HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
Students interested in this career usually prepare through a college or trades program in aircraft maintenance or a related field, although pathways can vary by employer and province. Apprenticeship or trades training is common, and some workers also complete employer-based training. In Ontario, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence issued by Transport Canada is required for signing maintenance releases and certifying airworthiness. Certification from the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace is available for some roles in this occupation. Strong math, reading, and technical skills are helpful, along with comfort using manuals, diagrams, and tools. Many workers build experience by starting with one aircraft system or aircraft type and gradually taking on more responsibility.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy 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.
- 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.
- Aircraft inspectors inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and ensure that these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety
- Aircraft inspectors 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
- Aircraft inspectors maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records and reports.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with a shift briefing and a review of maintenance logs, inspection notes, and work orders. The mechanic or inspector then examines aircraft systems, uses diagrams and manuals to track down faults, and tests parts to see what needs adjustment, repair, or replacement. Some tasks involve removing components, making repairs, reinstalling parts, and checking that everything works properly before the aircraft returns to service. Inspectors may review completed work, confirm that procedures were followed, and update detailed records and reports. The work often changes from one aircraft or system to another, so staying alert and organized is important.
SKILLS TO BUILD