Aviation Safety Inspectors

The duties of an aviation safety inspector generally include making sure that aircraft are airworthy, that the facilities surrounding aircraft are safe, that the parts and equipment that are used to repair aircraft are of top quality, and that the personnel working on or flying aircraft complete their work safely and correctly. The specific duties of aviation safety inspectors depend on the area in which they specialize.

Aviation safety inspectors usually work in one of three general areas: operations, pertaining to the operation of aircraft; manufacturing, pertaining to the manufacture of aircraft or related equipment; or airworthiness, pertaining to the maintenance and repair of aircraft and related equipment in order to ensure safe flight. In addition, the FAA has identified and defined four different types of aviation safety areas: avionics, maintenance, manufacturing, and operations. These inspectors all administer and enforce safety regulations and uphold set standards. The differences are in the general areas that the inspectors regulate and/or the size of the aircraft they inspect.

Avionics (from the words aviation and electronics) is the application of electronics to the operation of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Avionics inspectors evaluate avionics technicians, training programs, inspect repair facilities, investigate incidents, and perform other duties. Air carrier avionics inspectors conduct inspections of avionics systems of aircraft that have a takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds. General aviation avionics inspectors conduct inspections of avionics systems of aircraft with a takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less.

Maintenance safety inspectors are concerned with the repair and maintenance of aircraft, aircraft parts, and related equipment. They assess the skills of the mechanics that work on aircraft and related parts and equipment and issue initial certification that they are proficient and meet the necessary requirements. This certification is done on a continuing basis, and the inspector is responsible for that as well. They also assess and certify repair facilities and evaluate mechanic training programs. Inspectors perform inspections of aircraft to determine airworthiness, checking for any problems due to damage or deficient components. One way they do this is by starting the aircraft being inspected and observing the gauges, meters, and other instruments to ensure they are working properly. These inspectors are also responsible for examining maintenance programs and facilities, the equipment and procedures used for maintenance, and maintenance schedules. They advise whether new equipment needs to be acquired or if existing equipment needs to be fixed or modified. They check maintenance records and flight logs to see if prescribed service and maintenance procedures were performed and completed in a timely manner. Air carrier maintenance inspectors conduct inspections of aircraft that have a takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds. General aviation maintenance inspectors conduct inspections of aircraft with a takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less.

Manufacturing safety inspectors are concerned with the design and manufacture of aircraft, aircraft parts, and avionics equipment. They examine these materials to make sure they match the necessary design specifications. Inspectors may use hand tools and test instruments to accomplish this. They also issue the original certificates determining airworthiness for all aircraft. Inspectors in this area also inspect manufacturing facilities to make sure they meet safety regulations and standards.

Operations safety inspectors are concerned with the people operating aircraft and their training programs, equipment, and facilities. The inspector evaluates pilots, navigators, and flight instructors and issues initial certification that they are proficient and meet the necessary requirements. This certification is done on a continuing basis, and the inspector is responsible for that as well. They also evaluate the manner in which these workers are trained, the equipment they use, and the facilities in which they work and train to make sure they meet safety regulations and standards. One way an inspector might do this is by running simulations with flight personnel, ground crews, and air traffic controllers to monitor the performance of the people and equipment involved.