The Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) is responsible for applying substantial knowledge of and
experience with 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 matters to general aviation 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 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 Service wide responsibility for application of expert knowledge of
general aviation maintenance. Other FG-14 inspectors establish technical procedures and performance
yardsticks and review maintenance programs, 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 general aviation organizations 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 maintenance 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.
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.
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 internal and external to the agency. The PMI occasionally represents the agency as a point of
contact for policy development, inspection activities or as a technical trainer/instructor delivering formal
training.
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.