Aircraft Maintenance Technician

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Aircraft Mechanics (7315.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (H415) 
• 2011 NOC: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (7315) 

Aircraft maintenance technicians work on aircraft and aircraft systems. They maintain:

• engines
• flight controls
• landing gear
• fuel systems
• environmental control systems
• pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

Duties vary. In general, aircraft maintenance technicians:

• repair, replace, assemble and install aircraft parts
• test aircraft systems
• find the source of malfunctions
• troubleshoot problems
• ensure parts work properly
• perform routine 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 indoors in hangars or shops. Sometimes they work on outdoor airport ramps. They may be exposed to harsh weather, fumes or other hazards. They need to use safety equipment and wear safety clothing. Their work area may be noisy. At times, they work in awkward positions or on scaffolds. They use hoists to move larger, heavy objects. Working quickly while observing safety standards can be stressful.

Aircraft maintenance technicians work shifts that may include evenings or nights, when aircraft are not in use. Shift work, overtime, and being on call are common. Some work in remote locations for long periods.

Aircraft maintenance technicians need to possess:

• excellent mechanical aptitude
• good eyesight and hearing
• good hand-eye and muscle co-ordination
• good fitness
• agility (for reaching and climbing)
• an ability to work at heights
• an ability to be careful and accurate to the smallest detail
• an ability to work well with others
• an ability to make decisions on their own, often under pressure
• an ability to select, interpret, and follow instructions in written or blueprint form
• an ability to interpret regulations
• an ability to be well organized
• an ability to manage time well
• an ability to work to the highest standards of safety.

Aircraft maintenance technicians may work for:

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

Aircraft maintenance technicians must supply their own hand tools. The employer usually provides special tools and equipment.

Employers may favour employees who are willing to move.

Some technicians advance to become supervisors or managers in approved maintenance organizations. Others work as quality control inspectors or sales reps 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 [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

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

Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) website: www.avaerocouncil.ca

Transport Canada website: www.tc.gc.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.