What Does an Aircraft Inspector Do?
Aircraft inspectors play a crucial role in aviation safety and compliance. They are responsible for examining aircraft and their components to ensure they meet all regulatory and operational standards. These professionals meticulously check airframes, engines, and systems using precision instruments and diagnostic tools. Their work helps prevent mechanical failures and supports compliance with aviation authority guidelines such as those from the FAA or EASA.
In addition to hands-on inspections, they review maintenance records, approve airworthiness documentation, and collaborate with mechanics and engineers. Aircraft inspectors are employed by airlines, maintenance repair organizations (MROs), manufacturers, and government agencies. Their evaluations contribute directly to passenger and crew safety and regulatory compliance.
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Aircraft Inspector Core Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed inspections of aircraft, engines, components, and systems
- Verify compliance with FAA regulations and OEM standards
- Use diagnostic tools and instruments to detect mechanical or structural issues
- Approve and sign off on airworthiness release documents
- Review aircraft maintenance logs and technical records for completeness and accuracy
- Identify and report safety hazards and recommend corrective actions
- Collaborate with maintenance teams to resolve discrepancies
- Maintain detailed documentation of inspection outcomes and compliance actions
- Participate in audits and regulatory inspections
- Stay current with changes to aviation safety regulations and procedures
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting aircraft blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals
- Knowledge of FAA Part 43, 65, and 145 regulations
- Experience using borescopes, multimeters, calipers, and other inspection tools
- Familiarity with digital maintenance tracking systems (e.g., CAMP, TRAX)
- Ability to assess corrosion, fatigue, and wear on aircraft structures
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong analytical and diagnostic thinking
- Clear communication skills for reporting and documentation
- Ethical judgment and compliance mindset
- Team-oriented attitude with the ability to work independently
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Completion of an FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician School preferred
Certifications
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification required
- Inspection Authorization (IA) Certification preferred for senior roles
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in Part 121 or Part 135 operations
- Prior military aviation maintenance experience
- Familiarity with OEM standards (e.g., Boeing, Airbus)
- Knowledge of EASA regulations for international operations
- Training in human factors and safety management systems (SMS)
National Average Salary
Aircraft inspector salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Aircraft Inspector is:
$76,596
Sample Job Description Templates for Aircraft Inspectors
Entry-Level Aircraft Inspector
Position Overview
Entry-level aircraft inspectors assist in conducting inspections on aircraft under the guidance of senior inspectors. They are responsible for learning regulatory requirements, helping document findings, and gaining hands-on experience with inspection equipment and aviation systems.
Aircraft Inspector Responsibilities
- Assist in routine inspections of aircraft structures, systems, and components
- Follow inspection checklists and FAA regulations
- Record inspection results and discrepancies under supervision
- Learn to use precision instruments for measurements and diagnostics
- Support senior inspectors in safety audits and documentation
Aircraft Inspector Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of aircraft systems and structures
- Familiarity with FAA maintenance practices
- Ability to read technical manuals and schematics
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and follow directions
- High attention to detail
- Team collaboration
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Enrollment in or graduation from an FAA-approved AMT program
Certifications
- None required, but FAA A&P certification in progress preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Internships or hands-on training in aviation maintenance
- Basic tool proficiency
Mid-Level Aircraft Inspector
Position Overview
Mid-level aircraft inspectors carry out complete inspections independently and assist in identifying and resolving mechanical or regulatory discrepancies. They work on routine and non-routine inspections and provide support in preparing documentation.
Aircraft Inspector Responsibilities
- Perform airframe and powerplant inspections
- Document findings and recommend corrective actions
- Interpret technical documentation and service bulletins
- Ensure maintenance records meet compliance standards
- Assist in implementing safety measures and protocols
Aircraft Inspector Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with borescopes, calipers, and multimeters
- Understanding of FAA Part 43 and 145 compliance
- Use of digital maintenance tracking systems
Soft skills
- Problem-solving mindset
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Accountability and reliability
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of FAA-approved AMT program
Certifications
- FAA A&P certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of aviation inspection experience
- Familiarity with SMS and quality assurance programs
Senior Aircraft Inspector
Position Overview
Senior aircraft inspectors lead critical inspection operations and ensure all maintenance and repair activities align with regulatory standards. They serve as subject matter experts and mentors for junior inspectors.
