What Does it Take to Be an Aviation Inspector?
Example of Aviation Inspector Job 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
- Conduct flight test programs to test equipment, instruments, and systems under a variety of conditions, using both manual and automatic controls.
- Examine aircraft access plates and doors for security.
- Recommend replacement, repair, or modification of aircraft equipment.
- Recommend changes in rules, policies, standards, and regulations, based on knowledge of operating conditions, aircraft improvements, and other factors.
- Examine landing gear, tires, and exteriors of fuselage, wings, and engines for evidence of damage or corrosion and the need for repairs.
- Analyze training programs and conduct oral and written examinations to ensure the competency of persons operating, installing, and repairing aircraft equipment.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Aviation Inspector?
Below is a list of the skills most Aviation Inspectors say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Types of Aviation Inspector
- Supervising Airplane Pilot
- Inspector
- Aviation Safety Inspector, Manufacturing
- Quality Inspector
- Flight Operations Inspector
Are There Job Opportunities for Aviation Inspectors?
There were about 28,200 jobs for Aviation Inspector in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Average Aviation Inspectors Salary
The typical yearly salary for Aviation Inspectors is somewhere between $28,870 and $123,980.

Aviation Inspectors who work in Maine, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Aviation Inspectors make in each U.S. state?
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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Aviation Inspectors may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Becoming an Aviation Inspector
What kind of Aviation Inspector requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Aviation Inspectors?

Aviation Inspectors work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |