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Pilot Safety Inspector information

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$54.5K

$96.3K

$128K

How much do pilot safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot safety inspector in the United States is $96,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

In the aviation industry, senior or specialized pilot safety inspectors, such as those overseeing airline operations or aircraft certification, tend to earn higher salaries due to their expertise and experience. Factors like certifications, years of experience, and the complexity of the aircraft or operations they oversee can influence earning potential.

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

AspectPilot Safety InspectorFlight Operations Inspector
CertificationsFAA pilot certifications, safety inspector credentialsFAA flight operations certifications, safety credentials
Work EnvironmentAircraft inspections, safety audits, on-site inspections at airportsOperational reviews, compliance checks, airport and airline facilities
Employer & IndustryAirlines, FAA, aviation safety agenciesAirlines, FAA, aviation regulatory bodies

Both roles focus on aviation safety but differ in scope. Pilot Safety Inspectors primarily evaluate pilot performance and aircraft safety, while Flight Operations Inspectors review overall flight operations and compliance. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in aviation safety roles.

How much do FAA safety inspectors make?

FAA safety inspectors, including Pilot Safety Inspectors, typically earn an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. They perform inspections, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and often require FAA certifications and a background in aviation. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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

To thrive as a Pilot Safety Inspector, you need a robust background in aviation, pilot certification (such as an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate), and substantial flight experience. Familiarity with aviation safety regulations, inspection procedures, and technical systems like flight data monitoring tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help inspectors identify risks and clearly convey safety standards. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure compliance, enhance operational safety, and prevent accidents in the aviation industry.

Are FAA inspectors getting paid?

FAA inspectors, including Pilot Safety Inspectors, are federal employees who receive a salary based on the General Schedule pay scale. Their compensation varies by experience, location, and grade level, and they are typically eligible for benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What are the most common challenges faced by Pilot Safety Inspectors during routine inspections?

Pilot Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse aircraft types, adapting to varying operational procedures across different airlines, and ensuring compliance with evolving aviation regulations. Balancing thorough inspections with tight schedules can also be demanding, especially when coordinating with flight crews and maintenance teams. Effective communication and up-to-date technical knowledge are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring aviation safety standards are consistently met.

How do you become an aviation safety inspector?

To become an aviation safety inspector, candidates typically need a background in aviation, such as experience as a pilot, mechanic, or air traffic controller, along with relevant certifications like an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license or pilot certificates. Applicants must meet specific experience requirements, pass written and practical exams, and often undergo background checks and training provided by the Federal Aviation Administration or equivalent authorities.

What are Pilot Safety Inspectors?

Pilot Safety Inspectors are professionals, often employed by government aviation authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who are responsible for ensuring that pilots and flight operations comply with all safety regulations and standards. They conduct evaluations, inspections, and sometimes investigations to verify that airline and commercial pilots meet licensing, training, and operational requirements. Their work helps maintain high levels of safety in aviation by enforcing rules, providing recommendations, and sometimes participating in the certification of pilots and flight schools.
More about Pilot Safety Inspector jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Pilot Safety Inspector jobs? For Pilot Safety Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Pilot Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pilot Safety Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, and 92% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,334 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier - Operations), Principal Operations Inspector (POI)

Aviation Safety Inspector (Air Carrier - Operations), Principal Operations Inspector (POI)

Department of Transportation

Charlotte, NC

$107K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 668 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Principal Operations Inspector (POI) is responsible for the oversight and safety assurance of a full range of certification, surveillance, compliance, enforcement, and inspection duties for assigned air carrier, airmen, and designees. Responsible for ensuring that the assigned organization meets Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) with respect to operations, cabin, ground, cargo, and dispatch programs. Establishes work programs for inspection and surveillance.Qualifications:

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.

Medical Requirements: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, and must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted) without strain;
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others or 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 aircraft must:

  1. Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (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 air carrier operations, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions must meet all of the following requirements.

  1. At least 1 year of pilot experience in multi-engine aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight;
  2. Not more than 2 flying accidents during the last 5 years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved;
  3. Professional flying skill as demonstrated in a simulator check to Airline Transport Pilot Standard;
  4. Minimum 100 flight hours during the last 3 years;
  5. Airline Transport Pilot Certificate or Commercial Pilot Certificate with instrument airplane rating (Department of Navy positions require pilot experience as demonstrated by previous ATP level performance in large multi-engine airplanes and helicopters);
  6. Possession of a valid second-class FAA medical certificate (For positions within the Department of Navy, applicants must also be physically qualified to ride as an observer aboard squadron aircraft. In addition, must also meet physical requirements to travel and lift heavy objects while performing mishap investigations); and
  7. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours.

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 grade level as an Aviation Safety Inspector. 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: inspection, surveillance, and monitoring of air carriers through all phases of operations, including training programs and records; provide guidance in the development of required operations manuals and record keeping systems; analyze reports to ensure compliance with operations programs; conduct enforcement investigations and prepares final reports and recommendations on dispositions.

For more information regarding the minimum eligibility requirements for Aviation Safety Inspector's please visit the following website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1800/1825.htm.

NOTE: Recency of specialized experience and the need for a valid second-class FAA medical certificate is waived for employees in the 1825 series.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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