Is it not that they are responsible for the continued management of the airworthiness of the aircraft. In that respect and in so far as it falls under their influence they are to ensure that the integrity of the airworthiness certification is not compromised through action or lack of action in the areas of operation or maintenance. With respect to maintenance 1st and 2nd line engineering staff (no idea what current term is) have no principal input to management of airworthiness in that they follow approve maintenance procedures, standards and practices as approved by the IPT. For example a eng o when authorising say a Red Line entry is not in reality making a airworthiness decision in so far as the certification of the aircraft is concerned.
Last edited by TomJoad; 30th Jul 2013 at 11:04.