When something as big and complex as an aircraft is being built and maintained, and when people’s lives depend on it working perfectly every time, there are countless checks, balances, and verifications that must be observed during the process. Aviation Maintenance Inspectors are qualified individuals who are charged by an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) to ensure that aeronautical products are fit and safe according to the standards set by the designer, operator and/or manufacturer of the product. They make sure that every single aircraft part, system, instrument, and engine meets all safety requirements, and that the aircraft is 100% airworthy as per employer, ISO and Transport Canada standards. They are responsible for documentation, in-coming inspection, in-process inspection, rework/dispatch inspection, and final/dispatch inspection. They do their work in hangars, in shops, and outside in all weather conditions.
Aviation Maintenance Inspectors also supervise the work of the mechanics and technicians and check overall airline maintenance practices and inventory. The inspector can be responsible for verifying all systems, or just one particular type: bay inspections, strip inspections, electrical, mechanical and instrument inspections are just a few examples of the specializations avail- able. Since the inspector carries all responsibility of an aircraft’s airworthiness, the best of them are unaffected by pressure. They are the final assessor who ensures that everything is safe and “good to go.” If you have a sixth sense for the tiniest details, possess strong communication skills, and can handle high- pressure situations, then this vital career is tailor-made for you.
Pathways
- Completion of Secondary School (required)
- Aviation Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence (required)
- Aircraft Maintenance and Inspection Certificate specific to employer’s aircraft (required)
- Supervisor experience (often required)
- CCAA certification (an asset)
Helpful Tips
- At ease with heights
- Strong communication skills
- Eye for detail
Associated Titles
- Aircraft/Avionics Electrical Inspector (AME-E)
- Aircraft Inspector
- Aircraft Mechanical Inspector (AME-M)
- Aircraft Structures Inspector (AME-S)
- Component Inspector
- Incoming Inspector