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 FAA policy and for assurance that project requirements have been
fulfilled.
ASIs at the FG-13 level issue certificates to and monitor (1) a large and complex aviation organization or
(2) a number of smaller organizations that, together, are comparable in complexity to one large one. They
are the primary contact point with the aviation organization(s). They may decide on issuance of the original
certificates. They evaluate and decide upon proposals to change the authorized programs of the
organizations. They continuously monitor the activities of organizations to determine whether they are
following their authorized program, Federal regulations, and good safety practices
FG-13 assignments are characterized by one or more of the following:
- Commercially operated aircraft or and the complex avionics equipment associated with such
- A variety of maintenance operations with diverse types of aircraft; or
- Novel and complex aviation operations.
FG-13 employees plan and conduct their assignments with substantial technical independence. They receive administrative and policy guidance from their supervisors and policy makers. They also obtain technical advice from higher-level inspectors who are experts on a particular type of aircraft or who have overall program responsibility. They independently plan and carry out a work program to meet the needs and monitor the activities of the organizations for which they have certification responsibility. The scope and complexity of the work program may be such as to require the occasional assistance of other employees to conduct inspections and evaluate operations.
The PAI applies a mastery knowledge level of the appropriate specialization and a broad knowledge of the
mission and goals to assigned programs and areas of responsibility.
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.
Guidelines and precedents are frequently inadequate for dealing with novel or complex operations.
incumbent understand and apply the basic principles of aviation safety and interpret the intent of
the regulations.
Contacts are frequently with owners and top managers of aviation corporations and involve
negotiating and resolving the full range of issues and problems that confront aviation organizations.
Occasionally issues are controversial, arousing considerable public interest.
ASIs at the FG-13 level participate extensively in the certification inspection and surveillance of highly
complex air carrier operations where principal program responsibility is vested in an aviation safety inspector
of higher grade. Employees have broad authority to negotiate with carrier management and
make technical determinations within the coverage of approved specifications and policy manuals.
The PAI 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.
The PAI is expected to follow established laws, order, policies and regulations that provide general guidance for completing work adjectives but is allowed discretion to develop new or innovative approaches.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Starting at $120,246 Per Year (FG 13)
