Will AI Replace Aviation Inspectors?

Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, modification, or repair and overhaul of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Examine maintenance records and flight logs to determine if service and maintenance checks and overhauls were performed at prescribed intervals.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inspect new, repaired, or modified aircraft to identify damage or defects and to assess airworthiness and conformance to standards, using checklists, hand tools, and test instruments.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Approve or deny issuance of certificates of airworthiness.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Prepare and maintain detailed repair, inspection, investigation, and certification records and reports.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Examine landing gear, tires, and exteriors of fuselage, wings, and engines for evidence of damage or corrosion and the need for repairs.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Recommend replacement, repair, or modification of aircraft equipment.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Start aircraft and observe gauges, meters, and other instruments to detect evidence of malfunctions.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Examine aircraft access plates and doors for security.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Recommend changes in rules, policies, standards, and regulations, based on knowledge of operating conditions, aircraft improvements, and other factors.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Investigate air accidents and complaints to determine causes.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Analyze training programs and conduct oral and written examinations to ensure the competency of persons operating, installing, and repairing aircraft equipment.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Conduct flight test programs to test equipment, instruments, and systems under a variety of conditions, using both manual and automatic controls.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.