Airport Certification and Safety Inspector

• Department: Department of Transportation

This position serves as an Airport Certification Safety Inspector (ACSI) responsible for 14 CFR Part 139 compliance for the Office of Airports (ARP), Eastern Regional Airports Division.

Performs multiple, varying and complex assignments as an Airport Certification Safety Inspector (ACSI) under the limited direction of the manager.

Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge as he/she conducts periodic and surveillance inspections at Part 139 certified airports including medium to large hub airports to ensure compliance with standards for 14 CFR Part 139 in the areas of records, personnel, paved areas, unpaved areas, safety areas, marking signs, and lighting, snow and ice control, aircraft rescue and firefighting, handling and storing of hazardous substances and materials, traffic and wind direction indicators, airport emergency plan, self-inspection program, pedestrians and ground vehicles, obstructions, protection of NAVAIDS, public protection, wildlife hazard management, airport condition reporting, and identifying, marking and lighting construction and other unserviceable areas.

Reviews and recommends approval of Airport Certification Manuals and emergency plans required by regulation to ensure current and adequate airport operating procedures. Recommends approval or denial of applications for Airport Operating Certificates. Investigates known or alleged violations of the regulations in accordance with current agency directives. Reviews and evaluates petitions from airport owners for exemptions of any or all of 14 CFR Part 139 directives.

Conducts investigation of vehicle/pedestrian deviations at airports and evaluate results for closure or enforcement (administrative or legal). Conducts reviews of Construction Safety Phasing Plans and conducts inspections of airports to ensure operational safety during construction meets current standards.

Reviews and recommends approval of wildlife hazard assessments and wildlife hazard management plans at Part 139 airports and works closely with the airports, wildlife biologists, other technical experts and stakeholders to reduce hazardous wildlife and attractants on and in the vicinity of airports. Investigates potential regulatory violations and initiates administrative or legal enforcement actions, as appropriate.

Coordinates recommendations with the Lead Inspector and management as to sanctions, including civil penalties, certificate suspension or revocation. Supports investigations of an aircraft accident or incident on or near an airport, as a subject matter expert. May be called up to serve as a member of an Accident Investigation Board.

Works in collaboration with division staff and other FAA organizations to improve surface safety at airports by reviewing or investigating the factors leading to surface incidents, runway incursions, and aircraft excursions. Collaborates with Regional and Local Runway Safety Action Teams by providing 14 CFR Part 139 expertise and assisting in the development of airport runway safety action plans.

Reviews and provides comments on policies, procedures, standards, guidance, and other instructions issued by Headquarters. Conducts Runway Safety Area inventories, which may include physical inspection of a safety area to determine what is installed and if it meets agency standards. Reviews and verifies individual airport layout plans, obstruction charts, safety equipment descriptions, construction drawings and documents related to certification requirements.

Supports various safety training outreach efforts with various stakeholders to include out of region and international training initiatives. Established policies/procedures provide guidance for most assignments, but allow considerable discretion to select the most appropriate approach or to recommend new approaches. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist.

Identifies and informs management of problems that require their attention. Work is reviewed periodically, typically at major milestones and at completion, for technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project.

Education substitution for qualifications - At the FV-G Band Level: a Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, gained from an accredited…