AIR Transformation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I engage regarding regular operational issues?

Why is AIR transforming? (PDF)

Is "AIR Transformation" a new concept?

How can we assure AIR Transformation will not negatively impact the safety record?
AIR has made significant contributions to the current level of safety in aviation. AIR Transformation seeks to focus AIR's contributions to safety in ways that will be more effective for achieving safety improvements. For example, we expect transformation of our processes for supporting upfront involvement with new aviation technologies will focus our resources more effectively in these areas that present both opportunities and threats for aviation safety. To assure that AIR's performance sustains and improves overall safety, our transformation includes an increased focus on monitoring and using data to identify trends. Specific organizations in the transformed AIR will be solely focused on safety oversight to assure early identification of trends and effective implementation of changes needed to address those trends.

What is reorganization?
Reorganization describes the steps AIR is taking to transition from its current, product-based structure to an organization that is functionally aligned.

Ultimately, reorganization will enable several benefits:

  • Agility and Adaptability - Provides agility and adaptability to meet the challenges of the dynamic global aviation industry.
  • Innovation - Fosters innovation by engaging applicants/industry early to understand new concepts and ensure a viable path to compliance.
  • Consistency and Standardization - Improves consistency and standardization by establishing single functional lines for certification, standards, and system oversight.
  • Metrics-Based Analysis - Establishes business practices for utilizing metrics to determine efficacy of Industry/FAA associated with compliance and time to market.
  • System Oversight - Shifts focus from transactional compliance activities to system oversight and early involvement in standards development.

AIR’s incremental approach to reorganization includes two phases: realignment and refinement.

What is realignment?
Realignment is the first step in implementing AIR’s functional organization. This phase involves the alignment of AIR’s existing local offices, such as Aircraft Certification Offices (ACOs), Standards Staffs, Technical and Administrative Support Offices, Manufacturing Inspection Offices (MIOs), and Manufacturing Inspection District Offices (MIDOs), to the functional divisions.

What are the benefits of realignment and how does it help AIR move to the functional organization?
Realignment allows the new division personnel to work with their division executives to finalize the detailed design of AIR’s functional organization. Realignment demonstrates AIR’s commitment to the reorganization by making permanent, visible changes immediately and quickly establishing the functional divisions.

How does reorganization help achieve AIR Transformation?
AIR’s current structure does not allow the organization to be agile in responding to changing needs. In contrast with the current product-based model, a functionally aligned organization provides a more streamlined structure, and empowers a managing executive to implement national process improvements within their area of responsibility.

How is AIR engaging industry to help support AIR Transformation and the reorganization?
Industry commitment is critical to the success of AIR Transformation and the reorganization. There are a number of industry engagement activities that AIR is currently executing that are focused on changing the way industry does business with AIR.

Specifically, AIR is working with a team of industry stakeholders to update the Certification Process Improvement (CPI) Guide, which includes identifying integration points within the functional organization. AIR is also engaging in constructive dialogue with industry groups to identify areas of improvement and key risks and issues.

Continuing these types of engagement activities with industry helps promote commitment, increase support, and assure understanding of the upcoming organizational changes and the AIR Transformation.

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Last updated: Friday, November 19, 2021