Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors

What they do?

Aircraft mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

A. Inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and ensure that these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety

B. 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

C. Maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records and reports.

D. Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems to identify problems and adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures

E. Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems

F. Install or modify aircraft engines and mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems

G. Dismantle airframes, aircraft engines or other aircraft systems for repair, overhaul and cleaning, and reassemble

Where they find work?

1. Transportation and warehousing - 56.0%
2. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing - 28.0%
3. Public administration - 8.0%

What education do I need?

1. In general, you usually need a high school diploma.

2. You usually need a college program in aircraft maintenance or a four-year apprenticeship program.

3. To be an aircraft mechanic, you need several years' on-the-job training.

4. 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.

5. Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in the Northwest Territories.

6. Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.

High School Subject that will help:

1. Math
2. Physics
3. Mechanics
4. Physical Education

What can you expect to make:

The average hourly wages for Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors is $23.45/HR, which is above average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and above average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.

Unemployment:

5% of Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.

Current Job Outlook:

The job outlook for Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors is considered Average because:

1. Employment grew at a below-average rate.

2. Hourly wages of $23.45 are close to the average of $18.07, and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.

3. The unemployment rate of 5% is close to the 2004 average.

Future Job Prospects:

Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:

1. 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.

2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.

3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Highest Concetration:

The highest concentrations of Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Unionization Rate:

The unionization rate (49%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.

Useful Experience:

1. Mechanics

2. Hydraulics

3. Diagrams/schematics

Age Demographics

Age Demographics:

Self Employed

Self Employed:

Men vs Women

Men vs Women: