7315 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors

Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect 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 and other aircraft operators.

Profile

Index of titles

Example titles

Aero-engine mechanic

Aero-engine technician

Aircraft accessories mechanic

Aircraft accessories overhaul mechanic

Aircraft accessories overhaul technician

Aircraft accessories repairer

Aircraft accessories repairman/woman

Aircraft body repairer

Aircraft composite and sheet metal repairer

Aircraft engine accessories overhaul mechanic

Aircraft engine inspector

Aircraft engine mechanic

Aircraft engine mechanical systems overhaul inspector

Aircraft engine mechanical systems technician

Aircraft engine overhaul inspector

Aircraft engine overhaul mechanic

Aircraft engine repair and overhaul mechanic

Aircraft engine technician

Aircraft engine tester

Aircraft gas turbine engine technician

Aircraft hydraulics inspector

Aircraft hydraulics mechanic

Aircraft hydraulics shop technician

Aircraft hydraulics technician

Aircraft hydraulics tester

Aircraft inspector

Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)

Aircraft maintenance mechanic apprentice

Aircraft maintenance technician

Aircraft mechanic

Aircraft mechanic experimental

Aircraft mechanic learner

Aircraft mechanical and fuel systems overhaul and repair mechanic

Aircraft mechanical systems flight tests inspector

Aircraft mechanical systems inspector

Aircraft mechanical systems junior mechanic

Aircraft mechanical systems maintenance technician

Aircraft mechanical systems mechanic

Aircraft mechanical systems modification mechanic

Aircraft mechanical systems preflight mechanic

Aircraft mechanical systems repair and overhaul inspector

Aircraft mechanical systems repair inspector

Aircraft mechanical systems repair shop inspector

Aircraft mechanical systems technician

Aircraft plumbing and hydraulics mechanic

Aircraft power plant mechanic

Aircraft propeller inspector

Aircraft propeller systems technician

Aircraft propulsion technician

Aircraft reciprocating engine technician

Aircraft repair and overhaul inspector

Aircraft repair shop inspector

Aircraft rotary mechanical systems technician

Aircraft safety systems mechanic

Aircraft sheet metal technician

Aircraft skin repairer

Aircraft structural repair technician

Aircraft structural technician

Aircraft systems inspector

Airframe mechanic

Apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)

Apprentice aircraft mechanical systems mechanic

Aviation maintenance inspector

Aviation mechanical component shop technician

Certified aircraft technician

Composite repair technician – aircraft

Engine accessories overhaul mechanic

Experimental aircraft mechanic

Flight line mechanic

Flight test aircraft mechanic

Flight test inspector

Gas turbine engine mechanic

Helicopter mechanic

Helicopter mechanical systems inspector

Mechanical systems aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)

Preflight mechanic

Propulsion technician

Rotorcraft aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)

Rotorcraft maintenance engineer

Rotorcraft mechanical systems technician

Structural repair technician

Structures aircraft maintenance engineer (AME)

Structures mechanic

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

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 ensure that these systems 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 ensure adherence to standards and procedures

Maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records of aircrafts.

Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on specific aircraft systems such as engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems and specific kinds of aircraft, such as light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters.

Employment requirements

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.

Additional information

Aircraft mechanics may progress to foreman/woman, shop supervisor or aircraft inspector.

With experience, aircraft inspectors may progress to shop inspector or supervisor.

Aircraft mechanics and inspectors may acquire further endorsements to their AME licence allowing them to inspect and certify a broader range of aircraft and aircraft systems.

AME licences are issued in the following categories: M – Small and Large Aircrafts, E – Electronic Systems, S – Aircraft Structures.

Exclusions

Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (9521)

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 inspection technicians)

Government airworthiness inspectors (in 2262 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers)

Supervisors of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (in 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)