Engineering

To Become Aerospace Inspector in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
11 min read

Do you want a hands-on role where your decisions keep airplanes safe in Ontario’s skies? As an Aerospace Inspector, you make the final call that an aircraft or critical part is airworthy. If you enjoy precision, problem‑solving, and responsibility, this profession could be a fit for you.

Job Description

An Aerospace Inspector (often called an Aircraft Inspector, Quality Assurance Inspector, or Supplier Quality Inspector) checks aircraft, engines, systems, and aerostructures to confirm they meet Transport Canada regulations and manufacturer standards. In Ontario, you may work at airports (like Toronto Pearson, Billy Bishop, or Hamilton), at Maintenance bases, or in aerospace manufacturing facilities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Ottawa, North Bay, and Thunder Bay.

You might specialize in:

  • Line maintenance and heavy maintenance inspection (airlines, MROs)
  • Avionics inspection (Electrical and avionics systems)
  • Structures inspection (metal/composite airframe repairs and manufacturing)
  • Supplier Quality Inspection (FAI, audits) for aerospace manufacturers
  • Engine component inspection (fan blades, hot section, gearboxes)
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and special processes inspection

You ensure Compliance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), company procedures, and AS9100 quality standards in manufacturing environments. If you hold the appropriate authority, you may sign a maintenance release and return an aircraft to service under CARs 571 and work within an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) under CARs 573.

Daily work activities

As an Aerospace Inspector in Ontario, you will:

  • Inspect aircraft and parts using measuring instruments and test equipment.
  • Review and approve work packages, logbooks, and electronic records.
  • Verify repairs and modifications follow the Maintenance Manual, Structural Repair Manual (SRM), Wiring Diagram Manual (WDM), and service bulletins.
  • Conduct receiving inspection and conformity checks on incoming parts, including traceability and certifications.
  • Perform or coordinate NDT (e.g., dye penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic) where qualified.
  • Carry out First Article Inspection (FAI) to AS9102 in manufacturing.
  • Identify non‑conformances, raise findings, and Support root cause and corrective actions.
  • Liaise with engineers, AMEs, production, and sometimes Transport Canada.
  • Maintain calibration and tool control compliance.
  • Support Safety investigations under a company’s Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Work day, afternoon, or night shifts, sometimes on-call during AOG (Aircraft on Ground) events.

Main tasks

  • Conduct detailed visual and dimensional inspections on airframes, engines, and avionics.
  • Check maintenance records and verify airworthiness directives (ADs) and service bulletins (SBs) are complied with.
  • Sign off inspection stages; where authorized, issue maintenance release.
  • Audit work areas, processes, and documentation for compliance with CARs and AS9100.
  • Execute or oversee FAI and source inspections for suppliers.
  • Use borescopes, multimeters, pitot‑static test sets, torque wrenches, micrometers, calipers, and CMMs (where applicable).
  • Verify parts traceability (8130‑3/EASA Form 1/TC Form One) and material certifications.
  • Document discrepancies and corrective actions in the QMS/ERP (e.g., SAP, Enovia, TipQA).
  • Participate in continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma) and corrective action effectiveness reviews.
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Required Education

In Ontario, there are several pathways into Aerospace Inspection. Your route depends on whether you plan to work in airline/MRO maintenance, avionics, structures, or aerospace manufacturing quality.

Diplomas and credentials

  • Certificate (1 year or less)

    • Aircraft Structural Repair Technician or Aircraft Structures programs (prepare you for structures inspection and repairs).
    • Graduate certificates in Aviation Safety or Quality Assurance (useful for inspection and compliance roles).
    • NDT certifications (CGSB/NRCan Level 1/2) for inspection of materials and structures.
    • AS9100 Internal Auditor Training (manufacturing quality).

  • College Diploma (2–3 years)

    • Aviation Technician — Aircraft Maintenance (prepares you for AME licensing and inspection roles in maintenance/MRO).
    • Aviation Technician — Avionics Maintenance (for avionics inspection and release privileges under appropriate authority).
    • Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technician/Technologist (for manufacturing inspection, FAI, and supplier quality).

  • Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)

    • Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (common for manufacturing quality engineers, supplier quality, and compliance roles, and for progression to Leadership and delegated engineering roles).
    • Engineering degrees are typically not required for AME‑type inspection roles, but they open doors to engineering‑led quality and airworthiness positions.

