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All About Aviation Inspectors
Aviation Inspector Definition Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Life As an Aviation Inspector: What Do They Do?
- Observe flight activities of pilots to assess flying skills and to ensure conformance to flight and safety regulations.
- 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.
- Analyze training programs and conduct oral and written examinations to ensure the competency of persons operating, installing, and repairing aircraft equipment.
- Approve or deny issuance of certificates of airworthiness.
- Recommend changes in rules, policies, standards, and regulations, based on knowledge of operating conditions, aircraft improvements, and other factors.
- Start aircraft and observe gauges, meters, and other instruments to detect evidence of malfunctions.
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Aviation Inspector Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Aviation Inspectors say are important on the job.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Aviation Inspector
- Maintenance Inspector
- Inspector
- Safety Inspector
- Quality Inspector
- Avionics Safety Inspector
Is There Job Demand for Aviation Inspectors?
In the United States, there were 28,200 jobs for Aviation Inspector in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,600 new jobs for Aviation Inspector by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Aviation Inspector are Alabama, Rhode Island, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Minnesota, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does an Aviation Inspector Make?
The salary for Aviation Inspectors ranges between about $28,870 and $123,980 a year.
Aviation Inspectors who work in Maine, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Aviation Inspectors make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alaska | $105,850 |
Arizona | $61,380 |
Arkansas | $70,790 |
California | $76,290 |
Colorado | $77,660 |
Connecticut | $82,870 |
District of Columbia | $100,630 |
Florida | $85,340 |
Georgia | $70,850 |
Hawaii | $79,490 |
Idaho | $73,870 |
Illinois | $84,420 |
Indiana | $78,520 |
Iowa | $77,250 |
Kansas | $86,500 |
Kentucky | $71,930 |
Louisiana | $69,970 |
Maine | $101,310 |
Maryland | $65,710 |
Massachusetts | $71,840 |
Michigan | $79,170 |
Minnesota | $83,180 |
Mississippi | $85,700 |
Missouri | $73,160 |
Montana | $77,390 |
Nebraska | $86,130 |
New Hampshire | $72,500 |
New Jersey | $74,010 |
New Mexico | $58,510 |
North Carolina | $79,680 |
North Dakota | $87,030 |
Ohio | $58,740 |
Oklahoma | $76,600 |
Oregon | $76,510 |
Pennsylvania | $65,710 |
Rhode Island | $53,090 |
South Carolina | $72,160 |
South Dakota | $57,780 |
Tennessee | $78,120 |
Texas | $84,250 |
Utah | $55,360 |
Virginia | $77,920 |
Washington | $73,480 |
Wisconsin | $86,990 |
Wyoming | $70,470 |
What Tools & Technology do Aviation Inspectors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Aviation Inspectors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP software
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- SAS software
How to Become an Aviation Inspector
What education or degrees do I need to become an Aviation Inspector?
What work experience do I need to become an Aviation Inspector?
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.