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Aviation Inspectors

Transportation and Material Moving (53-6051)

Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.

At a Glance

Aviation Inspectors earns a median of $85,750/yr with +1.7% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards, Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, Documenting/Recording Information.

Median Annual Wage

$85,750/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+1.7%

Annual Openings

3

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (12)

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.9
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.9
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.9
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.8
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.8
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.6
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.4
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.4
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

3.3
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.3

Knowledge (15)

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

4.6
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.6
Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

4.5
Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

4.4
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

4.4
Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

4.1
Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.9
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

3.8
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.8
Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

3.7
Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

3.5
Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

3.4
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.4
Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

3.4
Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

3.4

Abilities (17)

Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.1
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.1
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.0
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.9
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.9
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.8
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.6
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.5
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.5
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.4
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.4
Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

3.4
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.3
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.3
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.3

Technology (11)

SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Photoshop

Category: Graphics or photo imaging software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe InDesign

Category: Desktop publishing software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (27)

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

5.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.9
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.7
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.6
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.5
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.5
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.3
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.1
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.1
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

4.1
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

4.1
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

4.0
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.9
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.9
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.8
Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

3.8
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.7
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

3.7
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.7
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

3.6
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.4
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.4
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.3
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.3
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

3.3

Work Styles (2)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

4.3
Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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