7315 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors

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Lead statement

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.

Example Titles

  • aircraft gas turbine engine technician
  • aircraft hydraulics mechanic
  • aircraft inspector
  • aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
  • aircraft mechanic
  • aircraft repair and overhaul inspector
  • aircraft repair shop inspector
  • aircraft structural repair technician
  • aircraft systems inspector
  • aviation mechanical component shop technician
  • certified aircraft technician
  • flight test inspector
View all titles

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

    Classification Structure - 7