How to Be Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 9, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager's role is critical in ensuring that all aviation activities, operations, and processes comply with applicable regulatory and safety standards. The failure to comply with these standards can result in serious consequences such as operational disruption, financial losses, and, in the worst cases, accidents and fatalities. The Manager plays an important part in ensuring that the aviation industry is safe for passengers and crew members alike by overseeing the implementation of safety programs, conducting safety audits, and monitoring compliance with the applicable regulations. The Manager's efforts also help to protect airlines from potential liabilities associated with non-compliance, ensuring that aviation operations are conducted safely and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Managers need to have a bachelor's degree in aviation management, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
Obtain Related Work Experience. While work experience is not a requirement for entry-level positions as an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager, it can be beneficial to have some related experience in a related field. Examples of related experience can include working in air traffic control, aviation maintenance, or aircraft operations.
Obtain Necessary Certifications. Depending on the organization, Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Managers may need to obtain certain certifications. For example, they may need to obtain a certification in Aircraft Aviation Safety (CAS) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT).
Develop Knowledge of Airline Regulations. Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Managers need to be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations that govern aviation operations. They should become familiar with the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and other applicable regulations.
Become Familiar with Safety and Security Programs. Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Managers should also become familiar with safety and security programs for airlines and airports. They should be knowledgeable about the procedures for screening passengers and baggage, as well as emergency response plans and risk management protocols.
Have Excellent Communication Skills. Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Managers must be able to effectively communicate with both airline personnel and government regulators. They should have strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as superior interpersonal skills.

Staying ahead and capable in the area of aviation regulatory and safety compliance requires proactive management and continuous improvement. Companies must stay up to date on changes in regulations and technical guidance, as well as industry trends, to remain compliant. This means a commitment to training personnel, conducting internal audits, and utilizing proven risk assessment and assessment tools.

Furthermore, a proactive approach to safety management, such as implementing a safety management system and a safety culture, can help organizations anticipate and mitigate potential hazards. Finally, by cultivating strong relationships with regulatory bodies and creating a clear chain of communication throughout the organization, companies can ensure that their regulatory and safety responsibilities are met with the highest standards.

You may want to check Business Process & Regulatory Compliance Manager, Internal Compliance Manager, and Supply Chain Compliance Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee the development and implementation of safety and regulatory policies, procedures, and processes in accordance with applicable aviation laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
Monitor aviation regulatory changes to ensure compliance and maintain required certifications.
Manage and coordinate internal and external audits to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Develop and implement safety and quality standards in collaboration with operational teams.
Create and maintain reporting systems for tracking safety and compliance performance.
Investigate and analyze safety incidents, accidents, and other safety concerns.
Develop and deliver training programs for pilots, maintenance staff, and other personnel to ensure compliance with aviation regulations.
Monitor the performance of aircraft and maintain a logbook of all maintenance activities.
Liaise with government agencies to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and permit requirements.
Prepare and submit reports to management on the status of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aviation regulations, standards, and compliance policies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to interpret and analyze data to ensure safety standards are met
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Understanding of risk management principles
Experience with safety management systems
Knowledge of aviation insurance policies and procedures
Ability to create detailed reports on safety compliance and regulatory issues

The ability to effectively manage aviation regulatory and safety compliance is an essential skill for any Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager. This requires a comprehensive understanding of applicable regulations, industry standards, and legal requirements, as well as the ability to create and implement effective policies and procedures. A successful Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager must have excellent communication skills to ensure all stakeholders are kept up to date with the latest changes.

They must also be able to identify and assess potential risks, and develop solutions to minimize or eliminate those risks. Furthermore, they must be able to provide accurate and timely reports to both internal and external entities. By having these key skills, a competent Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager will be able to ensure company operations are compliant, efficient, and safe.

