Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (NOC 7315)

What They Do Aircraft mechanics perform some or all of the following duties: 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 and reports. 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 perform some or all of the following duties:

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Transportation and warehousing 56% Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 28% Public administration 8% People in this group work for: Aircraft manufacturers Maintenance/repair and overhaul establishments Airlines, the armed forces, and other aircraft operators The unionization rate (49%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations. The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Related Occupation(s) Other Technical Inspectors and Regulatory Officers (NOC 226) Machinery and Transportation Equipment Mechanics (Except Motor Vehicle) (NOC 731)

Something to Think About To enhance your professional knowledge and broaden your opportunities, consider: Continually updating knowledge/skills Setting standards and guidelines for safety/operations

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.

What You Need In general, you usually need a high school diploma. You usually need a college program in aircraft maintenance or a four-year apprenticeship program. To be an aircraft mechanic, you need several years' on-the-job training. To be an aircraft mechanic or inspector, who signs maintenance releases and certifies airworthiness, you also need an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada. Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in the Northwest Territories. Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia. Voluntary industry certification is available from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become foreman or forewoman, shop supervisor or aircraft inspector. To be an aircraft inspector, you need several years' experience as an aircraft mechanic. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma.

Required/Related    Educational Programs* This will let you explore the program(s) of study that lead to this (these) occupation(s). Mechanical Engineering Technologies (C315) Industrial Engineering Technologies (C380) Mechanical Engineering Technologies - Other (T315) *  These educational programs are listed in the order in which they are most likely to supply graduates to this occupation.

Useful Experience/Skills Mechanics Hydraulics Diagrams/schematics Decision-making		Useful High School Subjects Mechanics Math Physics Physical Education English
Depending on your background, this Education, Training, and Experience info will help you to: Choose your high school courses Plan your post-secondary program Choose relevant volunteer work Decide what new skills to learn Read job ads, professional journals, and newspapers for what the industry needs and employers want. Talk to employers and employees to find out the exceptional skills and knowledge that will help you land a job.

Current Conditions Your work prospects are rated FAIR because: Employement grew at a below-average rate. Hourly wages ($23.45) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average. The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects Current   Fair   2009   Fair

Outlook to 2009 Your work prospects will continue to be FAIR because: The employment growth rate will likely be average because the federal government will likely be spending more on defense and security, resulting in job openings. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Preparing for the Competition You'll be competing with recent graduates/school-leavers. You're more likely to succeed if you develop technical and interpersonal skills.

If you are beginning your career investigation, national outlooks will give you a good overview of trends. Ready to explore an occupation in more detail? Check provincial/territorial or local outlooks (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca).

What you can expect to make (Average Hourly Earnings ($/hour))
Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 $15.30 $11.74 25-54 $24.19 $19.76 55+   $19.59 Overall Average for Ages (20+) This Occupation All Occupations $23.45 $18.07		Hourly wages ($23.45) are close to the national average ($18.07). These earnings are above average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipement operators sector and above average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Your salary can be affected by your background, the company's size and benefits, and the region and setting (urban or rural). Check out salaries in your own region by seeking info from: Employees/unions/associations Employers/human resource people Training institutions and placement services Company websites Professional/trade journals

Close to the average
The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%). This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations. A low unemployment rate often means less competition for the jobs available. But you still need to have the required training and experience. A high unemployment rate doesn't necessarily mean you'll have great difficulty getting hired. But it can mean a fluctuating demand for workers, and you may experience bouts of unemployment.		Year This Occupation All Occupations 1991 1% 10% 1992 9% 11% 1993 11% 11% 1994 2% 10% 1995 2% 10% 1996 1% 10% 1997 3% 9% 1998 1% 8% 1999 5% 8% 2000 1% 7% 2001 0% 7% 2002 2% 8% 2003 3% 8% 2004 5% 7%

% of Part-time work is below average
This Occupation All Occupations Full-time 98% 81% Part-time 2% 19%		There were 12,000 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 28% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers (2%) is below the 2004 average (19%) and has stayed about the same since 1997.
When full-time work is difficult to find, look at alternatives such as contract work, consulting, shared positions, and telework.

Average
The percentage of self-employed workers is 7% compared to the 2004 average of 15%.		This Occupation All Occupations Self-Employed 7% 15%
Does this occupation have an above-average rate of self-employment? Consider being your own boss if you can't find work with an employer.

Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 8% 10% 25-54 83% 72% 55+ 8% 12%		The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
Look at the youngest group. A low percentage means fewer openings for brand-new workers. A high percentage means more openings for brand-new workers. Look at the oldest age group. A high percentage means positions could open up from retirements. This could be significant for both mid-career changers and brand-new workers.

Below average
The percentage of women (10%) is below the 2004 average of 48%.		This Occupation All Occupations Percent Women 10% 48%

This page last modified on: 2007-03-31