07/01/91 C

This is the second class in the Aviation Operations Series for positions that are responsible for installing and maintaining airport navigational aids at licensed airports. The incumbent inspects licensed airport’s navigational aid equipment on a scheduled basis. Performs all maintenance on navigational aid systems and coordinates equipment installation in accordance with departmental plans. This class is distinguished from the Aviation Operations Specialist by the latter’s involvement with airport lighting and visual aids.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty compiling information and technical data used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to license navigational aids and assign radio transmission frequencies. Reviews designs of the department’s staff engineers to assure conformity with electrical requirements of the system and state and local building codes. Performs on-site inspections of the construction and equipment installation to assure that all department and FAA standards are met. Tunes electronic navigational equipment to perform with FAA prescribed tolerances. Performs annual flight inspection of the equipment to verify the signal is properly aligned and defined as prescribed by the FAA. Conducts additional periodic verification inspections and performs maintenance as prescribed.

Supervision Given: Supervision of other employees is typically not a factor; however, may lead student employees in work assignments.

Supervision Received: Supervision is received from program engineer or Division, Manager. Technical direction may be received from a Civil Engineer.

Scope: Work activities affect the reliability of the airport and safety of the users during all weather conditions.

Impact of Actions: Navigational aids facilities that are improperly constructed, inspected and maintained may result in the loss of life and property of the user and liability to the Commonwealth. Loss of instrument approaches and night operations adversely affect the reliability of the airport and consequent economic development.

Personal Contacts: Frequent external contacts are made with FAA, FCC, local officials, airport managers, engineering consultants, contractors, and vendors to schedule, license, construct, inspect, procure parts for and maintain systems.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of electronics and electrical theory, of communication transmitting and reception theory and of antenna propagation theory.

Skills: Skill in troubleshooting electronic, electrical and communications circuits using applicable electronic testing instruments.

Abilities: Ability to design and install aviation electronics systems, to schedule work and prepare reports and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: General Class FCC Radio-Telephone License required. Successful completion of a FAA approved course on the navigation aids equipment maintained at airport in the Commonwealth. Successful completion of a FAA administered practical examination on each navigation aid leading to receipt of Verification Authority.

Education or Training: High school graduation or equivalent with additional course work in electronics, electronics troubleshooting, or electronic engineering.

Level and Type of Experience: Progressively responsible experience in electronics, navigation aids and/or communications troubleshooting and repairs.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class, formerly titled Aviation Operations Specialist B. was revised by the Departments of Aviation and Personnel and Training, effective July 1991.