Aviation Safety inspector
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Annual openings
71
BLS median wage
$81,820
Typical education
High School (GED); however, many employees hold a bachelor's degree
10-year growth
+7%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
High School (GED); however, many employees hold a bachelor's degree
Credential requirement
There are different certifications available for the inspectors according to specialty and some employers require or prefer them.
Work experience
Previous experience in the area being inspected (aviation, freight/cargo, vehicles/equipment) is expected.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Transportation
Automation exposure
Moderate exposure
Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.
A typical day
- 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.
- Prepare and maintain detailed repair, inspection, investigation, and certification records and reports.
- Recommend replacement, repair, or modification of aircraft equipment.
- 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.
- Approve or deny issuance of certificates of airworthiness.