Persons employed by the air operator who either (1) hold an inspection authorization issued under FAR 65.91, but are not working under the provisions of a continuous airworthiness maintenance program of the FAR 121 or 135 air carrier; or (2) have been employed to fulfill inspection responsibilities of the FAR 121 or 135 air carrier maintenance program but are not identified as designated inspectors.
Aviation safety inspectors work to ensure the safety of aircrafts, including its parts, processes, and its aircraft operators. Inspectors spend much of their time examining parts of the plane as well as inspecting work done by mechanics and technicians. Inspectors monitor maintenance records and all equipment such as new aircraft, gauges, meters, access plates and various mechanical parts of the plane like landing gear and tires. Inspectors are also in charge of investigating accidents and determining what went wrong. Based on their extensive knowledge of aircraft operation and safety, inspectors make repair recommendations and, when necessary, recommend changes in policies, procedures and regulations.
There are two different types of aviation safety inspectors, general and air carrier. The main difference is in the size of the aircraft they inspect. In a general role, they are responsible for aircrafts under 12,500 pounds. In an air carrier, safety inspectors are responsible for aircrafts over 12,500 pounds. These inspectors are responsible for everything having to do with their assigned aircrafts.