What does an aviation inspector do?

What is an Aviation Inspector?

A lot goes into keeping our skies safe and our planes working optimally!

Aviation inspectors keep the world's air transportation system safe by conducting preflight inspections to ensure the safety of an aircraft. They examine all the components that can affect an individual flight to ensure the safety of it's crew and passengers. They also mandate changes to maintenance schedules and suggest repairs as needed.

What does an Aviation Inspector do?

Aviation inspectors perform many functions to ensure the safe transportation of airline passengers. They investigate accidents and equipment failures, examine aircraft, air traffic controls, navigational aids and communications equipment, and suggest repairs when necessary. They analyze safety procedures and review maintenance procedures to make sure that airports and aircrafts are in compliance with federal safety regulations.

An aviation inspector's duties are to:
- inspect aircraft doors for safety and security
- evaluate the work of aircraft mechanics
- ensure adherence to standards and procedures
- test aircraft meters, gauges, and other instruments for evidence of problems
- check the tires, landing gear, wings, fuselage, and engines for wear or damage
- review maintenance records to ensure servicing was performed at necessary intervals
- suggest the repair or replacement of aircraft equipment
- approve or deny certificates of airworthiness
- recommend changes to policies, standards, rules and regulations
- maintain detailed records regarding inspections, repairs, investigations
- attempt to determine the causes of air accidents
- conduct flight test programs to test instruments, equipment, and systems
- issue pilot's licenses

Aviation inspectors make sure that planes and their mechanical equipment properly function. When a craft passes this evaluation, it is issued a certificate of worth.

What is the workplace of an Aviation Inspector like?

An aviation inspector can work either inside an airplane hangar, or outside, depending on the situation. Their job can be physically challenging, requiring climbing, being in uncomfortable positions to reach some of the equipment, and does involve heights. It can also be extremely stressful since their life or death decisions directly affect the safety of passengers and flight crews.