribe safe practices, and furnish clear and specific instructions governing airworthiness programs. Approves operations specifications and amendments. Determines if the maintenance facilities being established or contract arrangements entered into by air carrier 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. 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 14 CFR, is compatible with the airworthiness program, is properly organized and effectively conducted, and results in trained and competent personnel. Directs or participates in flight evaluations to determine compliance with 14 CFR. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval. C. Surveillance Directs the inspection and surveillance of the air carrier¿s continuous airworthiness program.
Monitors phases of the air carrier¿s airworthiness operation, including the maintenance, engineering, quality control, production control, training, and reliability programs. Analyzes trends to detect deterioration in the airworthiness program. Analyzes reports submitted by the air carrier to ensure compliance with airworthiness program and ensures the air carrier has an effective continuing analysis and surveillance program to meet the requirements of 14 CFR.
Monitors activities of air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees.
Devin.L.Slimmer@faa.gov · 1 (816) 329-2593
This position is with Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.
The posted pay range is $90025 – $117034/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-06.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
Apply on official site →