Aviation Inspector

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

An aviation inspector could...

Overview Listen to this section

Aviation inspectors are critical to ensuring that aircraft are safe to fly. They conduct pre-flight inspections to make sure an aircraft is safe. They also inspect the work of aircraft mechanics, and keep detailed records of work done to maintain or repair an aircraft. As problems are identified, they may make changes to maintenance schedules, and may be called upon to investigate air accidents.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Aviation Inspector?

1. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
2. 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.
3. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
4. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
5. Quality Control Analysis: ? Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

6. Operations Monitoring: ? Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
7. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
8. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
9. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
10. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Aviation Inspector might do:

• 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.
• Examine landing gear, tires, and exteriors of fuselage, wings, and engines for evidence of damage or corrosion and the need for repairs.
• Recommend replacement, repair, or modification of aircraft equipment.
• Start aircraft and observe gauges, meters, and other instruments to detect evidence of malfunctions.
• Examine aircraft access plates and doors for security.
• Recommend changes in rules, policies, standards, and regulations, based on knowledge of operating conditions, aircraft improvements, and other factors.