The Principal Operations Inspector (POI) 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 Code of Federal Regulation (14 CFR) with respect to general aviation operations programs.
Duties
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 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 operations for advanced multiengine 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.
FG-14 employees develop and evaluate flight operations programs for organizations which utilize the newest, most complex aircraft, systems, and equipment. Because of organizational complexity or 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 advice on problems relating to aircraft and their operation. 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 resolves all but unique problems, with the intervention of management or a technical specialist. Develop plans, techniques, and policies to address current and anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems.
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 judgement 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 ASI’s, aviation safety technicians, and others on queries that are technical or guidance related.
Assists in the preparation of a variety of 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 Division, Service, and the FAA.
Participates in the FAA flight program to maintain qualification and currency requirements applicable to operations inspectors, for the purpose of supporting the FAA in a variety of flight-related functions to include training and evaluation of designated pilot examiners. Evaluates tasks contained in the FAA practical test standards and airman certification standards by participating as pilot in command or as a crewmember. The inspector is required to maintain an FAA second class medical.
