CAT1 / 7 - Flight Test Aircraft Inspector

Job Summary

The CAT 1/7 - Flight Test Aircraft Inspector is responsible for the certification of experimental aircraft and aeronautical components to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company standards, and engineering release criteria. This role provides airworthiness oversight and certification support for experimental aircraft operations, ensuring aircraft and associated components meet all conditions for safe flight and continued operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure and certify that aircraft and aeronautical components intended for experimental use conform to approved engineering releases, development requirements, and applicable airworthiness standards.
• Review aircraft records, inspections, and supporting documentation to certify and authorize experimental flight releases.
• Assess aircraft condition and documentation to ensure all requirements for safe operation have been satisfied prior to flight.
• Complete and certify aircraft logbook entries, ensuring Airworthiness Directives, maintenance actions, and regulatory requirements are properly documented.
• Verify and approve experimental aircraft Weight & Balance reports and loadsheets through visual inspection and documentation review.
• Review and sign repair or maintenance releases for experimental aircraft in accordance with applicable regulations and company procedures.
• Conduct inspections and evaluations of aircraft systems, components, and maintenance records to support certification decisions.
• Support engineering, maintenance, and flight operations teams by providing airworthiness guidance and technical expertise.
• Maintain compliance with Transport Canada, FAA, and other applicable regulatory requirements associated with experimental aircraft operations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to certification, inspection, and quality assurance processes.

Qualifications

Education

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) M2 License or FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License required.
• Additional education or training related to aircraft maintenance, quality assurance, airworthiness, or engineering is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 48 months of aviation experience, including at least 24 months working on large aircraft with a gross weight exceeding 12,566 lbs.
• Minimum 12 months of aircraft inspection experience or equivalent inspection-related responsibilities.
• Practical experience using measurement, inspection, and calibration equipment.
• Strong understanding of aircraft type certification, regulatory compliance, and airworthiness requirements.
• Experience working within a quality assurance or quality control environment supporting large transport aircraft is preferred.
• Knowledge of Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), FAA, and foreign validation requirements related to aircraft type design and certification.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications:
  • Microsoft Word (Intermediate)
  • Microsoft Excel (Intermediate)
  • Microsoft PowerPoint (Intermediate)
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical manuals, maintenance records, and certification documentation.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft maintenance practices, inspection procedures, and airworthiness standards.
• Experience with aviation quality management systems and regulatory compliance processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with De Havilland aircraft products, including:
  • DHC-8
  • DHC-6
  • CL415
  • DHC515
• Completion of the Guide for Authorized CAT 1 Signatory and CAT 7 Inspector qualification programs, or equivalent certification authority training.
• Previous experience supporting experimental aircraft certification, flight test programs, or aircraft modification projects.

Success Factors

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to aviation safety.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills in determining aircraft airworthiness and certification status.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, maintenance, quality, and flight operations teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and professionalism in a highly regulated aviation environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory and technical requirements.