This position is in the Aircraft Evaluation Division, Air Carrier Branch, AFS-110. May be assigned to lead Flight Standardization Boards (FSB) and Flight Operation Evaluation Boards (FOEB) for assigned aircraft. Responsible for board activities, team dynamics, and will foster an environment of inclusion and teamwork to produce the FSB and FOEB Reports. May also serve as a member of Type Certification Boards for assigned aircraft.
Duties
The incumbent provides the flight operations emphasis and crew representation in all phases of developmental work involved prior to certification and subsequent to placing such aircraft into service regarding modifications, upgrades, and operational issues.
The work of this position has considerable impact on the level of safety achieved during the training of pilots and initial industry operation of the aircraft. Incumbent evaluates detailed flight characteristics of the aircraft in order to establish training requirements, which will be used as standards and guidelines for operations inspectors in evaluating and approving training programs. Likewise, incumbent must develop a detailed knowledge of the aircrafts instrument and component systems in order to develop a sound and reasonable list of minimum instruments and equipment to be required for initial dispatch of aircraft to ensure operational safety of the aircraft. Incumbent is also responsible to provide information to aviation safety inspectors on all modification and procedural changes to the aircraft in order to attain optimum safety and efficiency in its operation.
The incumbent has contacts at all levels within Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification Service. Contacts involve industry representatives including pilots, operators and/or personnel in charge of flight-testing for aircraft manufacturers. Contacts are also with foreign government aviation officials and manufacturers on an international basis. These contacts will be for the purpose of coordinating and resolving problems imposed by certification and operations requirements, coordinating equipment and training requirements, and for the exchange of essential information.
Serves as a member of the Type Certification Board, Flight Test Group and as advisor to the aircraft certification on flight operation problems involved in the certification processes of newly designed aircraft preparatory to the aircraft being type certificated and introduced into service. Prepare recommendations for amendments to the regulations or proposed special crew training requirements or procedures for aircraft when needed, participate in the development of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved aircraft flight manuals, and represent the Flight Standards Service in the flight tests leading to type certification and service evaluation of the aircraft.
Serve as a representative of the Flight Standards Service and leader of the Flight Standardization Board, recommend to the appropriate Flight Standards division the appropriate pilot certificate type rating and specific training program standards to be used for training of flight crews or FAA inspectors receiving training in aircraft. Determines safe limits of required maneuvers based on flight test results, and reviews flight test evaluations for possible unsafe characteristics of the aircraft.
Keeps abreast of all modifications, changes, and technical advances for assigned aircraft to assure continued safe operation. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates problem areas and initiates action to correct technical deficiencies associated with the operation and pilot training of the assigned aircraft.
Works with operators introducing new aircraft into service to assure that FAA keeps abreast of current operational problems.
Participates in the flight program as an aircrew member and, as such, must meet the medical and flight currency requirements in accordance with FAA policies and guidance.
Performs other certification activities, pilot evaluations/competencies, and enroute inspections when required.
Provides expert consultation in support of accident or incident investigations, analysis, and implementation of corrective actions related to the particular aircraft assigned.
May be requested to act as an aircraft specific course mentor and provide feedback on requests for equivalent training from Safety Assurance Offices.
