Summary The Principal Avionics Inspector (PAI) serves as the primary operations interface between assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, designees. and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) with respect to operations programs governing all matters to general aviation avionics safety issues. Responsibilities The Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) receives administrative direction from management in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The ASI, mostly independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The ASI provides policy assistance to field level 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 flight avionics for an advanced multi-engine turbojet aircraft. Such employees are concerned with all aspects of the operational capabilities and limitations of the aircraft. ASIs at the FG-14 level establish technical procedures and performance indexes and review complete flight operations programs for leaders in the aviation industry, or organizations 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. The following assignments are illustrative: 1. As a Service wide expert on a particular type of advanced aircraft: Advises other inspectors of major changes; Standardizes procedures and judgements used by inspectors to evaluate the operation of the aircraft; Evaluates new training methods and equipment for initial certification; Serves on boards that evaluate incidents, accidents, complaints, and other serious problems relating to the aircraft. Develops plans to resolve problems. 2. As the principal representative in regulatory surveillance of general aviation and air carrier activities, exercises certificate authority over operators with avionics. Evaluates maintenance activities and complete aircraft overhaul facilities. 3. Exercises certificate authority and safety responsibility over a complex of broad and varied general aviation organizations such as air taxis, executive and/or industrial operators, repair stations, and flight and mechanic schools. The magnitude, intensity, and scope of program responsibility are typically such as to require significant and regular assistance of lower graded inspectors. 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 FG-14 employees a wide leeway for independent action. Other inspectors seek their advise 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 ASI 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 makes or directs adjustments as necessary to address organizational needs. Duties continue under "Qualifications" Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications Duties continued Decisions typically have broad impact on the operation, maintenance of a particular type of advanced aircraft, 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 and general aviation organizations. Contacts are made to resolve issues which affect the initial certification or operations programs, and their effect on safety and compliance with regulations. The ASI 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. Works with management to solve problems. Contacts are internal and external to the agency. The ASI 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 ASI 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 ASI 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 ASI 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 other functional offices, 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. General Requirements for All 1825 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, and High School diploma or equivalent. Medical Requirements for All Positions: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The minimum medical requirements include the following requirements: 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); and Not 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; and Pass 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; or Individuals 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 general aviation 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. 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. In addition, applicants must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I/FG-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 is: Assisting, conducting or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation and compliance recommendation of avionics systems on FAR Part 135 air carriers/air 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. The recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series. Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job. Education Education is not qualifying and cannot be substituted for this position. Additional Information We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family. Applicants must apply online to receive consideration. Faxed, mailed or emailed applications cannot be accepted. If you need to submit additional documents, you may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS. Supplemental documentation can also be faxed to 424-405-7365 on or before the closing date of this announcement. Please include name and the vacancy announcement number on each of your faxed pages and redact all Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as social security number and date of birth. The FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives 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 or Leadership and Management Dimension. In lieu of providing a response, please include WORK HISTORY IN YOUR RESUME THAT DESCRIBES HOW YOU MEET THE ANSWER YOU CHOSE FOR EACH SECTION. Please include specific examples and details which illustrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Please include applicable date ranges. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be placed in alphabetical order and referred to the selecting official for consideration. Security Requirements: Moderate (5): This position requires completion & favorable adjudication of a Tier 2 (T2) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained and approved. This is a temporary position not to exceed two-year; it may be terminated sooner, extended, or made permanent without further competition. This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by PASS: Flight Standards Services. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay , COLA