Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors (NOC 9481)
Description
Aircraft assemblers assemble, fit and install prefabricated parts to manufacture fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft or aircraft subassemblies. Aircraft assembly inspectors inspect aircraft assemblies for adherence to engineering specifications. They are employed by aircraft and aircraft subassembly manufacturers.
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Example Titles
- aircraft assembler
- aircraft inspector, assembly
- airframe assembler
- bench and structural assembler
- bench fitter mechanic - aircraft assembly
- rigger - aircraft assembly
- wing tank mechanic - aircraft assembly
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Aircraft engine assemblers (in 7316 Machine Fitters)
- Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (7315)
- Aircraft painters (in 9496 Painters and Coaters - Industrial)
- Avionics and aircraft electronic equipment installers (in 2244 Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors)
- Supervisors of aircraft assemblers or inspectors (in 9226 Supervisors, Other Mechanical and Metal Products Manufacturing)
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Duties
Aircraft assemblers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Read and interpret aircraft assembly diagrams
- Assemble and fit pre-fabricated parts to form subassemblies, working at benches or directly on an aircraft structure
- Assemble, fit and install pre-fabricated parts and subassemblies such as aircraft skins, flight controls, rigging, hydraulics and other mechanical systems.
Aircraft assembly inspectors perform some or all of the following duties:
- Inspect aircraft assemblies, using measuring and testing equipment, for adherence to engineering specifications
- Inspect assemblies for alignment, symmetry, dimensions, fit and quality of workmanship
- Complete detailed inspection documentation.
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Skills
Aircraft assemblers require the following skills and abilities:
- physical strength and stamina,
- manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude,
- good colour vision,
- ability to concentrate on fine details and repetitious tasks for long periods,
- ability to work alone as well as in a team,
- ability to follow instructions,
- an awareness of safe operating procedures,
- may need basic measuring and calculating skills.
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Employment Requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Completion of a college or high school program in aviation technology, welding, or composite material fabrication may be required.
- Some employers may require skills in welding, metal work or experience working with composite materials. Most employers offer on the job training.
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Terms & Conditions
Aircraft assemblers and inspectors work in an indoor, climate controlled environment. The normal hours are 40 per week. Evening and weekend work may be necessary. Almost all work full time and there is no self-employment in the occupation..
Aircraft assemblers may work in a noisy environment. Robotics has helped with some of the heavier aspects of the job such as lifting and placing pieces into position. Aircraft assemblers may have to stand for long periods.
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Earnings
$31,000 per annum - starting
$45,700 per annum - average
$63,800 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- Red River College offers an Aerospace Manufacturing certificate program. This program prepares students for positions as skilled production workers in the area of aerospace composite manufacturing.
- Red River College offers a two-year Manufacturing Technician diploma program. Graduates of this program can expect to start work in an ever-expanding variety of areas within the manufacturing and aerospace industries. After this program, additional educational opportunities include RRC Manufacturing Technology program, the RRC Advanced Diploma in Technology Management, the University of Manitoba Mechanical Engineering program and Bachelor of Technology program. Graduates may also be eligible for Level 1 Machinist apprenticeship.
- Several regional high schools offer programs in metal work, welding or industrial technologies.
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Career Paths
It is possible to obtain jobs in aircraft assembly with no work experience, working in less skilled work. Assembly workers can become skilled aircraft technicians through on-the-job training and experience.
Experienced assemblers may move to inspection jobs or become supervisors.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for aircraft assemblers and inspectors in the 2010 - 2014 period look positive. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 750.
The outlook for the Manitoba aerospace industry is affected by the ongoing restructuring of the worldwide airline industry and defence-related expenditures. Aerospace manufacturing is highly sensitive to the global economy and worldwide competition. The global recession has negatively affected corporate profitability and reduced the demand for business jets and business travel. The demand for new passenger aircraft and the volume of personal travel has also been affected.
Competition for aerospace contracts is world-wide and Manitoba firms must compete for a portion of the sub-contract work in addition to the ongoing military and maintenance work. In Manitoba, the aerospace sector is largely divided between aircraft component manufacture and aircraft engine repair and overhaul. Aircraft assemblers and inspectors work primarily in manufacturing.
New materials such as plastics, resins and composites may impact demand for assemblers and promote the growth of some of the more technical occupations. Like many manufacturing sectors, some of the assembly is going to off-shore competitors.
A proportionally larger share of jobs for members of this occupational group are located in Winnipeg. Almost all aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (99%) work in the Manufacturing sector.
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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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