Aircraft Structure 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) 

In general, aircraft structure technicians:

• inspect metal and composite aircraft structures
• assess corrosion and fatigue damage
• read and interpret aircraft blueprints, technical drawings and repair manuals
• repair, replace and modify sheet metal and composite parts, skins and panels to exacting tolerances
• fasten parts, skins and panels to aircraft structures
• fabricate holding fixtures or jigs as required to maintain proper alignment when making, repairing or installing parts 
• apply coatings that protect against corrosion.

They also may:

• fabricate, repair and modify fluid lines and fittings
• repair and replace plastic windows and lenses
• repair fabric surfaces and wood structures.

Aircraft structure technicians work primarily indoors in hangars or shops. Sometimes, they may be required to work outdoors 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 structure technicians work shifts that may include evenings or nights when aircraft are not in use.

Aircraft structure technicians need the following personal characteristics:

• good eyesight and hearing
• good eye-hand and muscle co-ordination
• the ability to work at heights
• the desire and ability to be careful and accurate to the smallest detail
• the physical fitness and agility required for reaching, climbing and heavy lifting
• the ability to select, interpret and follow instructions provided in written or blueprint form, and to interpret regulations
• good organizational and time management skills.

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 structure technicians may be employed by:

• air carriers
• aircraft repair and overhaul companies
• flight training schools
• aeronautical product manufacturers
• component shops.

A willingness to relocate is an employment advantage.

Experienced aircraft structure technicians may become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and advance to supervisory and management positions. Some aircraft structure technicians are employed as quality control inspectors or sales representatives for aeronautical products.

Aircraft structure 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 (CAMC) 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.