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Flight Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aurora Flight Sciences

Quality Inspector

Columbus, MS · On-site

$45K - $79K/yr

Quality Inspector Position Overview At Aurora Flight Sciences, we design, build, and fly advanced aircraft and enabling technologies from concept to reality. We are searching for a talented and self ...

Premier Air Inc

A&P Technician Level 3

Vandalia, OH · On-site

$29.50 - $38/hr

Must acquire, support, and maintain a QC level 2 collateral duty Safe-For-Flight inspector. Must be able to train and direct junior mechanics on multiple aircraft projects. Must be Team oriented ...

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Flight Inspector information

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$5

$17

How much do flight inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight inspector in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an aircraft inspector?

To become an aircraft inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an associate degree in aviation maintenance or a related field. Many inspectors gain experience as aircraft mechanics or technicians and obtain certifications such as the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, which is often required for inspection roles.

What are Flight Inspectors and what do they do?

Flight Inspectors are aviation professionals responsible for evaluating and ensuring the safety, functionality, and compliance of aircraft navigation systems, airports, and air traffic control procedures. They conduct in-flight inspections, test navigational aids and instrument landing systems, and verify that aviation standards are met. Their work is crucial for maintaining safe air travel and involves both hands-on testing and detailed reporting. Flight Inspectors often work for government agencies or regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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

To thrive as a Flight Inspector, you need expert knowledge of aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and inspection procedures, typically backed by an FAA certification and extensive experience in aviation maintenance or piloting. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, inspection software, and regulatory documentation systems is essential. Meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication allow Flight Inspectors to identify and resolve safety or compliance issues efficiently. These skills are vital to ensure aircraft safety, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of accidents in the aviation industry.

Is a FAA inspector a good job?

A Flight Inspector, often employed by the FAA, is responsible for ensuring aviation safety standards, inspecting aircraft, and verifying compliance with regulations. The role requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and often involves irregular hours and travel. It can be a stable and respected career for those with a background in aviation or engineering.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Inspectors during routine inspections?

Flight Inspectors often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, tight schedules, and the need to adapt to different types of aircraft and avionics systems. They must remain vigilant to small discrepancies that could impact safety, all while balancing regulatory compliance with operational demands. Additionally, Flight Inspectors frequently collaborate with pilots, maintenance crews, and regulatory bodies, requiring strong communication skills and a thorough understanding of current aviation regulations.

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

AspectFlight InspectorAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, Flight Inspector certificationFAA A&P license, specialized maintenance certifications
Work EnvironmentRegulatory oversight, inspections at airports or maintenance facilitiesHands-on aircraft repair and maintenance in hangars or repair stations
Employer & IndustryAirlines, FAA, aviation safety agenciesAircraft repair stations, airlines, military

While both roles require FAA A&P certification, Flight Inspectors focus on regulatory compliance and safety inspections, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and maintenance. Both are essential in aviation safety but differ in daily duties and work environment.

How much do plane inspectors get paid?

Plane inspectors, also known as aircraft or flight inspectors, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced inspectors with specialized skills or working for major airlines or maintenance organizations can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $90,000 per year.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $3,000 a day include specialized roles such as experienced flight inspectors, senior pilots, certain medical specialists, and top-tier corporate executives. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, extensive experience, and often involve high responsibility or risk. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and individual qualifications.
More about Flight Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Flight Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Flight Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Inspector jobs are:
Flight Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,000 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Airway Transportation Systems Specialist

Career Fields | Federal Aviation Administration

Sacramento, CA

$63K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Responsible and accountable for the verification of performance and reliability of numerous interrelated systems providing a range of services essential to the operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). Includes input required for final certification of facilities and flight procedures, ultimately leading to the safe & efficient movement of air traffic in the NAS.

Career-ladder position, required to participate in formal and/or on-the-job training to develop to an FG-13.

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the FG-11 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-9 level.

Or


Education Substitution: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related


Or


Combination education and experience may be qualifying for this position. Refer to OPM's Operating Manual Qualification Standards at, http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/sec-iv/a/gs-admin.asp for more information.

To qualify for this position at the FG-12 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-11 level.

To qualify for this position at the FG-13 level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FG-12 level.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE includes experience that demonstrates an extensive knowledge of and experience in the technology, system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and electronics systems.

AND

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a selective factor for this position. This means possession of this criterion is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess this criterion are ineligible for further consideration.

Selective Placement Factor (SPF): Grade levels 12 and 13 must be a certified Flight Inspector. Include a copy of the Flight Inspector Certificate issued by Flight Program Operations (front and back) with your application.

Selected candidates must obtain a Class III medical certificate prior to appointment.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their Work History.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Education:

See Qualifications Required.

Information Regarding KSAs

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each Knowledge, Skills and Abilities section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) or Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Employment Type: OTHER

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