The incumbent is responsible for applying knowledge and experience of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) field personnel and the public governing all matters to general aviation maintenance safety issues, air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, designees, and the FAA.

The Principal Avionics Inspector (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 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 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.

FG-13 assignments are characterized by one or more of the following:

1. Commercially operated aircraft or and the complex avionics equipment associated with such aircraft;
2. A variety of maintenance operations with diverse types of aircraft; or
3. Novel and complex aviation operations.

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 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.

Guidelines and precedents are frequently inadequate for dealing with novel or complex operations. Incumbent understands and applies the basic principles of aviation safety and interpret the intent of the regulations.

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 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. Employees have broad authority to negotiate with carrier management and make technical determinations within the coverage of approved specifications and policy manuals.

The PAI provides guidance to field level staff to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique 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.

The PAI is expected to follow established laws, order, policies and regulations that provide general guidance for completing work adjectives but is allowed discretion to develop new or innovative approaches.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
• Ingrade/Downgrade applications will be accepted.
• If the agency decides to interview any qualified employee on the selection list, then all on the list who are qualified must be interviewed.