Aviation Safety Inspector, (Air Carrier-Operations), Principal Operations Inspector (POI)

The POI is responsible for aviation safety activities in a complex and dynamic air carrier aviation environment that includes experience in the following specialties: Operations. Applies advanced knowledge of the technical aspects of the work directed and ensures the promotion of the highest level of safety compliance with regulatory standards while utilizing transparency of data exchange that includes the identification of hazards and management of risk. As the principal representative in regulatory surveillance and risk management of air carrier activities, exercises full certificate authority over a major air carrier with very extensive and complex operations. Analyzes operations involving large fleets of turbojet aircraft engaged in large-scale passenger and freight service. The magnitude, intensity, and scope of program responsibility require significant and regular assistance of managers, inspectors, and administrative staff. Plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects, studies, or other work. The POI provides policy assistance to field-level Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) on difficult or complex policy interpretations. Assignments involve wide responsibility for the application of expert knowledge of advanced multi-engine turbojet aircraft and are concerned with all aspects of the operational capabilities and limitations of the aircraft. Assignments at this level are of great scope and unusual complexity, and the organizations monitored are major factors in the industry. Accomplishes work activities within established schedules, analyzes program requirements, and makes or directs adjustments as necessary to address organizational needs. Decisions typically have a broad impact on the operation of a particular type of advanced aircraft and have a significant effect on the safety of the flying public. Contacts with key officials are frequent and critically important for their assigned certificate. Maintains lines of communication to resolve issues that affect the certification and modifications of aircraft programs, their effect on safety management, and compliance with regulations. Typical contacts involve dealings with Part 119 officials, the accountable executive for SMS, and members of middle management, as well as collaboration with representatives of other government agencies (e.g., DoD and TSA), and representatives of other civil aviation authorities. Adheres to established laws, orders, policies, and regulations that provide general guidance for completing work objectives. The POI 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. Informs front-line 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. The POI aids and serves as an advisor to office management on all matters of assigned tasking. Assists in the preparation of a variety of technical and priority correspondence to leadership, aviation industry, other governmental agencies, members of Congress, and the public. Assures that correspondence is properly coordinated, technically and grammatically accurate, clear and concise, and that it reflects the philosophy, policies, and objectives of Flight Standards and the FAA.