The Principal Avionics Inspector (PAI) 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 FAA field personnel and the public governing all matters to air carrier avionics safety issues.

Duties

The PAI receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The PAI, mostly independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The PAI provides policy assistance to 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 Federal aviation Administration (FAA) policy and for assurance that project requirements have been fulfilled.

Requirements

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).

Qualifications

General Requirements for All Positions:Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;Valid State driver's license;Fluency in the English language;No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; andHigh school diploma or equivalent.Medical Requirements:Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector (General Aviation Maintenance) position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The medical requirements include the following:Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); andNot have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of the aircraft must:Possess a valid second – class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; andPass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; orIndividuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.When the predominant work involves air carrier avionics, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions must meet all of the following requirements.Aircraft avionics experience involving the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of installed avionics systems on aircraft.Avionics maintenance experience on aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.Aircraft avionics work experience (which could include supervision or auditing) in a repair station; air carrier repair facility; military repair facility; or local, state, or Federal governmental agency within the last 3 years.Specialized Experience Requirements:To qualify for the FG-14 you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I, FG/GS-13 in the Federal Service. 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 experience providing technical guidance for certification, and oversight, interpreting a variety of data to identify methods, techniques and practices enhancing aviation safety, providing guidance regarding certification and surveillance for FAR Part 121 air carrier/operators.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://my.faa.gov/org/linebusiness/avs/offices/afx/tools/qat.html.Recency of specialized experience and the need for a valid second-class medical is waived for employees currently in the 1825 series.Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.Duties Continued: FG-14 employees evaluate flight avionics 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 FG-14 employees a wide leeway for independent action. Other inspectors seek their advice on problems relating to aircraft and their operation and maintenance. Because of the precedent-setting nature or substantial effect on the aviation industry or public safety, their decisions may be reviewed and approved at a higher policy-setting level.The PAI 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. Decisions typically have broad impact on the operation or maintenance of a particular type of advanced aircraft, major air carriers, or a geographic area containing a variety of novel and/or complex aviation operations. Decisions also have a significant effect on the safety of the flying public.FG-14 employees have critically important and frequently controversial contacts with key officials of major manufacturers, major carriers, and general aviation organizations. Contacts are made to resolve issues which affect the initial certification and major modifications of aircraft, maintenance programs, and their effect on safety and compliance with regulations. The PAI provides guidance to field level staff to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves problems with the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Develop plans, techniques, and policies to address current and anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems.Contacts are internal and external to the agency. The PAI occasionally represents the agency as a point of contact for policy development, inspection activities or as a technical trainer/instructor delivering formal training. Contacts vary significantly depending upon the purpose of the contacts, the level of authority required to resolve issues, and the nature of the technical problem at hand. Typical contacts involve dealings with members of senior management staffs, representatives of professional organizations, staff members of industry groups, representatives of other government agencies, and representatives of other civil aviation authorities.The PAI 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 PAI uses resourcefulness, initiative, and judgment 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 PAI 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 ASIs, aviation safety technicians, 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 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.

Education

Education not applicable.

Contacts

• Address Federal Aviation Administration AEA Regional HR Services Branch 1 Aviation Plaza, Room 207 AHF-N610 Jamaica, NY 11434 US
• Name: Cheryl Donzelli
• Phone: 1 (718) 553-3162
• Email: [email protected]