QUALITY ASSURANCE INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS All personnel being considered for selection as a QAI, CDQAI, or a CDI should meet the following qualifications: QAI/CDQAIs 1. Be senior in grade and experience. This is defined to mean a first class petty officer or above with a well-rounded maintenance background. It is recognized though, that unusual circumstances may temporarily require the use of other than E-6 or above personnel.   Under these circumstances, the most experienced personnel available, as determined by the maintenance officer, may be temporarily designated as a QAI or CDQAI as required. 2. Have fully developed skills and experience related to the technical fields under their cognizance. 3. Be able to research, read, and interpret drawings, technical manuals, and directives. 4. Be able to write with clarity and technical accuracy. 5. Be stable and excellent in performance. 6. Be observant, alert, and inquisitive. QAI/CDQAIs are designated in writing by the commanding officer after recommendation by the V-2 maintenance officer, the V-2 division officer, and the air department officer (see fig. 6-8). CDIs As stated earlier in this chapter, CDIs are assigned to the work centers and are to inspect all work and comply with all QA objectives and requirements during all maintenance actions performed by their respective work centers. They will also be familiar with the provisions of the various QA and maintenance management programs managed and monitored by the QA branch. CDIs must meet the same qualifications as QAI/CDQAIs and be PQS qualified on the particular type of equipment that they are assigned to inspect during maintenance. In addition, while CDIs are performing QA duties, they are responsible to the QA branch supervisor, ensuring that all maintenance, safety, and QA requirements are met by the work center by performing spot checks of all in-progress maintenance and work. CDIs are designated in writing by the air department officer after recommendation by the V-2 maintenance officer and the V-2 division officer (see fig. 6-8). All QA inspectors (QAI\CDQAIs and CDIs) will also be required to demonstrate their knowledge and ability by passing a written test administered by the QA branch. Personnel assigned to perform QA functions (QAI/CDQAIs and CDIs) will receive continuous training in inspecting, testing, and quality control methods specifically applicable to their area of responsibility. They will also receive cross training in the performance of duties outside their area of responsibility. This training will include local training courses, OJT, rotation of assignments, and required formal equipment and QA training schools. QUALITY ASSURANCE AUDITS QA audits are essential elements of an effective QA program. They provide an evaluation of performance and program compliance throughout the division by seining in an orderly method of identifying, investigating, and correcting program deficiencies on a regular basis. Audits are used to evaluate specific maintenance programs assigned to the QA branch for either management or monitoring. Audits fall into three categories: 1. Work center audit–These audits are conducted quarterly to evaluate the overall quality performance of each work center. As a minimum the following areas and items will be evaluated: Personnel and skills Technical publications Maintenance instructions Adherence to directives, inspections procedures, and 6-16