Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors

Aircraft Mechanics

 * maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural and mechanical and hydraulic systems

Aircraft Inspectors

 * inspect aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul

Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors

 * work for aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments
 * also work for airlines, the armed forces and other aircraft operators

Annual Median Salary
$70,910

Hourly Rate

 * High: $45.19/hr
 * Median: $34.00/hr
 * Low: $20.90/hr

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 air-frames, 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 make sure they 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 make sure standards and procedures are met
 * maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records and reports

Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on

 * specific aircraft systems such as engines, engine accessories, air-frames, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems
 * specific kinds of aircraft, such as light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters

Key aspects of the work in this occupation

 * Work takes place in a controlled indoor environment.


 * Working with equipment, machinery or power/hand tools may be a source of injury.
 * Work may produce enough noise to cause marked distraction or possible loss of hearing.

Education, training & qualifications

 * 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.

Skills

 * Manual Dexterity
 * Spatial Perception
 * Detail-Oriented
 * Object-Oriented
 * Motor Coordination