International Trade Compliance Manager, Export Compliance Analyst, and Business Continuity & Regulatory Compliance Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aviation regulatory and safety compliance management?
How do you ensure that your team is compliant with the latest aviation regulations and safety standards?
What strategies do you use to identify and address aviation regulatory and safety compliance issues?
How do you stay abreast of emerging trends in aviation regulatory and safety compliance?
Describe a challenging situation you've faced related to aviation regulatory and safety compliance, and how you handled it.
What measures do you take to ensure that aviation regulatory and safety compliance procedures are followed?
How do you ensure that your team is properly trained in aviation regulatory and safety compliance?
How do you handle a situation where a team member is not complying with aviation regulatory and safety requirements?
What systems and processes do you have in place to ensure that aviation regulatory and safety compliance is maintained?
How do you ensure that your team is updated on changes to aviation regulations and safety standards?

Common Tools in Industry

Risk Analysis Software. Software that helps organizations assess the risks associated with their operations, such as safety and compliance risks. (e. g. RiskLens)
Safety Management Software. Software that helps organizations create, document and manage safety processes. (e. g. SafetyWing)
Documentation Management Software. Software that helps organizations manage documents related to aviation regulations and safety standards. (e. g. ProCore)
Aviation Weather Services. Services that provide real-time weather information for aviation operations. (e. g. WxCaster)
Aviation Regulatory Database. Database that provides real-time information on aviation regulations and standards. (e. g. AvLaw)
Compliance Management Software. Software that helps organizations track and manage compliance with aviation regulations and standards. (e. g. ComplianceBridge)
Training Management Software. Software that helps organizations create, manage, and track employee training on aviation regulations and safety standards. (e. g. Skillsoft)
Audit Management Software. Software that helps organizations plan, execute, and report on audits related to aviation regulations and safety standards. (e. g. AuditsOnline)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Regional Airline Association (RAA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Helicopter Association International (HAI)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF)
National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA)
International Federation of Airworthiness (IFA)

We also have Network Security & Regulatory Compliance Manager, Compliance Manager, and Credit Card Compliance Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Airworthiness. A technical term that refers to the state of an aircraft being fit and safe to fly.
Maintenance Requirements. Rules, regulations, and procedures that must be followed to ensure an aircraft is safe and airworthy.
Accident Investigation. The process of assessing the cause of an accident and making recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Flight Training. Instructional courses designed to teach pilots how to safely and effectively operate aircraft.
Airspace Regulations. Rules and guidelines for aircraft operations in specific areas, including altitude restrictions and designated flight paths.
Airport Security. Procedures and protocols designed to protect airports from terrorist attacks or other security threats.
Hazardous Materials Regulations. Rules and regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials by air.
Aircraft Certification. The process of ensuring that an aircraft meets all applicable safety and performance standards before it is allowed to fly.
Air Traffic Control. The process of managing aircraft in the air to ensure they do not come into contact with each other and stay on the designated flight paths.
Flight Operations Manual. A document outlining all operational procedures for an aircraft, including safety precautions, emergency procedures, and maintenance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the role of an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager? A1: The role of an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager is to ensure that the organization is in compliance with all applicable aviation safety regulations, standards, and procedures. This may involve developing and implementing policies and procedures, conducting internal audits, overseeing corrective action plans, and providing training and guidance to personnel. Q2: What qualifications are needed to become an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager? A2: To become an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager, individuals typically need to possess a bachelors degree in aviation or a related field, as well as experience in the aviation industry. Additional qualifications may include knowledge of aviation laws and regulations, safety management systems, and strong communication and problem-solving skills. Q3: What is the job outlook for an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager? A3: The job outlook for an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029. Q4: What responsibilities does an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager have? A4: The responsibilities of an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager include developing safety policies and procedures, conducting internal audits, overseeing corrective action plans, monitoring safety performance, and providing training and guidance to personnel. Additionally, they must ensure that their organization complies with all applicable aviation safety regulations. Q5: What is the average salary of an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager? A5: The average salary of an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager varies depending on experience level and geographic location. According to PayScale, the average salary for an Aviation Regulatory & Safety Compliance Manager in the United States is $81,450 per year.