In my former professional life I had extensive dealings with air accident investigations. The common theme amongst AAIB and NTSB investigators, and the independents (who sometimes call themselves 'consultants') was extensive practical experience.
The posts by Genghis made me wonder if things might have changed since I changed jobs in 2007 but it appears that they haven't.
AAIB Inspectors:
These staff fall into one of three categories and are listed with their typical eligibility requirements:
Operations Inspector - must hold a current Airline Transport Pilots Licence with a valid Class I medical certificate. Able to offer appropriate command experience on fixed wing aircraft or helicopters. Broad based knowledge of aviation.
Engineering Inspector - must hold an Engineering degree and/or be a Chartered Engineer and have extensive professional aviation engineering experience. Knowledge and experience of modern aircraft systems is an advantage, as is possession of a Pilot's licence or some experience as a pilot.
Flight Recorder Inspector - must hold a degree in electronics/electrical engineering or an aeronautical engineering related subject and/or is a chartered member of a relevant engineering institute. Extensive knowledge and experience of modern avionics is required and knowledge of aircraft performance and broad-based professional aviation engineering experience is an advantage.
NTSB Aircraft Accident Investigator
Typical Requirements and/or Experience
Entry level accident investigator positions are difficult to get into. Investigative experience as an insurance adjuster or piloting a plane in law enforcement is helpful.
Entry Level or trainees typically must have one year of specialized experience demonstrating knowledge of civilian aircraft design, manufacture and maintenance operations or civilian aircraft operational requirements, practices and procedures. This experience may include work as a pilot for scheduled air carrier, A&P Mechanic or certified flight instructor.
Possession of a valid commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating.
Possession of a current first or second class Airman's Medical Certificate.
Genghis
..... a CPL could back their aviation knowledge up well with a specialist MSc or even a PhD.
They could, but it isn't necessary and, arguably, their time would be better spent gaining practical experience in relevant fields. I doubt if many (if any) investigators with whom I worked had an MSc, and I can't remember any with a PhD. As can be seen from the AAIB eligibility requirements, the first category doesn't require a degree and the next two require only a first degree.
I may be misjudging, but I think that air accident investigation is much closer to academic research
I think you are.
LFAJ and Geosync are IMHO spot on.
