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) 
• 2016 NOC: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (7315) 

Aircraft maintenance technicians work on aircraft and aircraft systems. They make sure the aircraft and its components are in airworthy condition. They maintain:

• Electrical systems
• Engines
• Environmental control systems
• Flight controls
• Fuel systems
• Ignition systems
• Landing gear
• Pneumatic or hydraulic systems
• Propellers

Maintenance can be categorized into line work or heavy work. In line or ramp work, the aircraft undergoes lighter maintenance tasks. It can stay in operation. These tasks have a quick turnaround time, up to overnight. In heavy work, the aircraft undergoes more thorough maintenance checks. It goes out of operation and can remain in the hangar for days or weeks.

Duties vary depending on the employer. In general, aircraft maintenance technicians:

• Repair, replace, assemble, and install aircraft parts
• Test aircraft systems
• Find the source of malfunctions
• Troubleshoot airframe, engine, and electrical problems
• Ensure parts work properly
• Perform routine tasks (such as changing oil, repairing or recovering fabric surfaces, and cleaning filters)
• Conduct and record routine and special inspections as required by regulations
• Understand and interpret regulatory requirements
• Complete entries in logbooks (technical records) as required by regulations

Aircraft maintenance technicians must be able to work to the highest safety standards.

Aircraft maintenance technicians work indoors in hangars or shops when doing heavy maintenance. They work on outdoor airport ramps when performing light maintenance.

They need to use safety equipment and wear safety clothing. They may be exposed to harsh weather, fumes, or other hazards. Their work area may be noisy. Ear protection is required when systems are running. At times, they work in awkward positions or on scaffolds. They use hoists to move large, heavy objects. Working quickly while observing safety standards can be stressful.

Aircraft maintenance technicians work shifts that may include evenings or nights. At these times, aircraft are less likely to be in use. Shift work, overtime, and on-call work are common. Some technicians work in remote locations for long periods.

Aircraft maintenance technicians may work for:

• Aeronautical product makers
• Air carriers
• Aircraft repair and overhaul companies
• Aviation departments in large businesses
• Component shops
• Flight training schools

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.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 7315: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors occupational group, 78.2% of people work in:

• Transportation and Warehousing
• Manufacturing

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

©

iStock.com/filadendron

OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 7315: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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

Aviation, Government of Canada website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation

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

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.