The Partial Program Manager serves as a full assistant to an Avionics Inspector performing the full range of certification, surveillance, and inspection duties for assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, and designees. Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) with respect to maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration programs.
Duties
Under the general direction of the Principal Inspector (Avionics) or Supervisory Principal Inspector (Avionics) accomplishes the following duties:
A. Technical Administration
On a continuing basis, ensures assigned organizations are properly and adequately organized, staffed and equipped; establishes and conducts adequate training programs; maintains record keeping systems; and facilities and ensures procedures meet all regulatory requirements.
Chairs joint Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry meetings. Maintains regular contact with organizations assigned and coordinates with top management officials. Requires or directs correction of any deficiencies/discrepancies and refuses or withdraws approval if they cannot be resolved.
Develops program requirements through participation on maintenance review boards. Coordinates minimum equipment list (MEL) approvals with the principal operations inspector. Takes enforcement action in instances of noncompliance with the MEL.
Responsible for conducting enforcement investigations and preparation of final reports and recommendations on disposition. Performs or supervises the emergency suspension of certificates or cancellation of operations specifications. Conducts or directs the reexamination of certificated airmen or recertification of an operator or agency.
Conducts investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, and aircraft incidents and accidents. Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives dispositions.
Coordinates with geographic inspectors for the accomplishment of non-routine air carrier surveillance.
B. Certification
Responsible for initial and ongoing certification of air carriers, aircraft, airmen, and air agencies. Makes recommendations on the appointment of designees.
Evaluates requests to operate under conditions not previously specified in the airworthiness portion of the operations specifications and approves/disapproves requests providing additional conditions and limitations as needed.
Provides guidance to the assigned air carrier in the development of required maintenance manuals and record keeping systems. Reviews and determines adequacy of manuals associated with the air carrier’s airworthiness programs and revisions. Ensures manuals and revisions comply with regulatory requirements, prescribe safe practices, and furnish clear and specific instructions governing airworthiness programs. Approves operations specifications and amendments.
Determines if the maintenance facilities being established or contract arrangements entered into by air carrier for the purpose of overhaul work, major repairs, alterations, and other maintenance are satisfactory. Reviews changes and negotiates with air carrier management to resolve problems.
Determines if overhaul and inspection time limitations warrant revision.
Evaluates an operator’s proposed reliability programs for compliance with national policies. Advises operator of deficiencies and required changes. Approves/disapproves reliability programs.
Determines if the air carrier’s training program meets the requirements of 14 CFR, is compatible with the airworthiness program, is properly organized and effectively conducted, and results in trained and competent personnel.
Directs or participates in flight evaluations to determine compliance with 14 CFR. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval.
C. Surveillance
Under guidance of the Principal Inspector, directs the inspection and surveillance of the air carrier’s continuous airworthiness program in regard to assigned aircraft fleet assignment(s). Monitors all phases of the air carrier’s airworthiness operation, including the maintenance, engineering, quality control, production control, training, and reliability programs.
Analyzes trends to detect deterioration in the airworthiness program.
