Welcome back to another month featuring a career in the aviation industry. And, if you’re looking for a job in the aviation industry, this might be the one for you. Ever wondered who performed the checks and inspections of aircraft and communications equipment? That would be an aviation quality control inspector/analyst, and an aviation quality control inspector’s main job is to keep people safe.
What Does an Aviation Quality Control Inspector Do?
An aviation quality control inspector’s job requires keeping people, planes, and other equipment safe. As an aviation quality control inspector, one must inspect aircraft, air traffic controls, navigational aids, and communications equipment. An aviation quality control inspector will also investigate accidents and any equipment failures. And, s/he will suggest any repairs that need to be made after these inspections are complete. Not only will s/he perform these functions, but a quality control inspector will also analyze safety and maintenance procedures to make sure that aircraft and airports alike comply with federal safety regulations that have been set forth. An aviation quality control inspector must also ensure that the repair environment is safe for the workers.
The Duties of a Quality Control Inspector
Quality control inspectors make sure that aircraft doors are safe and secure. S/he will evaluate the work of the aircraft mechanics, again making sure that everything is safe and the mechanics are doing their job correctly. S/he will test aircraft gauges, meters, and other equipment, ensuring there are no issues with them. Also, the tires, landing gear, wings, fuselage, and engines must be checked for any wear or damage. Maintenance records are to be checked to make certain that servicing of the aircraft was performed during necessary intervals. And, if anything on the aircraft or its equipment should need repairs or replacements, a quality control inspector will see to it being repaired or replaced. An aviation quality control inspector’s duty is to also recommend improvements or changes to policies, standards, rules, and regulations. Detailed records will also need to be kept of any changes, repairs, inspections, or investigations. Flight test programs will need to be run to test the instruments, equipment, and systems of aircraft. An aviation quality control inspector also issues pilot licenses. S/he will also make sure that certificates of the aircraft’s worthiness are approved or denied.
What Skills and Knowledge will a Quality Control Inspector Need?
Though it may sound like it’s unrelated, being skilled in the English language is a large part of being a quality control inspector. It’s important to understand the structure and content of the language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. And, directly related to the English language, reading comprehension. One must be able to understand written sentences and paragraphs in all work documents. And, to be a quality control inspector, s/he needs to be skilled in writing, listening and speaking.
Another knowledge that quality control inspectors must possess is in mechanics. S/he needs to know the inside and out of machines and tools, which will include designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
It’s also important to note that aviation quality control inspectors should able be knowledgeable in public safety and security, transportation, training, engineering, mathematics, physics, computers, and other electronics, law, and design. Each of these skills and knowledge is important to being successful as a quality control inspector as it directly relates to the job at hand.
How to Become a Quality Control Inspector
If you’re ready to become a quality control inspector in the aviation industry, you should have a high school diploma or GED. Though starting out in this career a post-secondary education isn’t necessary, it should be noted that most receive a two- or four-year degree, as well as a government certification, to do this job. A good choice for a degree for this career will be one in aircraft maintenance technology, English, electronics, or automotive repair. Also, attending one of the FAA-approved institutions will help, so you can get the FAA certification needed to perform this job without being supervised.
If you’re ready to start your career as an aviation quality control inspector, consider Hinds Community College, which is an FAA-approved institution, that offers three different undergraduate programs in aviation, including the Aviation Maintenance Technology Degree. Northwest Mississippi Community College also offers a degree program in Aviation Maintenance Technology and is also approved by the FAA. You can also take English courses at Ole Miss, MSU, or MUW. Get started in the aviation industry today!
Remember, each month we highlight a new aviation career highlight. Keep an eye on http://www.rebelservices.net/latest-news for more!
