Aviation Safety Inspector

As an Aviation Safety Inspector, you ensure the soundness of airplanes. You’re probably a former Pilot or Aircraft Mechanic who works for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which pays you to inspect aircraft parts, processes, and operations in order to make sure they comply with federal safety regulations.

If you’ve ever been told, “Take our word for it,” you know that there are some circumstances when someone’s word will do, and others when it won’t. For example, food, medicine, and cars: You’re crazy if you’re willing to eat it, ingest it, or drive it without first knowing that it’s safe.

Airplanes are the same way. Because it’s not enough to take the airlines’ word for it, the government hires Aviation Safety Inspectors to make sure airplanes are safe to fly.

Typically, the job of an Aviation Safety Inspector involves three major assignments: evaluating and certifying aviation personnel, including those who operate, install, and repair aircraft equipment; analyzing and designing aviation training programs; and examining aviation operations, including airlines’ facilities, equipment, procedures, and management.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether individual people and planes are fit to fly, based on your knowledge of aviation as well as the results of your inspections and investigations, which encompass everything from aircraft’s landing gear and gauges to Pilots’ flying skills. In fact, you’re the person who issues Pilots’ licenses, and approves or denies aircraft’s certificates of airworthiness. Thanks to your specialized knowledge, you’re also the person who’s in charge of investigating the causes of air accidents and complaints.

All this is to say: If airplanes are the high wire, you’re the safety net!