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Flight Operations Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Controller

Wheeling, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $90K/yr

Act as the liaison between flight operations and the maintenance department to communicate aircraft ... Ensure that all required maintenance tasks, inspections, and tests are performed according to ...

Inspector Department: Outstation QC Inspection Reports To: Outstation Inspection Manager Location ... or flight operation checks. * Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations during day-to ...

ORD A&P MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28.21 - $46.45/hr

... inspections conducted. * Collaboration and Communication: * Work closely with other maintenance technicians, engineers, and flight operations personnel to ensure seamless and efficient aircraft ...

Operations Agent

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

They are seeking detail-oriented professionals to support daily operational workflows, data ... Support freight inspections and ensure shipments meet applicable IATA flight standards. * Create ...

... operations across more than 70 countries. As a leader in outsourced aviation logistics, we're built ... the flight, which includes inspection of ULD's, passenger ops support, checking the weights ...

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Flight Operations Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$27

$52

How much do flight operations inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight operations inspector in Chicago, IL is $27.34, 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 a flight operations inspector?

Flight Operations Inspectors are aviation professionals responsible for ensuring that airlines and other flight operators comply with safety regulations and operational standards set by aviation authorities. They conduct inspections of aircraft, review flight procedures, evaluate crew qualifications, and monitor airline operations to ensure compliance with national and international aviation laws. Their work helps maintain the safety and efficiency of commercial and cargo flight operations. Flight Operations Inspectors often have significant experience as pilots or in other aviation roles before taking on this regulatory position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight operations inspector?

To thrive as a Flight Operations Inspector, you need an extensive background in aviation, a commercial or airline transport pilot license, and in-depth knowledge of flight operations and regulatory standards. Familiarity with flight management systems, aviation safety protocols, and regulatory compliance tools such as ICAO and FAA documentation is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable inspectors to assess operations and clearly convey safety expectations. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensuring compliance, promoting safety, and maintaining high standards in commercial aviation.

What are some common challenges faced by flight operations inspectors, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Flight Operations Inspectors often face challenges such as staying current with ever-evolving aviation regulations, handling high-pressure audits, and balancing administrative duties with on-site inspections. New hires can prepare by developing strong organizational skills, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aviation standards, and building effective communication with airline staff and regulatory bodies. Being proactive about ongoing professional development and fostering a detail-oriented mindset can help navigate these challenges and ensure safe, compliant flight operations.

What is the difference between Flight Operations Inspector vs Flight Safety Specialist?

AspectFlight Operations InspectorFlight Safety Specialist
Required CredentialsFAA certifications, aviation safety trainingFAA certifications, safety management training
Work EnvironmentAirlines, regulatory agencies, airportsAirlines, regulatory agencies, safety organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in airline operations and regulatory oversightFocus on safety protocols and incident prevention
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Flight Operations Inspectors and Flight Safety Specialists both work within the aviation industry, focusing on safety and compliance. While Flight Operations Inspectors primarily oversee airline operations and ensure regulatory adherence, Flight Safety Specialists concentrate on developing safety protocols and analyzing incidents. Both roles require FAA certifications and are vital for maintaining aviation safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Operations Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Flight Operations Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Flight Operations Inspector jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Flight Operations Inspector job openings:

Aviation Safety Inspector

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Serves as the Principal Operations Inspector for Wheels Up JTT Flight Program at the Denver FSDO.

The Principal Operations Inspector (POI) serves as the primary operations interface between assigned air carriers, air operators, air agencies, airmen, designees, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Has program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Title 14 Code of Federal Regulation (14 CFR) with respect to general aviation operations programs.

Qualifications:

General Requirements for All 1825 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.

Medical Requirements for All Positions:

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.

When the predominant work involves general aviation operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with single and multi-engine airplane and instrument airplane ratings. Must have given a minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction in an aircraft.
  2. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a flight check to Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating;
  3. Possession of Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating.
  4. Minimum of 100 flight hours within the last 3 years.
  5. Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
  6. Possession of single and multi-engine land airplane ratings.
  7. Not more than 2 flying accidents in the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved.
  8. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I/FG-13 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 is: Assisting, conducting or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation and compliance recommendation of operational activities for FAR Part 135 air carriers/air operators.

The recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.

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

Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Education:

Education is not qualifying and cannot be substituted for experience.

Employment Type: OTHER