Aviation Inspectors

Aircraft Inspector

Aircraft Quality Control Inspector (Aircraft QC Inspector)

Airworthiness Safety Inspector

Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI)

Avionics Safety Inspector

Inspector

Manufacturing Aviation Safety Inspector (Manufacturing ASI)

Quality Control Inspector (QC Inspector)

Quality Inspector

RTS Inspector (Return to Service Inspector)

What is an Aviation Inspector?

Aviation Inspectors are highly trained professionals responsible for ensuring that aircraft and aviation operations comply with safety regulations and standards set by national and international aviation authorities. They conduct detailed inspections of aircraft, maintenance records, and operational procedures to verify airworthiness and adherence to safety protocols. These inspectors play a crucial role in the aviation industry, working closely with airlines, maintenance organizations, and regulatory agencies to promote safety, reliability, and efficiency in air transportation. Their responsibilities often include reviewing maintenance practices, investigating incidents or accidents, and providing oversight during aircraft modifications or repairs. Aviation Inspectors typically hold certifications in aviation maintenance or piloting, and their expertise is essential for maintaining the integrity of the aviation system.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$39790.0 - $129020.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, modification, or repair and overhaul of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures.
Examine maintenance records and flight logs to determine if service and maintenance checks and overhauls were performed at prescribed intervals.
Inspect new, repaired, or modified aircraft to identify damage or defects and to assess airworthiness and conformance to standards, using checklists, hand tools, and test instruments.
Approve or deny issuance of certificates of airworthiness.
Prepare and maintain detailed repair, inspection, investigation, and certification records and reports.

Technology Skills

Data base user interface and query software
- Aviation Safety Database (ASDB)
- Microsoft Access 365
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel 365
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook 365
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Photoshop 2024

Tools Used

Eddy current examination equipment
- Eddy current inspection equipment
- Eddy current pencil probes
Integrated maintenance information systems
- Aircraft Technical Publishers ATP Maintenance Planner
- Maintenance tracking software
Dial indicator or dial gauge
- Dial gauges
Wearable computing devices
- Wearable computers
Infrared imagers
- Thermographic equipment

Knowledge

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

1 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R30,038pm

Determining Your Readiness for a Career as an Aviation Inspector in South Africa

Aviation safety is the backbone of the South African transport sector. With 2 active job openings currently available and an average salary of R30,038pm, the profession is seeing a significant upward trajectory. In fact, market data shows a steady increase in remuneration, starting from approximately R26,433.51 in January 2024 and projected to reach R33,041.89 by December 2024. This growth reflects the high demand for skilled professionals who can ensure our skies remain safe.

Is Aviation Inspection Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this high-stakes career, assess whether you possess the core personality traits and cognitive attributes required by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) standards:

Uncompromising Integrity: Can you remain objective and firm, even when under pressure from airlines or maintenance organisations to overlook minor discrepancies?
Obsessive Attention to Detail: Do you naturally spot minute errors in technical documents or mechanical components that others might miss?
Analytical Rigour: Are you able to synthesise complex technical data and regulatory frameworks to make informed safety decisions?
Effective Communication: Can you articulate technical faults and legal requirements clearly to both engineers on the ground and executives in the boardroom?
Methodical Nature: Do you prefer following structured protocols and checklists to ensure no step in a process is bypassed?

A Day in the Life of a South African Aviation Inspector

Your day typically begins early, often at major hubs like OR Tambo International or Cape Town International, or perhaps at a smaller regional airfield. Unlike a desk-bound role, your "office" shifts between hangars, runways, and administrative blocks. You might start by conducting a ramp inspection, where you perform a "walk-around" of an aircraft to check for visible defects, tyre wear, or fluid leaks before departure.

By midday, you could be at a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, auditing logbooks and ensuring that every spare part used on a South African-registered aircraft is certified and traceable. You are the final line of defence in the aviation value chain. Your role is not just to find fault, but to partner with stakeholders to uphold the highest safety standards in accordance with South African Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Education & Upskilling: The Path to Certification

The journey to becoming an Aviation Inspector is one of rigorous academic and practical preparation. In South Africa, there are two primary pathways:

Formal Degrees & Diplomas: Most inspectors hold a degree or BTech in Aeronautical Engineering or a related field from a recognised University, or a National Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance from a TVET college.
Technical Licensing: You must typically hold a valid Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license or a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with extensive experience. The SACAA requires several years of "hands-on" experience before you can transition into an inspectorate role.
Short Courses & Specialisations: Specialized certifications in Quality Management Systems (QMS), Safety Management Systems (SMS), and specific "Type Ratings" for different aircraft models are essential.

It is crucial to remember that in aviation, your education never truly ends. Because technology and international ICAO standards evolve rapidly, continuous learning is non-negotiable. You will be required to attend regular workshops and recertification programmes to maintain your status as a qualified inspector.

Next Steps

Transitioning into an Aviation Inspector role is a prestigious career move that offers both financial stability and the profound responsibility of protecting lives. If you have the technical background and the meticulous mindset described above, you are already halfway there. However, the path is demanding and requires a specific alignment of skills. Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive career assessment to see if you are prepared to take on the challenge of securing South Africa's tailwinds.

Skills

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Abilities

Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Associate's degree

34 %
High school diploma or equivalent

29 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Post-secondary certificate

20 %

Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

Work Activities

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

Inspect aircraft or aircraft components.
Investigate transportation incidents, violations, or complaints.
Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.
Issue certificates or licenses.
Record service or repair activities.

Work Interests

Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.