Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 7315)

Aircraft mechanics:

• troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical 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 and mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems
• dismantle airframes, aircraft engines or other aircraft systems for repair, overhaul and cleaning, and reassemble
• perform and document routine maintenance
• order and maintain inventory of parts and supplies

Aircraft inspectors:

• inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and make sure they meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety
• inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, repair and overhaul, or modification of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to make sure standards and procedures are met
• maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records and reports

Special duties

Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on:

• specific aircraft systems such as engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems
• specific kinds of aircraft, such as light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters

Key aspects of the work in this occupation:

• Work takes place in a controlled indoor environment.
• Working with equipment, machinery or power/hand tools may be a source of injury.
• Work may produce enough noise to cause marked distraction or possible loss of hearing.

Education, training & qualifications

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• A college diploma in aircraft maintenance or Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
• Several years of on-the-job training are required for aircraft mechanics.
• Aircraft mechanics and inspectors who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada.
• Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in Ontario, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.
• Industry certification from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some occupations in this unit group is available, but voluntary.
• Aircraft inspectors require several years of experience as an aircraft mechanic.

For more information please see the Industry Training Authority website at www.itabc.ca.

Skills

• Manual Dexterity
• Spatial Perception
• Detail-Oriented
• Object-Oriented
• Motor Coordination

View skills definitions

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.

Trades training resources

Visit our trades training page at www.workbc.ca/trades to learn about apprenticeship and trades training in B.C.