Aviation inspector
Also known as: lead inspection officer, transportation inspector, flight inspector, aircraft quality inspector, aircraft accident investigator, aircraft maintenance inspector
About this occupation
Aviation inspectors perform inspections of the procedures followed in the matters of maintenance, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment. They check compliance with ICAO, EU, national and environmental regulations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- content of airworthiness directives
- issue waivers
- liaise with colleagues
- enforce fuel storage regulations
- inspect aircraft documentation
- monitor airworthiness certifications
- information confidentiality
- conduct regular aviation research
- use technical documentation
- apply technical communication skills
- have computer literacy
- liaise with managers
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Aviation Inspectors (O*NET 53-6051.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Investigative
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis
US median pay: US$92,100 a year (2025), 24,500 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.6)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalExtremely important (4.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.6)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
- Transportation Inspectors
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Ship Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.