Aviation Safety Inspector, Principal Avionics Inspector (Air Carrier Avionics)

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.

Advises other inspectors of major changes in the operation of the aircraft; Standardizes procedures and judgments used by inspectors to evaluate the operation of the aircraft; Evaluates new training methods and equipment (e.g., simulators) for initial certification; Serves on national boards that determine the minimum equipment necessary to operate a particular type of aircraft safely; and Serves on boards that evaluate incidents, accidents, complaints, and other serious problems relating to the aircraft. Develops plans to resolve problems.

As the principal representative in regulatory surveillance of air carrier activities, exercises certificate authority over a major air carrier with very extensive and complex avionics. Analyzes flight involving large fleets of turbojet aircraft engaged in large-scale passenger and freight service; or evaluates maintenance activities and complete aircraft overhaul facilities which are equipped and staffed to handle the latest and most sophisticated turbojet aircraft and associated systems. This level includes responsibility for nationally and internationally prominent carriers who operate the largest, most advanced fleets of turbojet aircraft in the industry

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.