Length of studies

  • Certificate: about 8–12 months (structures/quality-focused programs vary).
  • College Diploma: typically 2 years (some 3‑year technologist programs exist).
  • Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years (plus potential co‑op terms).
  • AME Licence (if pursuing maintenance inspection with release authority):
    • Transport Canada requires specific knowledge, training, and experience. A TC‑approved basic training program reduces the experience needed before licensing. Expect at least 30–48 months of combined training and experience before you are fully licensed, depending on your pathway and category (M1/M2/E/S). Always confirm current requirements with Transport Canada.

Learn more about AME licensing requirements:

For NDT certification:

Where to study? (Ontario)

You may also consider voluntary certification and training:

  • Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA): https://www.avaerocouncil.ca/
    • National occupational standards, professional certification, and training resources for aviation and aerospace roles.

Salary and Working Conditions

Salary in Ontario

Wages vary by employer (airline, MRO, manufacturer), specialization (structures, avionics, NDT), certifications (AME licence, CGSB/NRCan NDT), and shift premiums.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank for Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404):

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Typical ranges you can expect in Ontario:

  • Entry-level (with diploma/certificate; limited inspection sign-off authority): about $30–$38/hour.
  • Experienced inspectors (AME licence with release authority or NDT Level 2; lead inspectors): about $40–$55/hour.
  • Senior/lead, special processes/NDT Level 3, or quality engineering leadership in manufacturing: $55–$70+/hour equivalent (often salaried).

Many positions offer:

  • Shift premiums for afternoons/nights.
  • Overtime during heavy checks or program ramp-ups.
  • Unionized environments (e.g., IAMAW, Unifor) in some airlines/MROs with defined wage grids.

Working conditions

Job outlook

The Job Bank rates employment outlook for Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404) by province and region. Ontario’s outlook is influenced by:

  • Strong aerospace clusters in the GTA, Ottawa, and Hamilton/Niagara.
  • Major employers in maintenance and manufacturing (airlines, MROs, and Tier‑1 suppliers).
  • Fleet growth, cabin/avionics upgrades, and aftermarket demand.
  • Retirements of experienced AMEs/inspectors and adoption of advanced manufacturing.

Check the current Ontario outlook here:

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Attention to detail and a strong safety mindset.
  • Integrity and willingness to stop work when safety is in doubt.
  • Communication: clear, concise writing for logs and reports; assertive speaking during audits and briefings.
  • Teamwork with AMEs, engineers, production, and Supply Chain.
  • Problem‑solving: root cause analysis and corrective action follow‑through.
  • Time management under deadlines (AOG and heavy checks).
  • Adaptability to changing regulations, manuals, and technology.

Hard skills

  • Regulatory knowledge: CARs Parts 571/573 and manufacturer manuals.
  • Inspection techniques: visual, dimensional, borescope, pitot‑static, torque verification.
  • NDT (if certified): PT/MT/ET/UT; interpreting results and writing reports.
  • Avionics testing (for E‑category work): troubleshooting and verification per WDMs and test sets.
  • Structures: damage assessment, SRM interpretation, composite repair basics.
  • Quality systems: AS9100, internal audits, FAI (AS9102), PPAP‑like processes in some supply chains.
  • Metrology: micrometers, height gauges, CMM basics, gauge R&R awareness.
  • Digital tools: QMS/ERP (SAP, TipQA), digital maintenance systems (TRAX, AMOS), MS Office/Teams.
  • Documentation: precise log entries, non‑conformance reports (NCRs), corrective action verifications.
  • Human factors/SMS: reporting hazards, applying human factors principles to reduce errors.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • High impact: your approval directly protects passengers and crews.
  • Diverse pathways: maintenance, avionics, structures, engines, or manufacturing.
  • Strong employability in Ontario’s aerospace hubs and at major airports.
  • Opportunities for specialization (NDT, supplier quality, special processes) and leadership.
  • Competitive pay, union Benefits in some organizations, and shift premiums.
  • Clear progression to roles like Chief Inspector, Quality Manager, or Airworthiness/Compliance Specialist.

