Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Aircraft maintenance technicians may work on a variety of aircraft or work primarily on specific types of aircraft or aircraft systems. For example, they may work on engines, flight controls, landing gear, fuel systems, environmental control systems, pneumatic or hydraulic systems. Duties and responsibilities therefore vary from one job to another but, in general, aircraft maintenance technicians:

• repair, replace, assemble and install aircraft parts
• test the operation of aircraft systems to locate the source of malfunctions and trouble-shoot problems
• inspect parts to ensure they are in proper working order 
• perform routine maintenance tasks such as changing oil and cleaning filters
• conduct and record routine and special inspections as required by regulations
• complete entries in log books (technical records).

Aircraft maintenance technicians work on aircraft indoors in hangars or shops, and outdoors in all weather conditions on airport ramps. They may be exposed to fumes or other hazards requiring the use of safety equipment or clothing, or work in noisy environments, in uncomfortable positions or on scaffolds. They also may be required to lift items weighing up to 20 kilograms or use hoists to move larger, heavier objects. Having to work quickly and observe safety standards at the same time can be stressful.

Aircraft maintenance technicians often work during the evening and night when aircraft are not in use. Shift work, overtime and being on call are common. Some aircraft maintenance technicians work in remote locations for extended periods of time.

Aircraft maintenance technicians need the following personal characteristics:

• excellent mechanical aptitude
• good eyesight and hearing
• good eye-hand and muscle co-ordination
• the physical fitness and agility required for reaching and climbing
• the ability to work at heights
• the desire and ability to be careful and accurate to the smallest detail
• the ability to work well with others but also make decisions independently, often under pressure
• the ability to select, interpret and follow instructions provided in written or blueprint form, and to interpret regulations
• good organizational and time management skills
• a commitment to working to the highest standards of safety.

They should enjoy using tools, equipment and machinery to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing information and troubleshooting problems, and having organized methods for their work.

Aircraft maintenance technicians may be employed by:

• air carriers
• aircraft repair and overhaul companies
• flight training schools
• aeronautical product manufacturers
• component shops
• aviation departments in large corporations.

A willingness to relocate is an employment advantage.

Experienced technicians may become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers who have the authority to sign that work meets Transport Canada requirements. They also may advance to supervisory or management positions in approved maintenance organizations. Some aircraft maintenance technicians are employed as quality control inspectors or sales representatives for aeronautical products.

Aircraft maintenance technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7315: Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Transportation and Warehousing (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council website: www.camc.ca

Careers in Transportation website: www.transpocity.ca

Transport Canada website: www.tc.gc.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.