Aviation Maintenance Engineers
Competition for skills in high-tech industries remains fierce with aviation too often on the losing side. This is expected to change as older aircraft are replaced with a new generation of high-tech machines featuring carbon composites and more complex systems. Fly-by-wire, for example is replacing conventional manual flight controls with electronic signals transmitted by wires and flight control computers.
“Operators have to replace aircraft,” says Sam Barone, president/CEO of the CBAA, a former air transport analyst. “Taking apart a Boeing 787 is going to be a lot different than taking a part a 747. Older Bombardier Challengers are being replaced with the Global Express.”
This is creating exciting new career opportunities for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT) with the right skills. AMTs are responsible for keeping the airplanes flying through day-to-day maintenance and overhauls to airframes, engines, aircraft components, hydraulics, fuel systems and avionics, the increasingly advanced onboard electronic suites and systems for flight control, navigation and communication, and considered by many to be the new AMT sweet spot. It is a fast, intense and deadline-driven career that relies on people with top diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.
AMTs must possess a strong knowledge of aircraft systems, aerodynamics and aircraft structures along with a clear understanding of the interrelationships between components on an aircraft. They also work closely with the aircraft and engine manufacturers.
Aircraft maintenance is a very manual-driven industry that requires high-level of literacy and numeracy skills, and the ability to follow technical drawings and blueprints. AMTs must also keep extensive and accurate records of the maintenance history of an aircraft, many of which are now computerized.
So, what about job prospects? The Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) does not have statistics on opportunities for aviation maintenance students. Over the next five years, however, it is estimated that more than 40 per cent of the 80,000-plus aircraft maintenance technicians will be more than 55 years and older and considering retirement. “These people are going to retire and it is going to be a wave crashing against the bow,” says Les Aalders, executive vice-president of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), describing future job opportunities for new graduates. The greatest demand will continue to be for avionics technicians and qualified machinists.
AMTs are aviation’s frontline, although the profession has traditionally not been given the respect it deserves when compared with pilots. That, too, is changing as aircraft become more complex. As with most jobs in aviation, there is also the paying of the dues. To qualify for CCAA certification, for example, an applicant must possess the necessary skills and knowledge, and acquire a minimum 48 months’ experience.
AME associations in Canada:
The Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace • www.avaerocouncil.ca
Canadian Federation of AME Associations • www.cfamea.com
Central AME Association • www.camea.ca
Western AME Association • www.wamea.com
Pacific AME Association • www.pamea.com
Altantic AME Association • www.atlanticame.ca
Ontario AME Association • www.ame-ont.com
AME salaries and job prospects
Apprentice: starting wage approximately $15 per hour
AME: starting wage approximately $25 per hour
Employed (size of occupation): Currently there are more than 15,000 licenced (M, E, and S) AMEs in Canada.
Job prospects: look promising due to the ongoing retirement of veteran technicians
Maintenance Technician Positions
Qualified Aircraft Maintenance Technicians have found challenging careers in all areas of Canada’s airline and aerospace sectors. Below is a brief description of several specialized roles.
In the past 10 years, avionics has penetrated every aspect of an aircraft’s operation, and has ensured a strong demand for Avionics Maintenance Technicians. An Avionics Maintenance Technician installs, repairs and maintains various complex aircraft computers and subsystems, including fly-by-wire, auto flight, global positioning and satellite navigation. Avionics technicians are involved in integrating avionics systems into the aircraft, technical writing and troubleshooting. An avionics technician is eligible to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence and release aircraft for service.
Aviation Machinists
Aviation machinists fabricate, repair, rework or modify aircraft parts and components to exacting specifications. Aviation machinists must be familiar with exotic and specialized materials used in aviation, and will often be called upon in the design phase of a project because of their knowledge of materials, processes and fabrication techniques. Newer carbon-fibre composites such as those being used in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will bring new opportunities for aviation machinists.
Aerospace Engineers
In Canada, aerospace engineers are at the core of a vibrant industry, developing new systems and aircraft that meet the highest standards for safety and performance. Each year, more than 1,200 new and modified aeronautical products are built or operated in Canada. A day in the life of an aerospace engineer could include developing new aircraft flight systems, designing new propulsion systems, or studying and analyzing aircraft aerodynamics.
Aviation Maintenance Inspectors
An aviation maintenance inspector inspects the structural and mechanical systems of an aircraft to ensure it complies with Transport Canada, operator and manufacturer performance and safety standards. In some organizations, the aviation maintenance inspector plans and implements every aspect of inspection techniques to make sure the quality of aircraft repairs and maintenance performed meet industry standards. An inspector can also be an AME who releases aircraft.
Aircraft Line Maintenance
Aircraft line maintenance involves technicians who diagnose and correct troubles on the aircraft, conduct major aircraft checks and effect repairs.
|
