Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (NOC 7315)
Description
Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structures, power plants or engines, mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect and certify aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments, and by airlines, the armed forces and other aircraft operators.
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Example Titles
- aircraft gas turbine engine technician
- aircraft inspector
- aircraft maintenance engineer AME (except avionics)
- aircraft mechanic
- aircraft structural repair technician
- aircraft systems inspector
- aviation mechanical component shop technician
- certified aircraft technician
- hydraulic mechanic, aircraft
- inspector, flight test
- inspector, repair and overhaul
- shop inspector, aircraft repair
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors (9481)
- Aircraft engine fitters and assemblers (in 7316 Machine Fitters)
- Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors (2244)
- Aircraft non-destructive inspection technicians (in 2261 Non-destructive Testers and Inspectors)
- Government airworthiness inspectors (in 2262 Engineering Inspectors and Regulatory Officers)
- Supervisors of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (in 7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades)
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Duties
Aircraft mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:
- Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical/electrical or hydraulic systems to identify problems and adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures
- Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems
- Install or modify aircraft engines, propellers, mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems
- Dismantle airframes, aircraft engines or other aircraft systems for repair, overhaul, testing and cleaning, and reassemble
- Perform and document routine maintenance
- Order and maintain inventory of parts and supplies (small companies)
Aircraft inspectors perform some or all of the following duties:
- Inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and ensure that these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of airworthiness, performance and safety
- Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, installation, repair and overhaul, or modification of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures
- Maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records and reports.
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Skills
Aircraft mechanics and inspectors need the following skills and abilities:
Essential skills:
- good oral and listening communication skills
- good vision, hearing, and sense of smell
- manual dexterity
- physical fitness, strength, and agility for climbing and reaching
- ability to work at heights
- good problem-solving and decision-making skills
- good hand-eye coordination
- ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Technical skills:
- knowledge of safe operating procedures and guidelines
- ability to read blueprints
- ability to operate power tools and equipment
- mechanical aptitude.
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Employment Requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Employers will generally require journeyperson status and licenses as indicated below:
- All maintenance on aircraft must be certified by licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. AME licenses are issued by Transport Canada in different categories and are further divided into specific groups (endorsements) within each category. Training, experience and examination requirements vary with each license category and group but, in general, applicants for licensing must be: at least 21 years of age, able to provide proof of citizenship, able to read and answer examination questions in English or French, without assistance.
- All applicants must write an air regulations exam.
- To remain valid, a license must be renewed every five years and the holder must meet current requirements. An Air Maintenance Engineer (AME) - Category M license authorizes AMEs to certify work for the type of aircraft for which they are endorsed and trained (e.g. helicopters, piston powered airplanes, turbo propelled airplanes). To qualify, applicants must have successfully completed a Transport Canada approved or accepted maintenance training course, have four years of satisfactory maintenance experience, one year of which must be on complete aircraft for the group for which the individual is endorsed, provide evidence of having completed at least 70 per cent of the tasks relevant to the category sought.
- An AME - Category E license authorizes AMEs to certify work on avionics systems. To qualify, applicants must successfully complete Transport Canada approved basic avionics training course, have four years of maintenance experience on aeronautical products, one year of which must be on installed avionics systems for the appropriate group.
- An AME - Category S license authorizes AMEs to certify structural work on the type of structures for which they are trained. To qualify, applicants must have successfully completed a Transport Canada approved or accepted structure training course, three years of maintenance experience with twelve months appropriate to the group for which the AME is endorsed.
- Completion of a four year Aircraft Maintenance Engineer apprenticeship program is required to become a certified journeyperson.
- Employers may require new workers to have a set of tools.
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Terms & Conditions
Aircraft mechanics usually work in a hangar, workshop, or on the tarmac at an airport. Those who work at airports may have to work in extreme weather conditions to undertake pre-flight checks or emergency repairs. Aircraft engine noise makes the wearing of ear protection necessary when engines are being tested. Mechanics must be agile enough to work from ladders or from under the aircraft.
Shift work is common, and aircraft mechanics may have to work holidays and weekends. Almost all work full time.
Salaries vary widely depending upon qualifications, employer, job specifications and location. The starting salary for apprentices and/or graduates with college diplomas is usually around $25,000 per annum. Almost all (98%) aircraft mechanics & inspectors are employees.
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Earnings
$30,900 per annum - starting
$55,200 per annum - average
$66,600 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- To become a certified Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic, apprenticeship training must be completed that combines on-the-job (practical) experience and in-school (technical) training. Contact the Apprenticeship Branch for more information and program requirements. http://www.apprenticemanitoba.ca
Red River College Stevenson Aviation and Aerospace Training Centre offers the following programs in this field:
The Canadian Forces:
- Aircraft Technician Training for Military aircrafts - There are numerous career paths including, but not limited to, Avionics Systems Technician, Aviation System Technician, Aircraft Structure Technician. The Aircraft Technician Transformation initiative is a multi-pronged program to streamline the training, development and progression of aircraft technicians.
- Some high schools in Manitoba offer a program in Mechanics.
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Career Paths
Aircraft maintenance engineers may be employed by air carriers, flight training schools, aircraft repair and overhaul companies, component shops, and some aircraft engineers may work as sales representatives for aeronautical products.
Members of the military may be trained in aircraft mechanics and with additional training could move to civilian jobs.
Aircraft mechanics usually specialize on specific systems such as engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems and specific kinds of aircraft, such as light aircraft, jet transporters and helicopters.
Aircraft mechanics may progress to supervisory positions or aircraft inspector. With experience, shop inspectors may progress to aircraft inspector.
Aircraft mechanics and inspectors may get further endorsements to their AME license that allows them to inspect and certify a broader range of aircraft or aircraft systems.
AME licenses are issued in the following categories:
General Maintenance:
M - Aircraft
Specialized Maintenance:
E - Avionics Systems (electronic systems)
S- Structures
P - Propulsion Systems
Some aircraft mechanics or inspectors may move to jobs as sales representatives for aeronautical products or quality control inspectors.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors in the 2010 - 2014 period are expected to be good. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 1,575.
The prospects for the aerospace industry and aircraft maintenance activities in Manitoba appear to be positive. The amount of aircraft maintenance contracts awarded to local companies will have a significant effect on employment levels. In Manitoba, the sector is largely divided between aircraft component manufacture and aircraft engine repair and overhaul.
With increased business volumes, tighter security restrictions and environmental protection regulations, airlines are finding it necessary to replace older aircraft and refurbish some of their existing fleet. While this provides opportunity for the aerospace industry nationally, there is some uncertainty as Manitoba firms must compete for a portion of the resulting sub-contract work in addition to the ongoing military and maintenance work. However, Manitoba companies have been successful to date in getting contracts for maintenance work even when demand for new aircraft is in a slump. In addition, Winnipeg's strategic location at the centre of the North American continent assures its continuation as an air transportation hub.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) first and second level apprentices may have to work in the North to get experience. Third and fourth year apprentices are generally in demand throughout Manitoba.
A proportionally larger share of jobs for aircraft mechanics and Inspectors are located in Winnipeg, due to the presence of an international airport and the major aerospace Manufacturing companies. Jobs are chiefly in the Transportation and Warehousing sector (58%), Manufacturing (28%) and Public Administration (11%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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Other Related Information...
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