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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

Interests

The OaSIS uses the Holland Codes to describe the work-related interests. According to the Holland model, people work best in work environments that match their preferences, which means that people and work environments can be matched for a best fit. Occupational environments in Holland’s theory are described according to a combination of main interests and the activities they represent. There are six interests in the Holland typology: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. All occupations in OaSIS have up to three interests assigned to them.

Interests

Preferences for work environments and outcomes.

Interests profile: RCI

Realistic (R)

Realistic occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the explicit, ordered or systematic manipulation of objects, tools, machines and animals. Many of these occupations do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional (C)

Conventional occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail following sets of procedures and routines. These activities may include systematic manipulation of data, such as keeping records, filing materials, reproducing materials, organizing written and numerical data according to a prescribed plan, and operating business and data processing. They often require following a clear line of authority and usually involve working with data and details more than with ideas.

Investigative (I)

Investigative occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the observation and systematic or creative investigation of physical, biological, or cultural phenomena. These occupations require an extensive amount of thinking and frequently involve working with ideas, searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Employment requirements

Employment requirements includes the education, training, certifications and the knowledge required to work in each occupation. The Knowledge category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency, and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of Knowledge descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Education, certification and licensing

  • 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.

Knowledge

Knowledge level
Mechanics and Machinery
3 - Advanced Level
Mathematics
2 - Intermediate Level
Public Safety and Security
2 - Intermediate Level
Clerical
1 - Basic Level
Computer, Technology and Information Systems
1 - Basic Level

Skills for success

 
Skills for Success Model
 
Skills for Success are skills that help you in a quickly changing world. Everyone benefits from having these skills. They can help you to get a job, progress at your current job or even change jobs. The skills also help you become an active member of your community and succeed in learning.
 
 
Linkages Between ESDC Skills Models and Frameworks
 
ESDC makes available a dictionary of over 300 terms (or descriptors) and definitions, known as the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy (SCT). Descriptor information from the Taxonomy is used in the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).
 
While there is general commonality of meaning between the descriptors in the SCT and the Skills for Success model, there are some differences in their definitions due to their distinct purposes. The Skills for Success Model [9 broadly defined skills] identifies the skills that are universally applicable. The SCT displays specific skills and competency requirements for 900 occupations. Users of the Skills for Success Model and Essential Skills content may find competency information from the Taxonomy and the OaSIS to be complementary.
 
Stay tuned to this section for more information and updates regarding linkages between the Skills for Success model and the OaSIS.

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

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