Become an Aircraft Inspector
Aircraft inspectors save thousands of lives every year because of the detailed work they do while inspecting airplanes. Inspectors are responsible for all aspects of the plane, not only before a flight but also after a flight and after routine maintenance issues. Aircraft inspectors have to very dedicated to their jobs and capable of completing their job under the most uncomfortable and stressful conditions.
Steps
- Register and take as many mathematics and physics classes as you can while in high school if you want to become an aircraft inspector that early in life. If you are not sure about a career path until college you will be able to take these classes later.
- Receive an Aircraft Maintenance degree. This is the basis for you to be able to be an aircraft inspector because you have to know every part of the airplanes you work on and understand their function. A search on the Internet will show you which colleges and universities in your region offer such a degree.
- Find an internship with an aircraft inspector, if possible, while taking classes. This will give you the upper hand when it comes to job experience. Many times, hands on learning gives you more of an advantage than learning from a book will.
- Work as an aircraft mechanic for at least two of years before applying for an aircraft inspector position. The more experience you have on the job, the better opportunity you will have to be granted the position. This will also further your knowledge by exposing you to a variety of situations you may not have ever experienced before.
- Request for on-site job training to one particular aircraft. If you work with a difficult aircraft in terms of the engine or propulsion system, you may have a better opportunity of getting the job of your dreams because not many others will have the experience you have. Many aircraft inspectors specialized in helicopters, cargo jets or propeller planes during their first few years of working as a mechanic.
- After a minimum of two years of maintenance experience, you can be referred by your employer to take the IA written. You then take that paperwork to your local Flight standards district offices, where an FAA Maintenance Inspector will give you written approval to take the exam. After passing the Written Exam, you schedule another appointment with your Flight Standards District Office, where you will be issued your Inspection Authorization card. This is not a license; this is a Certificate that you have earned!
- Get a list of specific items that aircraft inspectors are supposed to complete on each inspection and use it to double check yourself. With a job this important, you never want to cut corners or forget a task. Keep in mind you are responsible for the individuals on those planes.
Tips
- With an aircraft mechanic's degree you will be able to work with the government, a military branch, commercial airlines, Federal Aviation Administration, aircraft repair companies and even aircraft manufactures. With the proper education, your opportunities are endless.
- It is not a requirement to specify the type of aircraft on your license. You are also not limited to work just on that aircraft in a work setting.
Warnings
- Aircraft inspectors have very stressful jobs because they are taking lives into their own hands. Without a proper inspection, an air disaster could occur.
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