The Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) is responsible for recommending new and amended Title 14 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 matters to air carrier maintenance safety issues.

Duties

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. 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. The PMI is expected to follow established laws, orders, policies, and regulations that provide general guidance for completing work objectives, but is allowed considerable discretion to develop new or innovative approaches. The PMI uses resourcefulness, initiative, and judgement based on experience to develop and implement evaluation procedures to address problems where precedents are not applicable. Methods, practices, or decisions may be used as guidance in similar problem areas. The PMI keeps management informed of the status of all programs and projects and is held accountable for the technical accuracy, proper coordination, and timeliness of completed staff work. Provides staff assistance and serves as advisor to the manager on all matters pertaining to assigned tasking. Assists Safety Assurance ASI’s, aviation safety assistant, and others on queries that are technical or guidance related. Assists in the preparation of a variety of highly technical and high priority correspondence to the regions, aviation industry, other governmental agencies, members of Congress, and the general public. Assures that correspondence is properly coordinated, technically and grammatically accurate, clear and concise, and that it reflects the philosophy, policies, and objectives of the Branch, Division, Service, and the FAA. Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents)
• This is not a remotely sited position.

Qualifications

Medical Requirements: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, and must meet all of the following requirements:A. Have a good distant vision in each eye and be able to read printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain;B. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);C. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience may include but not limited to conducting an adequate training program, including an acceptable record keeping system. Conducting of enforcement investigations and preparation of final reports and recommendations on disposition. Monitoring all phases of the air carrier's maintenance operation, including the following: maintenance, engineering, quality control, production control, training, and reliability programs. Monitoring the activities of air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees.In addition to the specialized experience requirement you must meet all of the following requirements for Air Carrier Maintenance:A. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and systems of multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight maintained under an airworthiness maintenance and inspection program.B. Aircraft maintenance experience in a repair station; air carrier or airline repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency.C. Experience involving the maintenance and repair of airframes, power plants, and aircraft systems with responsibility for certifying airworthiness.D. Aircraft maintenance work experience within the last 3 years.E. FAA Mechanic Certificate with airframe and power plant ratings.NOTE: Recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series.For more information regarding the minimum eligibility requirements for Aviation Safety Inspectors, please visit the following website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1800/1825.htmAs a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories; score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.For Lateral Movements between 1825 Specialties: To 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. This order is located at: https://employees.faa.gov/org/linebusiness/avs/offices/afs/tools/qat/.

Contacts

• Address Federal Aviation Administration AEA Regional HR Services Branch 1 Aviation Plaza, Room 207 AHF-N610 Jamaica, NY 11434 US
• Name: Melanie Edwards
• Phone: 1 (718) 553-4166
• Email: [email protected]