The Chief Inspector provides leadership for the Quality Assurance function and ensures compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, manufacturer maintenance data, and customer requirements. This role leads QA Inspectors, supports aircraft return-to-service activities, promotes a strong culture of safety and regulatory excellence, and drives continuous quality improvement across the maintenance organization.
Vista Aircraft Maintenance is the in-house maintenance provider for Vista Members’ unrivaled fleet of over 300 aircraft worldwide, including light, super mid-size, long-range, and ultra-long-range models, with maintenance hubs strategically located across the U.S. and Europe.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise, coach, and develop Quality Assurance Inspectors, including assigning daily inspection priorities and supporting performance and development plans.
- Ensure compliance with FAA Part 145, Part 43, Part 91, and applicable Part 135 requirements, as well as the RSM, QCM, FAA-approved procedures, company policies, and OEM technical data.
- Oversee required inspections, buy-back inspections, hidden damage and conformity inspections, airworthiness determinations, and return-to-service documentation.
- Ensure maintenance activities are performed using current and approved technical data and that inspection resources align with production schedules.
- Lead internal and process audits, corrective and preventive actions, root-cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor quality trends, including first-pass quality, deficiencies, rework, inspection findings, and repeat discrepancies, and develop corrective action plans.
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of maintenance records, FAA forms, aircraft logbooks, inspection documentation, airworthiness records, and digital maintenance tracking systems.
- Support the Safety Management System through safety investigations, hazard assessments, risk identification, just-culture reporting, human factors awareness, and corrective actions.
- Partner with Production, Maintenance Planning, Maintenance Control, Engineering, Supply Chain, Avionics, Interior/Paint, and Mobile Repair Teams to support safe and efficient aircraft delivery.
- Support FAA interactions, regulatory audits, OEM representatives, third-party auditors, and internal stakeholders while representing the organization professionally.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate required
- High school diploma or GED required
- 10+ years of aircraft maintenance experience
- 4+ years of Quality Assurance or Inspection experience
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience
- Thorough knowledge of FAA regulations and aircraft maintenance requirements
- Strong technical knowledge of turbine aircraft
- Ability to interpret technical manuals, maintenance data, and engineering documentation
- Experience with computerized maintenance tracking systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Previous Part 145 Repair Station leadership experience, Part 135 maintenance experience
- Inspection Authorization (IA)
- Experience with Challenger, Citation, Gulfstream, or Bombardier aircraft
- Safety Management System (SMS) training
- Root Cause Analysis training
- Lean or Continuous Improvement experience
- CAMP, Corridor, and ERP/MRO software experience
Benefits:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- 401k program with company matching and 100% vested immediately.
- Life Insurance and long/short-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Empty leg flight benefits
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
