Aviation Safety Inspectors

High School

High school students interested in a career in aviation safety should pursue a college prep curriculum, since a college degree is preferred for many positions in aviation safety inspection. Mathematics and science courses are especially useful. Course work in communications will also be beneficial, since aviation safety inspectors need to ask questions, instruct others, and give oral and written reports of their findings.

Postsecondary Training

A high school diploma or equivalency is the minimum eligibility requirement for all federal aviation safety positions; a college degree may be required for nongovernment positions. Experience is also required, some of which is general to all aviation safety positions. Other experience is specific to the different positions in the field of aviation safety. A college education can be used to substitute for some or all of the required experience, depending upon each position. For example, the federal government will allow the substitution of one year of school for nine months of general experience. A bachelor's degree in the fields of engineering, aeronautics, or air transportation is especially useful. All prospective aviation safety inspectors should have general experience that provides them with knowledge of the aviation industry and/or aircraft operation. Examples of positions that would qualify as general experience include being a pilot or crew member, an air traffic controller, an aviation mechanic, or an avionics technician.

Some positions require specific experience. For example, an aviation safety inspector in operations needs experience as a pilot or copilot, a flight instructor, a flight test pilot, a flight inspector, or an aviation operations inspector. Some positions require that inspectors have the ability to operate specific types of aircraft. This experience can be gained from private flight schools, university flight schools, and military training.

An aviation safety inspector in manufacturing needs experience with quality control in accordance with federal aviation regulations. The quality control experience should be with the production of aircraft, aircraft engines, aircraft propellers, or aircraft assemblies. Some positions require additional experience in supervision, management, and implementation of quality control programs.

An aviation safety inspector focusing on airworthiness needs experience in supervising the repair and maintenance of aircraft, aircraft engines, or aircraft electronics communication and navigation systems. This experience must include being responsible for following federal aviation standards for airworthiness, or military regulations and safety standards. A job as a field service representative of an aircraft systems manufacturer or an aircraft equipment manufacturer may provide adequate experience for some positions, as well.

Certification

The Transportation Safety Institute administers the Aviation Safety Professional Certificate Series program. There are four aviation safety professional certificate designations: Air Safety Investigator, Senior Air Safety Investigator, Aviation Safety Professional, and Senior Aviation Safety Professional. To earn each certificate, students must complete a series of courses. Visit https://www.transportation.gov/tsi/aviation-safety-professional-certificate for more information.

Colleges and universities, as well as professional associations, offer certificates in aviation safety and related fields. For example, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University offers a graduate certificate in aviation safety, and Purdue University offers a graduate certificate in aviation safety management. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers Aviation Safety Fundamentals, a program that covers the general principles and concepts of aviation safety. Students who complete the coursework and pass an examination receive an IATA certificate of completion. Contact these and other schools and organizations to learn more.

Other Education or Training

Colleges and universities, professional associations, and online learning platforms provide in-person and online classes in aviation safety and related topics.