Disadvantages

  • Shift work and overtime are common, especially during heavy checks or program deadlines.
  • High responsibility and stress during AOG recoveries and audits.
  • Physical demands (awkward positions, confined spaces, cold/hot hangars).
  • Paperwork and documentation can be intensive and must be error‑free.
  • Continuous learning is required as regulations, manuals, and technologies change.
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Expert Opinion

If you’re starting in Ontario, choose a pathway based on where you want to inspect.

  • If you want to inspect and release aircraft back to service, pursue a Transport Canada‑approved Aviation Technician diploma and work toward an AME licence (M1/M2, or E/S for specialized work). Get early exposure to inspection stages, logbooks, and maintenance releases under Supervision. Keep a meticulous experience log that aligns with CARs 566 requirements and your employer’s OJT matrix.

  • If you prefer manufacturing quality or supplier inspections, a college technologist diploma in aerospace manufacturing or a BEng in Aerospace/Mechanical opens doors. Learn AS9100 requirements, practice FAI (AS9102), and get trained as an AS9100 Internal Auditor. Seek roles with Ontario manufacturers (for example, in landing gear, actuation systems, aerostructures, and interiors) and build experience in APQP, special processes, and supplier development.

  • For structures or materials, an Aircraft Structures certificate combined with NDT certification (NRCan/CGSB Level 1 or 2) makes you competitive for inspection roles in repair stations and manufacturers. Ontario employers value inspectors who can read the SRM, validate repairs, and confirm special process compliance or NADCAP‑aligned practices.

  • Throughout your career, invest in:

    • Human factors and SMS training.
    • Root cause analysis (5‑Whys, fishbone) and Lean/Six Sigma tools.
    • Strong writing skills for NCRs, CARs, audit reports, and regulatory correspondence.

Finally, be proactive about security clearances if you intend to work at Ontario airports (RAIC) or in defence‑related plants (Controlled Goods). Plan ahead—clearances can take time, and being “clearance‑ready” improves your hiring speed.

FAQ

Do I need an AME licence to work as an Aerospace Inspector in Ontario?

It depends on the role. To sign a maintenance release for an aircraft or aeronautical product in Ontario, you generally need the proper authority, which often requires an AME licence (M1/M2/E/S) and approval within an AMO under CARs 571 and 573. However, many manufacturing quality inspector or supplier quality roles do not require an AME licence; they focus on AS9100, FAI, and product conformity. Always check the job posting for specific licensing or authorization requirements.

What clearances or background checks should I expect in Ontario?

If you work airside at airports like YYZ (Toronto Pearson), YTZ (Billy Bishop), or YHM (Hamilton), you’ll likely need a RAIC issued under Transport Canada’s Aviation Security Screening Program. If your employer works on defence‑related components, you may need registration under the Controlled Goods Program. RAIC: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/security/aviation-security-screening-program/restricted-area-identity-card-raic
Controlled Goods: https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/pmc-cgp/index-eng.html

How important is NDT certification for inspection jobs in Ontario?

Very important for roles involving material and structural integrity. While not all Aerospace Inspectors need NDT, having NRCan/CGSB Level 1 or Level 2 in methods like PT, MT, ET, or UT can significantly expand your opportunities, particularly in heavy maintenance, engine/component shops, and manufacturing. Learn more: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/minerals-metals/non-destructive-testing/18885

What’s the difference between an Aircraft Inspector at an airline/MRO and a Quality Inspector in manufacturing?

  • Airline/MRO Aircraft Inspectors focus on airworthiness during maintenance checks, logbook compliance, and sometimes issue maintenance releases under CARs. You’ll work closely with AMEs and line/heavy maintenance teams.
  • Manufacturing Quality Inspectors focus on product conformity, FAI (AS9102), process audits, and supplier quality. You’ll work within AS9100 quality systems, often off-airport, and may Travel for supplier audits.

How can an internationally trained professional transition into Aerospace Inspection in Ontario?

If you’re an experienced aircraft mechanic/inspector from abroad, you may need to:

  • Get your credentials assessed and plan a pathway to a Transport Canada AME licence if you want release authority in maintenance. Start here: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/aircraft-airworthiness/aircraft-maintenance-engineer-ame-licensing
  • Target manufacturing quality roles that value your inspection experience while you complete Canadian licensing or certifications (e.g., AS9100 Internal Auditor, NRCan/CGSB NDT).
  • Build Canadian experience through entry or intermediate inspection roles and keep meticulous documentation of your competencies and training.

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