The role of an aviation safety inspector is one of the most important jobs at any airport. Aviation safety inspectors help protect the lives of pilots, flight attendants, and passengers by ensuring that those administering the flight as well as the aircraft itself are safe.
According to the FAA’s website, aviation safety inspectors are involved in developing, administering, or enforcing regulations and standards concerning civil aviation safety. These standards and regulations include the airworthiness of aircraft and aircraft systems, the competence of pilots, mechanics, and other airmen, and safety aspects of aviation facilities, equipment, and procedures.
Aspiring aviation safety inspectors must have a high school diploma and a pilot’s license with at least 100 flight hours in the last three years and 1500 flying hours overall. This license is required by the FAA to ensure inspectors have the knowledge needed to inspect safety in aircraft and aircraft equipment as well as to monitor the competence of pilots, mechanics, and other airmen.
Broad knowledge of the aviation industry, including general principles of aviation safety and regulations and policies affecting aviation is a must. Aviation safety inspectors must also have extensive technical knowledge and skill in the operations, airworthiness, or manufacture of aircraft and aircraft systems.
If becoming an aviation safety inspector is a real dream for you, you’ll need to work hard to get there. The job growth for this position is lower than average compared to other occupations so competition for open positions is fierce. You’ll need to stand out among the other candidates.
The average salary for aviation safety inspectors in the United States is $97,996. Entry-level inspectors can expect a salary of at least $60,000 a year with the potential to earn up to $138,000 per year as they gain experience.
Ready to start pursuing your dream of becoming an aviation safety inspector? You can earn your pilot’s license in Mississippi at Delta State University or Hinds Community College.
