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Aviation Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Quality Inspector IIIperforms inspection of aviation accessoriesin accordance withthe current technical data provided in the Component Maintenance Manuals, Services Bulletins, Service Information ...

$90K/yr

Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation . The minimum medical ...

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Aviation Inspector information

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$12

$27

$52

How much do aviation inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for aviation inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aviation Inspector vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectAviation InspectorAircraft Maintenance Technician
CredentialsFAA certifications, inspector licensesFAA certifications, mechanic licenses
Work EnvironmentInspection sites, regulatory agenciesMaintenance hangars, repair shops
Employer & IndustryAirlines, regulatory agencies, manufacturersAirlines, maintenance companies, repair stations

Both Aviation Inspectors and Aircraft Maintenance Technicians require FAA certifications and work within the aviation industry. While inspectors focus on ensuring compliance and safety standards through inspections, maintenance technicians perform hands-on repairs and maintenance tasks. Understanding these roles helps job seekers identify the right career path in aviation safety and maintenance.

What are Aviation Inspectors?

Aviation Inspectors are professionals who examine aircraft, maintenance procedures, equipment, and operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards set by aviation authorities. They inspect planes for airworthiness, review maintenance logs, and test equipment to identify potential safety hazards. Aviation Inspectors may work for government agencies, airlines, or private organizations, and play a crucial role in maintaining the safety of air travel. Their work helps prevent accidents and ensures that both commercial and private aircraft operate safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aviation Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of aviation regulations, maintenance procedures, and aircraft systems, often supported by an FAA certification or an aeronautics degree. Familiarity with inspection tools, diagnostic equipment, and regulatory databases is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help inspectors identify issues and clearly document findings. These abilities ensure compliance with safety standards, minimize risks, and maintain the highest levels of aviation safety.

What are some common challenges Aviation Inspectors face during aircraft evaluations?

Aviation Inspectors often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequently updated regulations, thoroughly inspecting complex aircraft systems under time constraints, and effectively communicating findings to maintenance crews and management. They must balance strict adherence to safety standards with the operational needs of airlines or aviation companies. Additionally, inspectors may work irregular hours and in various weather conditions, requiring adaptability and strong attention to detail.
More about Aviation Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Aviation Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Aviation Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Aviation Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Aviation Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aviation Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Aviation Safety Inspector

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 hours ago


Federal Aviation Administration rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
The Geographic Program Inspector (Flight Oversight) is responsible for the performance of assigned technical administration, surveillance, and certification duties of air carriers/air operators within a geographical area. The incumbent is responsible for applying knowledge of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) for the development and implementation of standards, programs, and procedures for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) field personnel and the public governing.
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Duties
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Responsible for the geographic flight activities for the office. Assures, on a continuing basis, that the operators within their jurisdiction are properly and adequately organized, staffed and equipped; have and conduct an adequate training program, including an acceptable record keeping system; and have facilities and procedures that meet all regulatory requirements. Regularly visits the air carrier's/air operator's stations and other offices to maintain contact with their local top management officials and coordinates with the principal inspector for correction of any deficiencies or discrepancies.
Conducts enforcement actions and prepares final reports and recommendations on disposition. Performs or supervises the emergency suspension of certificates or cancellation of flight operations specifications. Conducts or directs the reexamination of certificated airmen.
Reviews manuals and determines the adequacy of operations manuals for compliance with 14 CFR. Makes recommendations to the principal inspector for amendments to previously approved manuals to accomplish the following: correct any conflict with regulatory requirements; eliminate unsafe practices; and/or improve the specificity of instruction.
Evaluates operations and facilities throughout the geographical area by periodic on-site inspection and the review of inspectors report and makes recommendations of changes essential or desirable in policies and procedures to the principal inspector.
Monitors all surveillance phases of flight oversight on behalf of the principal instructor including the following: training programs and records; base and station facilities; and enroute operations (including routes, areas, and/or airports).
Evaluates trends which may indicate deterioration in the safety of flight operations and then personally, or through assistance of other inspectors, coordinates with the principal inspector, and suggests changes required to correct such trends. Monitors the activities of examiner designees, check airmen, and instructors, and takes any action that may be required due to this monitoring. Advises the SRPM, principal inspector, or manager of any problems and controversial situations and of suggestions to resolve such situations.
Evaluates trends which may indicate deterioration in the safety of flight operations and then personally, or through assistance of other inspectors, coordinates with the principal inspector, and suggests changes required to correct such trends.
Monitors the activities of examiner designees, check airmen, and instructors, and takes any action that may be required due to this monitoring. Advises the SRPM, principal inspector, or manager of any problems and controversial situations and of suggestions to resolve such situations.
Conducts a flight oversight system analysis independently or as a team member on special inspection teams.
Performs other duties as required.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Selectee will be required to report to an FAA Flight Standards/AVS facility.

Qualifications
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for an Aviation Safety Inspector in the 1825 series as outlined in the OPM qualification standards.
The minimum eligibility requirements for this position are below or may be found on the following link: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/aviation-safety-series-1825/
General Requirements for All Positions:
  1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
  2. Valid State driver's license;
  3. Fluency in the English language;
  4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
  5. High school diploma or equivalent.

Aviation Safety Inspector positions have job-related medical requirements. When applicable, applicants must meet job-related medical requirements which will be assessed and validated during the pre-employment process.
Medical Requirements: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The minimum medical requirements include the following requirements:
  1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted); and
  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of the aircraft must:
  1. Possess a valid second class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; and
  2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

Applicants not requiring valid second-class medical certificates who are tentatively selected will be required to:
  1. Provide documentation from a board-certified physician certifying that they meet the minimal medical requirements; or
  2. Individuals who do not meet the minimum medical requirements but who are otherwise qualified will receive an individualized assessment to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position.

AND
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements, applicants for the FG-13 level must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression (GS/FG-12 or Pay Band H), as an Aviation Safety Inspector.
Applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector, Air Carrier Flight Oversight positions must meet all of the following requirements.
  1. At least one year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.
  2. Three years of experience working in an organization with an air carrier, commercial operator, or air agency certificate, an organization whose work led to the certification of individual airmen, or an organization that operated aircraft. At least one year of this experience must be with an organization that operated multiengine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum takeoff weight.
  3. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.
  4. Must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
  5. Not more than two flying accidents during the last five years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved

Examples of specialized experience includes:
  • Monitoring and issuing certificates to a large complex aviation organization or several smaller organizations that, in total, are comparable in complexity to one large aviation organization. Work at this grade level/pay band is generally reviewed from an overall standpoint for accuracy, consistency, and effectiveness in meeting requirements.

(Recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series, if applicable.)
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
For Lateral Movements Between 1825 Specialties: To assist in determining qualification requirements, applicants transferring between specialties at the same grade level are strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) check sheet and upload it along with their resume. Check sheets are contained in Order 3410.26, Flight Standards Service Air Carrier and General Aviation Qualifications Assessment Tool for AFS Aviation Safety Inspectors found using this link https://my.faa.gov/org/linebusiness/avs/offices/afx/tools/qat.html
Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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