This position serves as an Airport Certification and Safety Inspector (Airport Safety & Operations Specialist) within the Office of Airports (ARP), Airports Safety and Standards (AAS), Airports Safety and Operations Division (AAS-300) providing technical support and expertise to FAAs national airport certification and safety program. Duties
Performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager or more experienced technical operations specialist for large work activities. Provides technical support and expertise to FAA’s national airport certification and safety program. Assists in the development, review and revision of rules, regulations, polices and guidance concerning 14 CFR Part 139, Certification of Airports, and FAA airport safety initiatives. Supports FAA Headquarters and Regional staff in the national implementation of 14 CFR Part 139, including the evaluation and standardization of FAA Part 139 airport inspections. As a credentialed FAA Airport Certification and Safety Inspector, conducts airport certification and safety inspections throughout the US and American territories, as required.
Utilizes policy, federal laws and regulations to provide guidance and technical support for airport safety, operational programs and issues for: (1) various program areas of oversight and interest within the Office of Airports; (2) internal/external stakeholders, including FAA Lines of Businesses/Staff Offices (LOBs/SOs) such as Air Traffic, Flight Standards, Runway Safety Program Office, and the Office of Accident Investigation; and (3) FAA Regional staff to ensure adherence to FAAs Compliance and Enforcement Program in accordance with Federal statutes and FAA orders and processes.
Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge applicable to airport certification and safety as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and develop improved technical processes or systems. Considers the objectives of the major subdivision and LOB/SO when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems. Assignments frequently require knowledge and experience working across functional and/or organizational lines. Typical assignments may include complex system design and integration; extensive research and analyses; investigation and inspection activities; compliance and enforcement actions; and direct responsibility for project/program management.
Supports FAA Regions with their submittals for petitions from airport operators requesting exemptions to any Part 139 requirement. Coordinates with regional FAA personnel on safety issues and incidents occurring on or near airports. Tracks regional Part 139 enforcement actions. Maintains records for ACSI credentialing and currency requirements. Conducts regional program audits for the part 139 program and other program requirements supporting airport safety and operations. Briefs FAA, Department of Transportation, NTSB and Congressional staff on matters involving airport certification and safety.
Works in collaboration with other FAA LOBs/SOs, and external stakeholders to improve surface safety at airports. This includes participating in various surface safety work groups, assignments, and initiatives. Provides technical support on various Safety Management System (SMS) initiatives and programs, including serving as a technical subject matter expert on airport operator SMS panels both within ARP and in other FAA LOBs/SOs. Supports the Airports Safety and Operations Division in the tracking and recordkeeping for National Transportation Safety Board Safety (NTSB) recommendations, Office of Inspector General (OIG), General Accounting Office (GAO) audits, and any other program auditing functions. Provides technical advice and guidance on new entrant to the National Airspace System and to the Office of Airports (ARP) Emergency Planning in coordinating support required during emergency situations.
Supports various educational outreach efforts both domestically and internationally. Participates in the development of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards in support of the FAAs global aviation safety program.