Chief Inspector

Position Summary

The Chief Inspector is the senior quality and regulatory authority for the Part 145 Repair Station. This position oversees all inspection functions, ensures compliance with FAA regulations and the company’s Quality Management System (QMS), and provides leadership to the inspection staff. The Chief Inspector exercises independent judgment in interpreting regulatory requirements, making airworthiness determinations, overseeing RTS authorizations, and enforcing quality standards. The role also includes managing team performance, developing inspection procedures, coordinating audits, and working closely with the Accountable Manager acting as the primary liaison with the FAA.

Essential Functions

1.      Regulatory Oversight & Airworthiness Authority

• Serve as the Repair Station’s primary authority for inspections, compliance, and quality control under 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, 91, and 145.
• Ensure all maintenance activities conform to type design, approved technical data, and FAA requirements.
• Maintain effective oversight of airworthiness determinations made by inspectors; intervene directly when elevated decisions or escalations occur.
• Ensure proper execution of ADs, Service Bulletins, ICAs, and manufacturer instructions.
• Oversee the issuance and control of maintenance releases, logbook entries, and FAA 8130-3 tags.
• Ensure regulatory documents, manuals, and procedures are current and properly implemented.

2.      Inspection Program Leadership

• Direct all receiving, preliminary, in-process, hidden-damage, and final inspections performed within the Repair Station.
• Establish inspection standards, criteria, and methodologies to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Develop, maintain, and revise inspection procedures, checklists, forms, and technical data flows.
• Manage non-conformances, rework requirements, and corrective actions.
• Lead internal audits and participate in external, FAA, customer, and vendor audits.

3.      Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, supervise, schedule, and develop the inspector workforce.
• Provide coaching, technical guidance, and performance feedback to inspectors.
• Evaluate inspector competency and ensure training (initial, recurrent, and specialized) is completed.
• Delegate inspection responsibilities while maintaining oversight of high-risk or complex determinations.
• Recruit, onboard, and assess new inspectors; determine training needs and qualification status.

4.      Quality System & Procedure Management

• Assist in Maintaining the Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), training program, capabilities list, and associated quality procedures.
• Oversee document control, calibration control, and records retention systems.
• Approve changes to inspection procedures, work instructions, and forms.
• Support continuous-improvement initiatives to enhance quality, safety, and efficiency.

5.      Incident, Root-Cause & Corrective Action Management

• Lead investigations into quality escapes, customer findings, and audit findings.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and ensure effective corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Monitor trends and develop quality metrics to proactively address systemic issues.

6.      FAA & Customer Interface

• Assist the Accountable Manager acting as the primary contact for FAA oversight, audits, and correspondence.
• Coordinate with FAA PMI/PAI on manual revisions, capabilities changes, and compliance matters.
• Represent the Repair Station during customer audits and quality reviews.

7.      Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with DOM, Production Managers, Engineering, Supply Chain, and senior leadership to ensure alignment of quality and operational objectives.
• Provide regulatory guidance on technical projects, engineering data, materials, tooling, and maintenance practices.
• Support vendor and supplier evaluation programs.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

·        High school diploma or equivalent required.

·        FAA Airframe & Powerplant Certificate required.

·        Inspection Authorization (IA) required.

·        Advanced training in Part 145 operations, quality systems, auditing, or human factors preferred.

·        OEM or quality system training strongly preferred.

Work Experience

·        7+ years of aircraft maintenance or MRO experience.

·        3–5+ years of inspection or quality assurance experience in a Part 145 environment.

·        Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, repair station procedures, and documentation standards.

·        Demonstrated experience interpreting FAA regulations and managing inspection programs.

·        Prior lead or informal supervisory experience desirable; ability to train and mentor others required.

Key Knowledge, Skills, Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of aircraft airframe, engines, and avionics systems.  
• Expert understanding of FAA regulations, quality-control principles, technical publications, and maintenance practices.
• Strong leadership and team-development skills, including coaching, performance management, and delegation.
• High level of independent judgment and decision-making authority.
• Excellent documentation accuracy, analytical skills, and audit rigor.
• Ability to interface effectively with regulators, auditors, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence outcomes across departments.
• Commitment to integrity, impartiality, and safety.

Travel Requirements

·        Travel Required: Minimal/None

·        % of Travel Time: <10%