An inspection system is set forth for the inspection of surface and body defects within glass substrates. The glass is supported by an inclined air table during the inspection process to provide planar stability and minimize vibration. The sheet is indexed a given distance along an oblique axis parallel to the air table and stopped, wherein a scanning mechanism having portions on opposite sides of the air table moves transversely of the sheet in alignment with slots formed in the air table, and the process is repeated until the sheet is completely scanned.