Aviation Inspectors
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.
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
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Tools Used
- Eddy current examination equipment
- Integrated maintenance information systems
- Dial indicator or dial gauge
- Wearable computing devices
- Infrared imagers
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.
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
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Post-secondary certificate
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.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$39790.0 - $129020.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.