Aviation Inspector

Your Fit

Income

$86K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

2.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Aviation Inspector?

An Aviation Inspector is responsible for examining aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure they comply with federal safety regulations. This role is crucial in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry.

Sample job titles:

Aircraft Inspector, Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), Inspector, Quality Inspector

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Aviation Inspector.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Aviation Inspector earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$40K per year	$59K per year	$86K per year	$105K per year	$137K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $36K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Aviation Inspector do?

Work environment

Aviation Inspectors work in various settings, including airports, aircraft maintenance facilities, and government offices. Their job often requires traveling to different sites to conduct inspections and may include working in hangars, on airfields, or in office environments for report preparation.

Quick task list

Inspects aircraft, engines, and other aviation equipment for compliance with safety regulations.
Reviews maintenance, repair, and operation procedures of airlines and maintenance facilities.
Investigates aviation accidents and incidents.
Evaluates training programs of airlines and maintenance crews.
Prepares detailed inspection reports and recommends corrective actions.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Aircraft Inspection: Specializing in the examination of commercial or private aircraft.
Airline Operations Inspection: Focusing on the operational aspects of airlines, including safety procedures and flight operations.
Maintenance and Repair Inspection: Concentrating on the inspection of aircraft maintenance and repair facilities.
Aviation Safety Compliance: Ensuring compliance with aviation safety regulations and standards.
Accident Investigation: Specializing in investigating and analyzing aviation accidents.

Description

Aviation Inspectors are vital in ensuring that all aspects of the aviation industry meet stringent safety standards. They must have a comprehensive understanding of FAA regulations and be able to apply this knowledge during inspections. Inspectors review a wide range of operational and maintenance activities, from the mechanical aspects of aircraft to the training and qualifications of flight and ground crew.

Attention to detail is critical in this profession, as the safety of flight operations heavily depends on the thoroughness of inspections. Inspectors must be proficient in identifying potential hazards and non-compliance issues and have the ability to communicate effectively with airline management, technicians, and government officials. They also need to stay current with technological advancements in aviation and changes in safety regulations.

The role involves preparing detailed reports and maintaining records of inspections and investigations. In the event of an aviation incident, inspectors may play a key role in the investigation, requiring them to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry.
Working on diverse and technically complex tasks in aviation.
The sense of responsibility and impact associated with ensuring public safety.

You might make a good Aviation Inspector if you are...

Passionate about aviation and committed to safety.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
Proficient in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Able to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
Comfortable with a role that involves travel and varying work environments.

Pros:

Rewarding work in ensuring the safety of air travel.
Opportunities for specialization in different areas of aviation.
The dynamic nature of the job with diverse daily tasks.

Cons:

High responsibility and the pressure of maintaining stringent safety standards.
The need for ongoing education to keep up with advancements in aviation technology.
Potential for stressful situations, especially when dealing with non-compliance or accidents.

How to become an Aviation Inspector

Typical education

Typically, Aviation Inspectors have an associate's degree in aviation technology or a related field, although a bachelor's degree can be beneficial. In-depth knowledge of aviation and relevant experience, such as being a licensed pilot or an experienced aircraft mechanic, is often required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physics and mathematics for a basic understanding of aviation principles.
Technical writing for report preparation skills.
Computer science for working with inspection and reporting software.
Courses in mechanics or electronics, if available.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining aviation or aerospace clubs.
Participating in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs.
Volunteering at local airports or aviation museums.

Preparation after high school

An associate's or bachelor's degree in aviation technology, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
Obtaining pilot licenses or aircraft mechanic certification for practical experience.
Specialized training programs offered by the FAA or other aviation organizations.

More resources

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Offers resources and training for aviation professionals.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) - Provides information on aviation safety and accident investigations.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) - A resource for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Aviation Safety Network - Provides updates and information on aviation safety.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.