Reports to: Chief Inspector

Job Purpose

The Aircraft Inspector plays a critical, hands-on role in ensuring that all helicopter maintenance, repairs, and alterations are performed in compliance with FAA regulations, manufacturer specifications, and company standards. More than just enforcing compliance, the Inspector acts as a proactive partner to maintenance personnel, working side-by-side with technicians to support timely, high-quality, and safe aircraft returns to service.

This role requires not only technical expertise and attention to detail but a strong service-oriented mindset — being present, responsive, and available on the shop floor to address issues as they arise. The Inspector helps maintenance teams succeed by minimizing delays, providing real-time feedback, and ensuring inspections are conducted efficiently and thoroughly, without becoming a bottleneck. Success in this role means balancing safety, compliance, and quality — while also helping the team deliver aircraft on time, every time

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections of helicopters in accordance with FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 43, Part 91, and Part 145, as applicable) and manufacturer’s maintenance manuals.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), and company policies.
• Inspect work performed by maintenance personnel for quality, accuracy, and adherence to approved data.
• Review aircraft logbooks and maintenance records for completeness and accuracy before aircraft release.
• Verify proper use of tools, calibrated equipment, and approved parts during maintenance activities.
• Identify and report any discrepancies, unsafe conditions, or non-compliance issues.
• Issue and sign aircraft maintenance releases and airworthiness certifications when all work is completed to standard.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of FAA regulations, industry best practices, and manufacturer updates.
• Support internal audits and FAA inspections as required.
• Promote a strong safety culture and adherence to SMS (Safety Management System) principles.
• To include any additional duties required by management.

Workplace Safety:

• Adhere to OSHA and FAA safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with company Safety Management System (SMS).
• Identify, report, and mitigate workplace hazards and unsafe practices.
• Promote a “Safety First” culture among all maintenance and inspection personnel.
• Wear and enforce use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).

SOP/KPIs:

• Follow established SOPs for inspection, documentation, and reporting.
• Achieve KPI targets including:
• Inspection turnaround times
• Discrepancy closure rates
• Compliance accuracy
• Audit findings resolution
• Maintain 100% compliance with FAA and internal documentation standards.

Team Support:

• Work closely with mechanics, avionics technicians, maintenance controllers, and engineers.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior inspectors and A&P technicians.
• Communicate clearly with Maintenance Control, Quality Assurance, and Operational leadership.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration during AOG, major inspections, or special projects.
• Maintain best practices and a positive working environment with all parties at the worksite.
• Coordinate with other departments to achieve outlined goals.
• Respond to communications (e-mails, meeting requests, Teams messages, etc.) set by team members in a timely and friendly manner.
• Learn Smartsheet’s project management software and take ownership of assigned projects.  Aid in the evolution of usage of this platform by spearheading best practices adoption.

Qualifications:

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License – Required
• Inspection Authorization (IA) – Preferred
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience inspecting rotorcraft (e.g., Bell, Airbus, Sikorsky,etc.)
• Prior experience in Part 135, Part 145, or Part 91 operations – Strongly preferred
• Knowledge of FAA regulations (CFR Parts 43, 91, 135, 145) and industry standards

Required Behaviors:

• High ethical standards and strong personal integrity
• Unwavering attention to detail
• Safety-conscious mindset
• Accountability and ownership of inspection responsibilities
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning

Hard Skills & Education:

• Technical expertise in helicopter systems, components, and airframes
• Proficient in interpreting technical manuals, engineering drawings, and wiring diagrams
• Experience in using maintenance tracking systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital recordkeeping systems
• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Technical degree in Aviation Maintenance – Preferred

Specific Soft Skills (examples):

• Strong verbal and written communication
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Time management and task prioritization
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure

Working Conditions

• Work may be performed in hangars, on flight lines, or in field/deployed locations
• Exposure to noise, vibration, moving machinery, and varying weather conditions
• May require shift work, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability
• Occasional travel may be required for remote inspections or field maintenance support

Essential Job Functions

• Perform physical inspections using visual, mechanical, and electronic tools
• Climb ladders, enter confined spaces, and work at heights as needed
• Document findings with clear, accurate, and compliant records
• Certify aircraft airworthiness and sign off on logbook entries
• Ensure maintenance tasks meet all regulatory and safety requirements

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand, kneel, bend, and reach for extended periods
• Visual acuity to detect cracks, corrosion, or wear
• Manual dexterity for operating tools and equipment
• Must pass an initial and reoccurring fit for duty exam

Direct Reports

None