Aircraft Inspector Responsibilities
- Lead inspections and verify airworthiness
- Approve maintenance releases and work documentation
- Train and mentor junior inspectors
- Oversee corrective actions and compliance resolutions
- Interface with auditors and regulatory authorities
Aircraft Inspector Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of airframe/powerplant systems
- Experience with root cause analysis and advanced diagnostics
- Regulatory knowledge across FAA, EASA standards
Soft skills
- Leadership and team mentorship
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Decision-making under pressure
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- FAA-certified training completion
Certifications
- FAA A&P certification required
- Inspection Authorization (IA) preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years’ experience in aviation maintenance inspection
- Prior OEM or MRO leadership roles
Lead Inspector/Inspection Supervisor
Position Overview
Lead inspectors supervise inspection teams and coordinate workflow to ensure timely and compliant inspections. They manage inspection schedules, oversee QA practices, and report performance metrics to upper management.
Aircraft Inspector Responsibilities
- Schedule and assign inspection tasks
- Supervise inspector performance and training
- Conduct internal audits and quality reviews
- Resolve escalated technical issues
- Liaise with maintenance and engineering teams
Aircraft Inspector Requirements
Hard skills
- Project management of inspection operations
- Knowledge of airworthiness directives and service bulletins
- Familiarity with audit and QA standards
Soft skills
- Team leadership and conflict resolution
- Multitasking and time management
- Clear communication across departments
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of technical aviation education
Certifications
- FAA A&P certification required
- IA certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of hands-on and supervisory inspection experience
- Familiarity with large fleet operations or airline maintenance
Chief Inspector
Position Overview
The chief inspector is the highest-level authority for ensuring airworthiness and compliance in a maintenance organization. They oversee all inspection activity, ensure adherence to internal procedures and FAA regulations, and serve as the primary contact for regulatory agencies.
Aircraft Inspector Responsibilities
- Establish and enforce inspection policies and protocols
- Maintain continuous compliance with FAA standards
- Oversee the Inspection Department’s staffing, training, and performance
- Conduct internal investigations and oversee corrective action plans
- Represent the organization during audits and certifications
Aircraft Inspector Requirements
Hard skills
- Strategic oversight of inspection operations
- Mastery of all FAA maintenance and QA regulations
- Budgeting and resource planning
Soft skills
- Leadership and executive decision-making
- High integrity and accountability
- Stakeholder and regulatory communication
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Advanced aviation maintenance training recommended
Certifications
- FAA A&P certification required
- IA certification strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years’ experience in aviation inspection leadership
- Experience leading Part 145 repair stations or airline maintenance programs
Airframe Inspector
Position Overview
Airframe inspectors specialize in evaluating the structural integrity and condition of aircraft fuselage, wings, landing gear, and other non-engine components. Their work ensures airframe safety and compliance with structural maintenance protocols.
Aircraft Inspector Responsibilities
- Conduct inspections of fuselage, wing structures, and landing gear
- Use NDT techniques such as dye penetrant or ultrasound
- Assess damage and corrosion on exterior and interior surfaces
- Verify compliance with ADs and structural service bulletins
Aircraft Inspector Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in structural analysis and NDT methods
- Proficiency with borescopes and visual inspection tools
- Knowledge of aircraft OEM airframe specifications
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented documentation
- Ability to identify and report risks
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Technical school in aircraft maintenance
Certifications
- FAA A&P certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years in airframe-specific inspections
- NDT Level II or III certification preferred
Powerplant Inspector
Position Overview
Powerplant inspectors are responsible for inspecting and verifying the condition of aircraft engines, auxiliary power units (APUs), and related systems. Their assessments help ensure propulsion safety and regulatory compliance.
Aircraft Inspector Responsibilities
- Perform engine teardown and borescope inspections
- Evaluate APU condition and component wear
- Interpret engine trend data and performance metrics
- Document engine repairs and approve return-to-service status
Aircraft Inspector Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with engine OEM documentation (e.g., Pratt & Whitney, GE)
- Experience with vibration analysis tools and diagnostics
- Knowledge of FAA Part 33 and powerplant directives
Soft skills
- Analytical and investigative mindset
- Strong record-keeping skills
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Aviation powerplant training
Certifications
- FAA Powerplant certification required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of powerplant inspection experience
- Engine-specific OEM training (CFM56, PW1100, etc.)
UAV Inspector
Position Overview
UAV inspectors specialize in assessing the integrity and regulatory compliance of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). These professionals work with commercial and government drone operators to ensure airworthiness, data reliability, and adherence to FAA Part 107 or equivalent rules.
Aircraft Inspector Responsibilities
- Conduct preflight and post-flight inspections of UAV hardware
- Evaluate propulsion, navigation, and payload systems
- Ensure compliance with FAA Part 107 and remote ID rules
- Document anomalies and initiate repair procedures
Aircraft Inspector Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of UAV flight control systems and firmware
- Familiarity with battery safety, telemetry, and ground control stations
- Knowledge of FAA and local UAV regulations
Soft skills
- Adaptability in evolving technologies
- Clear and concise reporting
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Training in drone technology or aviation systems
Certifications
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with commercial drone operations
- Background in robotics or avionics preferred