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Aviation Inspector

Overview and Key Facts

man with tablet by airplane
Education
Education
Post high school credential
Median Pay
Median Pay
$85,750
Job Growth
Job Growth
1.70%
(Below US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
26,100

What Do They Do?

An aviation inspector could...

 
airplane crash
Investigate air accidents to help determine their cause.
ejection seat
Evaluate an ejection seat to make sure it can be safely fired in an emergency.
woman fixing helicopter rotors
Inspect the rotors on a helicopter for cracks to prevent a catastrophic failure.
emergency exit
Check that the emergency exits on a commercial flight are functioning and properly marked.
 
airplane crash ejection seat woman fixing helicopter rotors emergency exit

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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS10p0xPjxw

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


  1. Critical Thinking: ?
  2. Active Listening: ?
  3. Speaking: ?
  4. Reading Comprehension: ?
  5. Quality Control Analysis: ?
More skills...

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.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state
No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Aviation Inspector Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Aviation Inspector jobs (1.70%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming an Aviation Inspector

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Post high school credential ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

Aviation inspectors usually start out as aircraft mechanics who have fulfilled the requirements for a particular job. This means a 2- or 4-year degree, government certification, and 18-24 months of instruction at an FAA-approved school. They then accumulate several years of experience before they qualify to become inspectors with the FAA, which may require special authorization.

Although some people become aircraft mechanics through on-the-job training, most learn their jobs in 1 of approximately 170 schools certified by the FAA. About one-third of these schools award 2-year and 4-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology, or aviation maintenance management.

FAA standards established by law require that certified mechanic schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 class hours. Coursework in schools normally lasts from 18 to 24 months and provides training with the tools and equipment used on the job. Aircraft trade schools are placing more emphasis on technologies such as turbine engines, composite materials—including graphite, fiberglass, and boron—and aviation electronics, which are increasingly being used in the construction of new aircraft.

Courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful because they demonstrate many of the principles involved in the operation of aircraft, and knowledge of these principles is often necessary to make repairs. Recent technological advances in aircraft maintenance require mechanics to have an especially strong background in electronics to get or keep jobs in this field. Courses that develop writing skills also are important because mechanics are often required to submit reports. Mechanics must be able to read, write, and understand English.

A few mechanics are trained on the job by experienced mechanics. They must be supervised by certified mechanics until they have FAA certificates.

Companies That Hire Aviation Inspectors

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Nature of the Work

Aviation inspectors examine aircraft and procedures to ensure that planes conform to federal safety regulations. They also examine maintenance procedures, air traffic controls, air navigational aids, and communications equipment. If they find the aircraft in compliance with federal safety regulations, they issue certificates of worthiness. Most aviation inspectors work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They also investigate accidents and equipment failures and determine the need for repairs and changes in service.

Work Environment

Aviation inspectors usually work 40-hour weeks. They work outside or inside in airplane hangars. Their tasks may be physically demanding, as inspectors have to climb and move into precarious positions to inspect some machinery and equipment. The job may be stressful, as their work can affect flight schedules and the safety of passengers and crew.

More Information

Ask Questions

Do you have a specific question about a career as an Aviation Inspector that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

Additional Resources

National Air Transportation Association

Sources

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