JOB TITLE: AVIATION SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR

JOB CODE: 71760

DEFINITION: This is specialized supervisory work in the inspection and licensing of airports, heliports, and vertiports operating in the Commonwealth and providing technical guidance on federal and state aviation regulations and standards.

An employee in this job supervises Aviation Specialists engaged in inspecting airports, heliports, and vertiports for conformance with safety standards and legal compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing technical guidance to airport managers on the regulations and standards. Work involves approving new airport, heliport, and vertiport development proposals and verifying that layout, approaches, takeoff angles, relation of obstruction to takeoff, approach patterns, prevailing air currents, and terrain features are suitable for airport, heliport, and vertiport construction; supervising the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information pertaining to sound aviation practices to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards; supervising the formulation of corrective measures for non-conforming conditions, airport hazards, and dangerous aviation practices; and supervising the provision of consultative support and technical guidance to assist airport managers in planning and developing airport improvements and construction projects. Work includes supervising the review and evaluation of Aviation Real Estate Tax Reimbursement program applications and making recommendations for approval and prioritization; the review and evaluation of notices of proposed construction to determine impact upon protected navigable airspace and for consistency with land use compatibility guidelines; the assessment of topographical, atmospheric, and structural conditions which may contribute to law violations or hazardous conditions; and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the review and development of instrument approach procedures and the collection and submission of airport data. Employees will have public contact to include participating in public hearings, investigating complaints, and promoting aviation. Work is reviewed by the Aviation Director, Transportation for attainment of program objectives and effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Plans and directs the statewide aviation program for the licensing and inspection of Commonwealth airports, heliports, and vertiports to ensure facilities meet safety standards for the issuance or renewal of operating licenses.

• Supervises the inspection of new development proposals of general aviation or private use airports, heliports, and vertiports for conformance to safety standards to ensure suitability for airport, heliport, and vertiport construction.

• Approves new airport, heliport, and vertiport site development proposals.

• Reviews newly completed, operating, or renovated airports, heliports, and vertiports for adherence to site and operational requirements.

• Supervises annual inspections of public-use airports, heliports, and vertiports and facilities.

• Reviews recommendations for withdrawal of airport licenses.

• Provides guidance to airport managers on aviation safety practices, operational safety, maintenance, and management problems.

• Serves as the Department of Transportation’s senior Aviation Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

• Supervises a licensing coordinator responsible for administering the Commonwealth’s Airport Licensing Program of all public-use and private-use airports, heliports, and vertiports statewide.

• Reviews and evaluates Aviation Real Estate Tax Reimbursement program applications and recommends approval.

• Reviews site investigation reports for proposed construction of general and private use airports, heliports, and vertiports.

• Reviews reports and recommendations resulting from annual or periodic inspection of airport, heliport, and vertiport facilities to recommend airport, heliport, and vertiport renovations or improvements to meet aviation safety and operational standards.

• Assists airports and municipalities in the formulation of airport hazard zoning.

• Supervises the implementation of educational programs and projects for the promotion of aviation.

• Presides as the hearing officer at public hearings with local municipalities to obtain public comment concerning proposed airport development and changes in accordance with aviation law.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of aviation safety laws, rules, and regulations.

• Knowledge of regulations governing aircraft safety or airport, heliport, and vertiport operations.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of aviation safety.

• Knowledge of the design, construction, and operation of aircraft.

• Knowledge of zoning regulations.

• Ability to gather, compile, analyze, and interpret inspection and investigation data.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering and planning documents including drawings, specifications, contracts, design standards, maps, and survey notes.

• Ability to operate technical equipment and instrumentation including digital transits, GPS receivers, and laser measuring devices.

• Ability to speak effectively before large groups.

• Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as an Aviation Specialist (Commonwealth title);

or

• One year of experience in airport management and possession of an active Accredited Airport Executive certification issued by the American Association of Airport Executives;

or

• Four years of experience as a private pilot, commercial pilot, airline transport pilot, or flight instructor and one year of experience inspecting and licensing airports, heliports, and vertiports and providing technical guidance on federal and state aviation regulations and standards;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.