Aviation Safety Inspectors At Supervisory Positions

A master's degree may help a safety inspector specialize in a field such as industrial hygiene or environmental management. Most employers value an advanced degree in occupational health and safety when hiring for management or supervisory positions. Government safety inspectors are often required to seek advanced degrees in order to be promoted. Such degrees can include advanced coursework in risk management and safety legislation and also require a research component.

Safety Inspectors evaluate aircraft and related equipment for airworthiness. Other Aviation Safety Inspectors perform avionics (electronics systems) inspections. This includes the evaluation of avionics technicians and repair facilities as well as training programs for avionics technicians. These Aviation Safety Inspectors also inspect aircraft and related equipment for airworthiness in regard to avionics programs.

Some Aviation Safety Inspectors specialize in operations inspections. These inspectors perform the evaluation of commercial and other aviation operations. Besides, they certify pilots, flight instructors, and other airmen. Furthermore, these Aviation Safety Inspectors evaluate flight training programs along with their equipment and facilities. Aviation Safety Inspectors have irregular work schedules. They may work different hours from one day to the next. It depends on the tasks that they are performing. Sometimes inspections require traveling to other geographical locations for extended periods of time.

Aviation Safety Inspectors who perform air carrier, aviation avionics, maintenance, and operations inspections work out of Flight Standards division and district offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Those performing manufacturing inspections work out of FAA Manufacturing Inspection division and district offices.

Its good to note that competition for Aviation Safety Inspector jobs is high these days. Most job opportunities become available when inspectors retire, resign, or are promoted to higher positions. The creation of additional positions depends on the agencys needs, as long as funding is available.

Special Requirements

Every applicant must possess a valid drivers license. Applicants seeking maintenance inspector positions must hold the FAA mechanic certificate with an airframe and powerplant (A&P) rating.

Applicants seeking operations inspector positions must possess appropriate FAA pilot certificates and rankings as well as the first class FAA medical certificate. In addition, applicants may not have more than 2 FAA violations within the 5 years prior to their application.

Education and Training

Every applicant must possess at least a high school or general equivalency diploma. New Aviation Safety Inspectors must complete training programs that include the study of federal air regulations, FAA policies, and inspection procedures.

Most employers prefer applicants to possess a bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety. Occupational health and safety programs include coursework in hazardous materials, accident and injury prevention and accident investigation. Many programs also include internships that can provide firsthand experience taking measurements, handling chemicals and assessing work place conditions. Many employers will also prefer degrees in biology, engineering, environmental science or chemistry since they also pertain to physical, chemical or environmental safety concerns.