The Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) FAR Part 145 is responsible for applying knowledge of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) field personnel and the public governing all maintenance safety issues. Assists in the establishment of work programs for inspection and surveillance.
The PMI receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. 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. ASIs at the FG-13 level issue certificates to and monitor (1) a large and complex aviation organization or (2) a number of smaller organizations, air organizations, or Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) holders that, together, are comparable in complexity to one large one. They are the primary contact point with the aviation organization(s).
They may decide on issuance of the original certificates. They evaluate and decide upon proposals to change the authorized programs of the organizations. They continuously monitor the activities of organizations to determine whether they are following their authorized program, Federal regulations, and good safety practices.
(By comparison GS-12 employees issue certificates to small and uncomplicated organizations.) FG-13 assignments are characterized by one or more of the following: 1. Multi-engine turboprop or turbojet aircraft or the complex avionics equipment associated with such aircraft; 2. A variety of flight or maintenance operations with diverse types of aircraft which may include turbine powered aircraft; or 3. Novel and complex aviation operations.
(By comparison, similar assignments at the GS-12 level involve smaller turboprop or large piston-engine aircraft.) FG-13 employees plan and conduct their assignments with substantial technical independence. They receive administrative and policy guidance from their supervisors and policy makers. They also obtain technical advice from higher-level inspectors who are experts on a particular type of aircraft or who have overall program responsibility.
They independently plan and carry out a work program to meet the needs and monitor the activities of the organizations for which they have certification responsibility. The scope and complexity of the work program may be such as to require the occasional assistance of other employees to conduct inspections and evaluate operations.
The PMI applies a mastery knowledge level of the appropriate specialization and a broad knowledge of the line of business mission and goals to assigned programs and areas of responsibility. 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. Guidelines and precedents are frequently inadequate for dealing with novel or complex operations. FG-13 employees understand and apply the basic principles of aviation safety and interpret the intent of the regulations.
At FG-13, contacts are frequently with owners and top managers of aviation corporations and involve negotiating and resolving the full range of issues and problems that confront large aviation organizations. Occasionally issues are controversial, arousing considerable public interest.
ASIs at the FG-13 level participate extensively in the certification inspection and surveillance of highly complex air carrier operations where principal program responsibility is vested in an aviation safety inspector of higher grade. These FG-13 employees have broad authority to negotiate with carrier management and make technical determinations within the coverage of approved specifications and policy manuals. Performs other duties as assigned.
susan.a.garnes@faa.gov · 1 (718) 553-3111
This position is with Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.
The posted pay range is $115711 – $150426/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-19.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-30 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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