Survey on FAA Aviation Safety Inspector Training
(GAO-05-704SP)

Definition of Terms

Please read these terms carefully as they will help you complete the remainder of the survey. Technical training - Training that develops knowledge of the production, maintenance and operation of aircraft (including currency training), aircraft parts, and systems. For the purposes of this survey, technical training does not include training to learn computer programs to manage inspection processes (automation training). Automation training - Includes computer technology courses such as Excel, Access, and any training that applies to the individual's job such as Operations Specifications Subsystem (OPSS), Vital Information Subsystem (VIS), On-line Aviation Safety Inspection System (OASIS), Program Tracking and Reporting System (PTRS), Air Transportation Oversight System (ATOS), Safety Performance Analysis System (SPAS), System Safety, and Designee Information Network (DIN). FAA Academy training - Includes training taught by FAA Academy instructors. These courses may or may not be physically delivered at the FAA Academy. Industry training - Includes flight, systems, and engine training. This type of training has a course type of 'Academy-Various' to indicate that quota requirements go through the FAA Academy which contracts for this training. This could include workshops and independent vendors. Outside training - Includes surveillance of and training at airlines and other sources for which you may not receive credit. Additionally, training received through Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between assigned inspectors and airlines concerning various courses would fall into this category. Distance training - Refers to a variety of methods of non-classroom delivery including Web-based training (WBT), Computer-based training (CBI), Aviation Training Network (ATN/IVT), videotapes, and correspondence study. On-the-Job training - Includes planned, documented training conducted at a work site or by the supervisor or an appointed staff member. This type of training provides direct experience in the work environment in which the employee is performing or will be performing on the job.

4.	In thinking only about the technical knowledge you possess of the aircraft, systems or operations you inspect, to what extent did the following sources contribute to you currently having the technical knowledge needed to perform your present job?
	(CHECK ONE IN EACH ROW.)

		Very great extent	Great extent	Moderate extent	Some extent	No extent	No basis to judge/Not applicable	Don't know
4a.	The knowledge and skills you brought from your previous career prior to joining the FAA
4b.	Outside reading and research
4c.	Outside training you have taken on your own while working at FAA
4d.	Training received from FAA instructors
4e.	Training received from industry sources (FAA arranged/contracted) for which you received credit
4f.	Training received from outside sources such as airlines or manufacturers where you may not have received credit
4g.	Training received through distance training
4h.	Training received through on-the-job training
4i.	Training to maintain pilot currency
4j.	Discussions with other FAA or industry people
4k.	Automation training
4l.	Other (Please specify below.)

5.	If you checked "Other" above, please describe in the space below.

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Full Report: GAO-05-728

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