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Aircraft mechanics

OaSIS code 72404.01

Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Apprentices are also included in this occupation.

Overview

Also known as

  • Aircraft engine mechanic
  • Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
  • Aircraft mechanic
  • Aircraft mechanical systems maintenance technician
  • Aircraft sheet metal technician

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • 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.

Additional information

  • Aircraft mechanics may progress to foreman/woman, shop supervisor or aircraft inspector.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors (22313)
  • Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (93200)
  • Aircraft engine assembly fitter (in 72405.00 Machine fitters)
  • Airworthiness inspectors (22231.03)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

72 – Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers

Sub-major group

724 – Technical maintenance trades

Minor group

7240 – Machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicles)

Unit group

72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors

Occupational profile

72404.01 – Aircraft mechanics

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Electronic Maintenance
5 - Highest Level
Judging Quality
5 - Highest Level
Mechanical Maintenance
5 - Highest Level
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
5 - Highest Level
Controlling Machines and Processes
4 - High Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
3 - Moderate amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
3 - Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
1 - Very little time
Standing
Duration
2 - Less than half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
3 - About half the time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day
Duration
3 - About half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
2 - Somewhat important
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day

Workplaces/employers

  • Aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments
  • Aircraft operators
  • Airlines

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Control of Settings
5 - Highest Level
Finger Dexterity
5 - Highest Level
Hearing Sensitivity
5 - Highest Level
Manual Dexterity
5 - Highest Level
Multi-Limb Coordination
5 - Highest Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Equipment and Tool Selection
5 - Highest Level
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
5 - Highest Level
Preventative Maintenance
5 - Highest Level
Quality Control Testing
5 - Highest Level
Repairing
5 - Highest Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Adaptability
4 - Highly important
Analytical Thinking
4 - Highly important
Attention to Detail
4 - Highly important
Collaboration
4 - Highly important
Independence
4 - Highly important