Testing Standards Officer

SACAA; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A national aviation authority in South Africa is seeking a qualified professional responsible for the oversight and approval of ATO and FSTD. The role involves conducting audits, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, developing technical standards, and providing industry support. Candidates must have relevant aviation certifications and experience in regulatory compliance, auditing, and technical support. This is a full-time position based in Midrand, Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of civil aviation regulations and standards.
• Experience in auditing and compliance monitoring.
• Ability to provide technical design support.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the approval and oversight of ATO and FSTD.
• Conduct audits and inspections of training organizations.
• Develop regulations and technical standards for flight crew training.
• Provide assistance and recommendations regarding licensing standards.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Technical design support

Auditing and inspection

Industry liaison

Communication skills

Education

Relevant aviation regulation certifications

Job description

Purpose of the Job

• Responsible for ATO approval and oversight.
• Responsible for FSTD oversight and approval.
• Review and approval of Syllabi and Curricula.
• Responsible for licensing standards and regulations for all aircrew licenses; oversight of Designated flight examiners, Radio telephony Examiners and Language proficiency examiners; approval and oversight of examination centers.
• Monitor the conduct of pilot instructors and designated examiners.
• Submit memos to LAC for further investigation or enforcement action against instructors and examiners.
• Conduct and participate in review boards for the designation and redesignation of pilot instructors and designated examiners.
• Respond to queries regarding crew licensing, instructors, designated examiners, training or assessment from industry and the Authority.
• Provide technical assistance to other states, industry and licensing office.
• Participate in national seminars, conferences and workgroups related to flight instructors, designated examiners or inspector duties.
• Maintain procedure documents related to TSO inspectors for flight crew instructors or designated examiners

CATS and CAR Development

• In co-operation with Managers : Licensing and Examinations- Develop and implement Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS) for the Civil Aviation Regulations Part 61, 62, 63, 68, 69 ,71,72 in compliance with the Standards and Recommended Practices of ICAO Annex 1.

Operational Management

• Conduct audits and inspections as per SACAA Procedures to establish compliance.
• Conduct oversight on the activities of designated flight examiners, Radiotelephony examiners, Language Proficiency examiners and flight instructors.
• Make relevant recommendations pertaining to safety management systems.
• Investigate regulatory non-compliances and recommend remedial or enforcement measures.
• Provide factual reports of audits and inspections conducted on the training organisations.
• Monitor and follow up on the implementation of corrective action and the closure of action within allocated time frames.
• Facilitate approval, and their maintenance with respect to Training and Procedures Manuals.
• Support the Licensing Administration function within SACAA, including the assessment of applications, against legal requirements in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2011, Parts ,61, 62, 63, 68,69 and 71.
• Investigate and recommend action to the Director on any deviations from requirements.
• Introduce adequate measures to enable SACAA to effectively carry out its mandate of Safety and Security Oversight.
• Update and amend all documentation, checklists, and procedures to ensure compliance with the regulations.
• Review applications for the accreditation of military experience.
• Review applications for the conversion of validation for foreign licences where directed.

Support to PEL Sections and Departments

• Provide technical and investigation support to LAC department on enforcement issues.
• Recommending the approval / denial / withdrawal of exemptions, AMOCs and special approvals.
• Provide technical design support to PEL FSTD and ATO inspectors.
• Provide technical design support to the Exemptions and Regulatory Development section.
• Provide technical support to AIID regarding the investigation of accidents and incidents.
• Provide technical support to the General Aviation department.
• Provide other technical support as directed by the relevant line manager.

Design of Training and Testing Standards

• Design and develop test standards and examination items for flight crew training and testing.
• Design and periodically review the curricula and syllabi of flight crew licence and rating training and examinations.
• Develop and implement standards for licensing administration that ensures adherence to requirements.
• Develop technical guidance material for flight crew training and testing.

Communications and Safety Promotion

• Project a professional and positive image of the SACAA to all stakeholders. Provide industry feedback to the Manager

Industry Liaison and Client Service Standards

• Participate with industry through workshops and conferences in the development of :
  • Practical examination / testing / training standards
  • The oversight system to portray a positive image of the SACAA
  • Liaise with industry to record problem-solving solutions and convey knowledge to the industry to allow for the improvement of standards.
• Resolve customer issues while abiding by regulations and internal policies.
• Communicate with industry participants by publishing AIS document and PEL notices.
• Contribute to the content of the PEL web pages.