The PPM (Powerplant) is responsible for certification activities concerning repairs, alterations, and modifications developed and accomplished on powerplants off wing. When assigned by the Principal Inspector, the PPM (Powerplant) assists in the technical administration, certification, and surveillance job tasks which are the primary responsibility of the PPM (Fleet).
Duties
A. Technical Administration
Within assigned technical program, assures on a continuing basis: organizations are organized, staffed, equipped, conduct training program, acceptable record keeping system, facilities and procedures that meet all regulatory requirements. Regularly visits organizations stations and other offices to maintain contact with management officials; coordinates with the Principal Inspector for correction of any deficiencies/discrepancies. Develops maintenance program requirements for engines and APUs through participation on Maintenance Review Boards. Coordinates (MEL; engines for approval with Principal Operations Inspector. Takes enforcement action of noncompliance with the MEL. Conducts enforcement investigations, prepares final reports, and recommendations on disposition. Performs or supervises emergency suspension of certificates or cancellations of operations specifications. Conducts/directs the re-examination of certificated airmen, recertification of an operator, or agency. Conducts investigations of public complaints, congressional inquiries, aircraft incidents, and accidents. Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials, formal hearings, and gives depositions. Coordinates with geographic inspectors for accomplishment of non-routine air carrier surveillance.
B. Certification
Responsible for initial ongoing certification of engines and APUs for air carriers, aircraft, air agencies, and initial/ongoing certification of airmen. Makes recommendations on appointment of designees. Evaluates requests not previously specified in maintenance portion of operations specifications, approves/disapproves requests, provides additional conditions and limitations as needed. Provides guidance to assigned air carrier in development of required engine, APU maintenance manuals, and record keeping systems. Reviews and determines adequacy of engine manuals associated with air carrier’s engine, APU maintenance programs and revisions thereto. Assures that manuals and revisions comply with regulatory requirements, prescribes safe practices; furnishes clear and specific instructions governing engine and APU maintenance programs. Approves operations specifications and amendments thereto. Determines if engine and APU maintenance facilities being established or contract arrangements entered into by air carriers for purpose of overhaul work, major repair, alterations, and other maintenance are satisfactory. Reviews changes and negotiates with air carrier management to resolve problems. Determines if engine and APU overhaul and inspection time limitations warrant revision. Evaluates operators proposed engine and APU reliability programs for compliance with national policies. Advises operator of deficiencies and required changes. Approves/disapproves engine and APU reliability programs. Determines if air carriers training program meets requirements of CFRs, is compatible with engine and APU maintenance program, is properly organized and effectively conducted, and results in trained and competent personnel. Directs or participates in proving flight evaluations to determine compliance with CFRs. Recommends changes that will be required prior to approval.
C. Surveillance
Directs and/or performs inspection and surveillance of air carriers continuous airworthiness engine and APU maintenance program. Analyzes trends to detect a deterioration in the engine and APU maintenance program. Analyzes engine and APU reports submitted by air carrier to ensure compliance with maintenance program; assures air carrier has an effective continuing analysis and surveillance program to meet requirements of CFRs. Monitors: air operators, agencies, designees: in addition all phases of air carriers engine and APU maintenance operation, including the following: engine and APU maintenance, engineering, quality control, production control, training, and reliability programs.