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PHOTO: Northern Lights College
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Aircraft maintenance encompasses a broad range of aviation and aerospace careers that collectively keep aircraft safe, serviced and flying. Technicians can find themselves working on engines, airframes, brakes and landing gear, and aircraft electronics. They do everything from regularly scheduled maintenance to full-scale teardowns and rebuilds. Job opportunities exist straight out of high school as apprentices, and with additional specialized courses through industry and colleges, doors are opened to stimulating work in different fields and higher wages.
Some technicians also become Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). “An AME is generally accepted as a “qualified mechanic,” but the term really applies to those who have been licensed by the regulator and have demonstrated the understanding and responsibility that comes with certifying aircraft or aeronautical components after maintenance,” says Stuart McAulay, maintenance manager with the Brantford Flying Club in southwestern Ontario.
Worth noting: You do not have to be an AME to enter the maintenance side of the aviation: “There are many opportunities for qualified technicians who are not AMEs but who may become part of a growing need in the industry to fill a variety of positions,” he says. Currently, the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry is looking for new blood to flesh out its technician ranks. The reason: “Industry research over the past decade has indicated that there will be a significant shortage of maintenance personnel within the next five to 10 years since a high percentage of experienced technicians and AMEs are nearing retirement age,” says McAulay.So what is the job market like? “Career opportunities in general are better with the larger air carriers than in general aviation, yet general aviation for the most part offers less shift work and more consistency once a position has been established,” says McAulay. “The best opportunities for students include co-op placements with air operators and maintainers. This gives students upfront experience at doing the job they have interest in. Placements may include aircraft maintenance, line service technician, gas turbine maintenance and overhaul, reciprocating engine maintenance and overhaul, propeller maintenance and overhaul, component maintenance and overhaul, and many other specialty areas. Students who show genuine interest and aptitude in their chosen placements usually have an excellent chance at future employment through positive referrals.”
Maintenance Technician Jobs
Aerospace maintenance workers fulfil many specialized roles in aviation, with job titles that describe what they do:
Aircraft Maintenance Technician — works on aircraft on a stem-to-stern basis. They help keep them maintained, troubleshoot and respond to problems, plus conduct regularly scheduled checks to determine how well the aircraft is operating and what needs to be fixed. This is the kind of job that appeals to a person with an interest in dealing with the whole aircraft, and solving a wide range of mechanical and electronic challenges. Individuals in this trade are eligible to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence and release aircraft for service. Eventually they may also become crew leaders or managers.
Aircraft Engine Overhaul Technician — focuses on the engines that keep the aircraft flying. This is a trade well suited to those who enjoy tinkering with cars and other machines. It is also ideal for those who like to stay current with technological advances, since engines are constantly being refined to deliver better performance, more reliability and lower fuel consumption. They may work on piston and turbine engines and, in some cases, the propeller as well.
Aircraft Avionics Technician — deals with the complex electronics and instrumentation that allow today’s aircraft to fly safely. These include everything from altimeters, radios and radar to TAWS (Terrain Avoidance Warning Systems), GPS and onboard satellite radio and Wi-Fi. A background in electrical or electronics is helpful, since modern aircraft are very much computer-driven. In fact, aircraft avionics is one area where computer enthusiasts can find an alternative to working in a generic corporate office repairing desktop PCs and LANs. Individuals in this trade are eligible to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence and release aircraft for service.
Trim Overhaul and Fabrication Technician — overhauls and refurbishes aircraft interiors, replacing worn-out and dated interiors with new appointments that meet today’s fashion trends. This is as much a craft as it is a trade, because the quality of finishing makes a profound impression on passengers who sit in aircraft seats for hours at a time.
Painting Technician — is charged with stripping, masking, and then repainting aircraft as large as a Boeing 747. Again, this is a skill that makes auto refinishing look like child’s play, given the sheer scale of the object being transformed.
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 over 15,000 licenced (M, E, and S) AMEs in Canada
Job prospects: look promising due to the ongoing retirement of veteran technicians
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