The FAA guidance provides flexibility for field offices
to “pass over” more complicated applicants in the
process when specific resources are not available to
perform those types of certifications. While this
flexibility would allow less complicated certifications
to move quickly through the backlog, this process is
seldom used. The FAA is currently working on refining
the guidance to streamline certifications.
Second, the FAA lacks a standardized process for
initiating new certifications. The FAA has not provided
a reliable and objective method or guidance to its
offices for determining when resources are available to
initiate new certifications. When the FAA receives new
applications, an evaluation of available inspector staff
should be performed to determine whether the
certification can proceed.
If
resources are not available, the FAA can determine
whether to wait-list the applicant or transfer the
certification to a different field office with more work
capacity. Field offices are required to communicate with
applicants every 90 days regarding their status;
however, once applicants are placed on a waiting list
there is no requirement for the FAA to later re-evaluate
available inspector resources to determine when
certification for the backlog applicant can begin.
Finally, over the last 3 years, poor communication
regarding the FAA certification policy has resulted in
workflow interruptions and diminished incentive for
inspectors to expedite new certification applicants.
While the FAA states it has never formally suspended all
certification work, figure 2 below shows a variety of
frequently changing guidance and inconsistent
communications between Headquarters and the field
regarding when to perform and when to halt
certifications.
For example, in March 2011, the FAA halted most new
certification activity. In addition, a large the FAA
regional division stopped new certifications twice over
a 1 - year period. Also, as recent as June 2013, the FAA
stated that Headquarters must approve any new
certification work at field offices. According to the
FAA representatives at both the regional and district
office levels, these cessations in certifications were
due in part to ongoing budget issues and sequestration,
coupled with the need to maintain safety oversight of
existing operators.
Finally, the Assistant Inspector General warned that
a growing demand for certifying NextGen technologies
and procedures, as well as FAA’s need to certify
unmanned aircraft systems, will further add to FAA’s
certification workload.
|