The Assistant Principal Avionics Inspector (APAI) serves as a full assistant to a Principal Inspector (Avionics) performing the full range of certification, surveillance and inspection duties for assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen and designees. The duty location is Irving, TX, or Coraopolis, PA.
Under the general direction of the Principal Inspector or Supervisory Principal Inspector, accomplishes the following: Technical Administration On a continuing basis, ensures organizations are properly and adequately organized, staffed and equipped; establishes and conducts adequate training programs; maintains record keeping systems; and ensures procedures meet regulatory requirements. Chairs joint FAA and industry meetings.
Maintains regular contact with organizations assigned and coordinates with management officials. Requires or directs correction of 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 POI. Takes enforcement action in instances of noncompliance.
Responsible for conducting 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 dispositions. Coordinates with geographic inspectors for the accomplishment of non-routine air carrier surveillance. Assists Principal Inspector in planning and implementing certificate holders surveillance via usage of appropriate safety systems.
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 maintenance manuals and record keeping systems. Reviews and determines adequacy of manuals associated with the 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 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 operator's proposed reliability programs for compliance with national policies.
Advises operator of deficiencies and required changes. Approves/disapproves reliability programs. Determines if air carrier's training program meets requirements of 14 CFR, is compatible with the airworthiness program, is properly organized and effectively conducted, and results in trained and competent personnel. Surveillance Directs the inspection and surveillance of air carrier's continuous airworthiness program.
Monitors all phases of the air carrier's airworthiness operation including 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 requirements of 14 CFR.
Responsible for monitoring the activities of air operators, air agencies, airmen and designees. Performs other duties as assigned.
Education is not qualifying and may not be substituted for experience.
wendy.livingston@faa.gov · 1 (907) 271-5376
This position is with Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.
The posted pay range is $107446 – $139684/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-09-30.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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