Specialized Experience Examples for Air Carrier Avionics (AV) and General Aviation Avionics (GV)
Examples of GS-7/FG-7 (Equivalent G Band) Specialized Experience
Work involves developmental assignments which assist employees of higher grade. Work at this level is typically subject to close review and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with instructions, for example:
- Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) GS-7
- Avionics Inspector or Lead Avionics Mechanic/Avionics Crew Chief for an air carrier using an FAA Approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program
- Avionics Inspector or Lead Avionics Mechanic/Avionics Crew Chief for a Title 14 CFR Part 145 repair station with EITHER an airframe rating engaged in the repair, alteration, or installation of avionics systems OR radio, accessories (electrical and/or electronic), and/or instrument ratings (including limited ratings under the above categories)
- Avionics Quality Assurance Inspector in the military service
- Avionics Inspector for an avionics and/or aircraft manufacturer
- Avionics Inspector for a local, state, or federal government agency
Examples of GS-9/FG-9 (Equivalent G Band) Specialized Experience
Work involves assignments involving familiar aircraft, facilities, and equipment. Work at this level is typically subject to review and specific guidelines to ensure compliance with instructions, for example:
- Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) GS-9
- Avionics Technical Center Representative/Maintenance Controller for an air carrier using an FAA Approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program
- Avionics Engineer for an air carrier using an FAA Approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program
- Avionics Engineer for a Title 14 CFR Part 145 repair station with EITHER an airframe rating engaged in the repair, alteration, or installation of avionics systems OR radio, accessories (electrical and/or electronic), and/or instrument ratings (including limited ratings under the above categories)
- Supervisor Avionics Technician in the military service
- Avionics Engineer for an avionics and/or aircraft manufacturer
- Supervisory Avionics Technician for an avionics and/or aircraft manufacturer
- Technical Representative for an avionics and/or aircraft manufacturer
- Avionics Engineer for a local, state, or federal government agency
- Supervisory Avionics Technician for a local, state, or federal government agency
Examples of GS-11/FG-11 (Equivalent H Band) Specialized Experience
Work involves assignments with a broad scope of responsibility, more variety, and
less clear guidelines. Work at this level is typically subject to review to assure
compliance with organized policies or regulations, and specific guidelines to ensure
compliance with organizational policies or regulations, for example:
- Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) GS-11
- Avionics Foreman or General Foreman for an air carrier with an FAA Approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program
- Supervisory Avionics Inspector for an air carrier with an FAA Approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program
- Avionics Foreman or General Foreman for a Title 14 CFR Part 145 repair station with EITHER an airframe rating engaged in the repair, alteration, or installation of avionics systems OR radio, accessories (electrical and/or electronic), and/or instrument ratings (including limited ratings under the above categories)
- Supervisory Avionics Inspector for a Part 145 repair station with EITHER an airframe rating engaged in the repair, alteration, or installation of avionics systems OR radio, accessories (electrical and/or electronic), and/or instrument ratings (including limited ratings under the above categories)
- Supervisory Avionics Quality Assurance Inspector in the military service
- Supervisory Inspector inspecting the maintenance of avionics systems for a local, state, or federal government agency
Examples of GS-12/FG-12 (Equivalent H Band) Specialized Experience
Work involving a wide range of assignments or a few highly complex assignments,
requiring planning and organization, setting priorities, and working without clear
or specific guidelines. Work at this level is typically reviewed only to assess
the impact on overall organizational objectives. Examples of such experiences include:
- Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) GS-12
- Manager above General Foreman with responsibility for supervising the maintenance of avionics systems for an air carrier with an FAA Approved Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program
- Manager above General Foreman with responsibility for supervising the maintenance of avionics systems for a Title 14 CFR Part 145 repair station with EITHER an airframe rating engaged in the repair, alteration, or installation of avionics systems OR radio, accessories (electrical and/or electronic), and/or instrument ratings (including limited ratings under the above categories)
- Avionics Shop/Branch Chief in the military service responsible for managing an organization through subordinate supervisors which included avionics systems maintenance
Examples of GS-13/FG-13 (Equivalent I Band) Specialized Experience
Work involves issuing certificates to and monitoring a large complex aviation organization
or a number of smaller organizations that, together, are comparable in complexity
to one large one. Work at this level is typically reviewed from an overall standpoint
for accuracy, consistency, and effectiveness in meeting requirements, for example:
- Evaluates and decides upon proposals to change the authorized programs of organizations
- Participates 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
- Exercise broad authority to negotiate with carrier management and make technical determinations within the coverage of approved specifications and policy manuals
- Approves the airworthiness of aircraft; the adequacy of maintenance programs; training programs for mechanics, repairmen, pilots, and other flight personnel; the nature and scope of the operation (e.g., the kind of cargo, passenger, and geographic area covered); adequacy of maintenance facilities and airports; and the overall adequacy of the organization in terms of safety
- Monitors, plans or conducts inspection programs including periodic en route and ramp inspections
- Receives information and follows-up on any changes in the approved program (e.g., change in route, new or modified aircraft, new or modified maintenance programs or facilities)
- Evaluates and approves or disapproves applications by maintenance facilities for approved repair station certificates and ratings; deciding whether facilities, equipment, materials, personnel, inspection methods and maintenance practices and techniques are satisfactory to ensure airworthiness of aircraft
- Evaluates broad program elements of flight operation or maintenance activities of a major carrier and decides upon modification or additions to operating procedures and policy guides
- Recommends approval or disapproval of certificate amendments and substantial changes in operating specification to a senior aviation safety inspector who is the principal representative for the carrier
- Provides extensive technical and regulatory guidance to persons desiring to enter to aviation business and advice and assistance to operations in dealing with their day-to-day problems
Examples of GS-14/FG-14 (Equivalent J Band) Specialized Experience
Work involves unusual complexity and the organizations monitored are major factors
in the industry. Inspectors at this level establish technical procedures and performance
yardsticks and review complete flight operation or maintenance programs for major
air carriers who are leaders in the aviation industry. Supervisors give GS-14 employees
a wide leeway for independent action, for example:
- Serves as a regional expert on a particular type of sophisticated multi-engine turbojet aircraft
- Evaluates new training methods and equipment (e.g., simulators) for initial certification
- Serves on boards that evaluate incidents, accidents, complaints, and other serious problems relating to aircraft and develops plans to resolve problems
- Serves as the principal representative in regulatory surveillance of air carrier activities
- Exercises certificate authority over a major air carrier with very extensive and complex operations
- Evaluates maintenance activities and complete aircraft overhaul facilities which are equipped and staffed to handle the latest and most sophisticated turbojet aircraft and associated systems
- Responsible for nationally and internationally prominent carriers who operate the largest, most advanced fleet of turbojet aircraft in the industry
- Exercises certificate authority and safety responsibility over a complex or broad and varied general aviation organization such as air taxis, executive and/or industrial operators, repair stations, and flight and mechanic schools
