Aviation Inspectors

Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.

Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $35K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $54K
Median Salary: $78K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $107K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $132K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

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.

Investigate air accidents and complaints to determine causes.

Approve or deny issuance of certificates of airworthiness.

Examine maintenance records and flight logs to determine if service and maintenance checks and overhauls were performed at prescribed intervals.

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.

Schedule and coordinate in-flight testing programs with ground crews and air traffic control to ensure availability of ground tracking, equipment monitoring, and related services.

Examine landing gear, tires, and exteriors of fuselage, wings, and engines for evidence of damage or corrosion and the need for repairs.

Prepare and maintain detailed repair, inspection, investigation, and certification records and reports.

Recommend replacement, repair, or modification of aircraft equipment.

Start aircraft and observe gauges, meters, and other instruments to detect evidence of malfunctions.

Examine aircraft access plates and doors for security.

Analyze training programs and conduct oral and written examinations to ensure the competency of persons operating, installing, and repairing aircraft equipment.

Conduct flight test programs to test equipment, instruments, and systems under a variety of conditions, using both manual and automatic controls.

Observe flight activities of pilots to assess flying skills and to ensure conformance to flight and safety regulations.

Recommend changes in rules, policies, standards, and regulations, based on knowledge of operating conditions, aircraft improvements, and other factors.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
SAS software
Computer aided design CAD software
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Desktop publishing software
Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Industrial control software
Robotic workstation software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web platform development software
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Construction and maintenance support equipment
Ladders
Hand tools
Torque wrenches
Industrial process machinery and equipment and supplies
Non-destructive inspection NDI robots
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Fluorescent penetrant testers
Office and desk accessories
Protractors
Transportation services equipment
Aircraft Technical Publishers ATP Maintenance Planner
Top 10 Knowledge Required
English Language
92%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mechanical
92%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Public Safety and Security
90%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Customer and Personal Service
89%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Transportation
89%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Education and Training
82%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Production and Processing
78%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Engineering and Technology
77%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Mathematics
75%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administration and Management
74%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
80%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening
78%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension
78%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking
78%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Operations Monitoring
75%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis
75%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Writing
73%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving
68%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Monitoring
68%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Judgment and Decision Making
65%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Top 10 Abilities
Inductive Reasoning
83%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Problem Sensitivity
83%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Deductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Near Vision
80%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
78%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension
78%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Speech Clarity
75%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Written Expression
73%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Information Ordering
70%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Top 10 Work Activities
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
99%
Importance

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
99%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Documenting/Recording Information
94%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
92%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Interacting With Computers
91%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information
90%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
90%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
86%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
83%
Importance

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
83%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Inspect aircraft or aircraft components.

Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.

Issue certificates or licenses.

Record service or repair activities.

Recommend changes or corrective procedures.

Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.

Pilot aircraft.

Investigate transportation incidents, violations, or complaints.

Schedule operational activities.

Coordinate flight control or management activities.

Evaluate performance of applicants, trainees, or employees.

Test performance of aircraft equipment.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Structured versus Unstructured Work

To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Coordinate or Lead Others

How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?

Education
Interests
Realistic
96%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional
81%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative
77%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Enterprising
39%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Social
19%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Top 10 Work Styles
Integrity
97%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability
92%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Attention to Detail
90%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Self Control
89%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance
88%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Achievement/Effort
87%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Independence
87%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Adaptability/Flexibility
86%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Cooperation
86%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Analytical Thinking
85%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Work Values
Independence
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Support
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Achievement
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Recognition
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Relationships
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.