Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors - What They Do

Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments, and by airlines and other aircraft operators.

Job duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Aircraft mechanics

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
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 of aircrafts.

Job titles

shop inspector, aircraft repair
aircraft mechanic
aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
aircraft gas turbine engine technician
aircraft structural repair technician
aviation mechanical component shop technician
hydraulic mechanic, aircraft
inspector, flight test
inspector, repair and overhaul
aircraft inspector
aircraft systems inspector
certified aircraft technician

Employment Requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

Completion of secondary school is required.
A college diploma in aircraft maintenance or Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
Several years of on-the-job training are required for aircraft mechanics.
Aircraft mechanics and inspectors who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada.
Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in Ontario, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.
Industry certification from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some occupations in this unit group is available, but voluntary.
Aircraft inspectors require several years of experience as an aircraft mechanic.

Essential Skills

Reading

Read instructions on labels and product packaging, e.g., read instructions on product labels to learn application and safe storage procedures. (1)
Read short notes and text entries on forms, e.g., read notes on snag and defect cards to learn about non-routine repairs to be performed, and text entries on requisition forms to determine the delivery time and availability of parts. (2)
Read safety-related information, e.g., read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to learn how to safely handle products such as aviation hydraulic fluids like Skydrol. (2)
Read memos and notices, e.g., read memos and notices from their employers to learn about matters such as changes to their organizations' reporting procedures, hours of work and upcoming training. (2)
Read sequenced instructions, e.g., read sequenced instructions to learn how to switch internal relays on and off in programmable logic controllers. (2)
Read newsletters, periodicals and trade magazines, e.g., read articles in publications such as Wings and Aircraft Maintenance Technology to learn about new data link devices. (3)
Read maintenance reports and instructions on work orders, e.g., read maintenance reports to learn about work performed previously on aircraft they are to service. (3)
Read detailed technical service bulletins, e.g., read technical service bulletins issued by aircraft manufacturers to learn about faulty wiring harnesses. (3)
Read air worthiness directives, e.g., read air worthiness directives from Transport Canada to learn about new regulations for the inspection of tail rotors on helicopters. (3)
Read a wide variety of operating, repair, maintenance, testing and quality control manuals, e.g., read complex aircraft maintenance manuals to troubleshoot and repair faults, and carry out maintenance activities. (4)
Read and interpret a variety of regulations, e.g., read regulations issued by Transport Canada to learn about changes to Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. (4)

Document use

Observe warning signs and hazard icons on labels, material packaging and technical drawings, e.g., identify hazards by observing signs located near propellers and rotors. (1)
Scan labels on product packaging, equipment and technical drawings to locate data such as dimensions, part identification numbers and operating specifications. (1)
Scan gauges and digital readouts for operating data such as revolutions per minute, electrical readings, torque and thrust forces. (1)
Locate data in graphs, e.g., use engine performance graphs to locate expected engine operating specifications at various altitudes and temperatures. (3)
Complete entry forms such as log-in sheets, work orders, maintenance records, assembly checklists, inspection worksheets, inventory tracking documents and release forms, e.g., use inspection worksheets to record dates, service intervals, part identification numbers and numerical data such as the specifications and quantities of parts. (3)
Obtain data from a wide variety of lists, schedules and tables, e.g., identify times, dates and tasks to be carried out in detailed maintenance timelines and schedules. (3)
Interpret assembly drawings, e.g., use assembly drawings to identify the order and positioning of parts when reassembling cabinetry in kitchen galleys. (4)
Interpret schematic drawings, e.g., use complex process schematics for aircraft hydraulic, cooling, fuel and electrical systems to learn how these systems operate and to identify circuits and devices. (4)
Interpret scale drawings, e.g., use detailed scale drawings to locate ventilation system components. (4)

Writing

Write brief reminders and notes, e.g., write notes to remind themselves of upcoming deadlines. (1)
Write brief e-mail to request and provide information, e.g., write e-mail messages to supervisors and human resource departments to comment on work conditions and make enquiries about hours of work and holiday schedules. (2)
Write text entries for a variety of maintenance, quality control, inspection and accident reporting forms, e.g., complete maintenance report forms to record the work they performed, the materials used and observations of defects such as dented fuselages. (2)
Write detailed logbook entries, e.g., write detailed comments in logbooks to describe the condition of parts and to record inspection outcomes. (3)
May write longer reports to describe faults and their effects on production, e.g., write detailed reports that discuss the need for unusual repairs, the timelines that will be affected and the additional costs that will be incurred. (3)

Numeracy

Money Math

Not a requirement for this occupation.

Scheduling, Budgeting and Accounting Math

Not a requirement for this occupation.

Measurement and Calculation Math

Measure aircraft parts and components using measuring tools such as rulers, protractors and gauges, e.g., use gauges to measure pressure supplied by pumps, compressors and air exchange units. (1)
Calculate amounts for mixtures and solutions, e.g., mix ingredients at specific ratios to create items such as fillers and adhesives. (2)
Calculate dimensions, weights, volumes and other specifications for aircraft components and systems, e.g., calculate total weights for custom components installed in aircraft, rotor balance points and the areas of fuselages, wings and rotors. (3)
Take a variety of precise measurements using specialized measuring tools, e.g., use bore gauges and micrometers to measure inside diameters of cylinder bores and outside diameters of pistons. (3)

Data Analysis Math

Compare data such as operating hours, landing cycles, pressures, thrust, horsepower, acidity, revolutions per minute, and air and ground speed to specifications. (1)
Calculate summary measures to monitor the progression of faults and wear, e.g., average multiple pressure readings to determine the severity of tire valve defects. (2)
Analyze measurements and instrument readings to determine the operating condition of aircraft and aircraft components and to troubleshoot faults, e.g., analyze multiple counterweight angle measurements to determine whether average values are within allowable tolerances. (3)

Numerical Estimation

Estimate time required to complete aircraft repairs and modifications. They consider the requirements of the tasks, the availability of parts and the time required to complete similar jobs in the past. (2)
Estimate the percentage of wear and useful life remaining for parts such as tires, valves, shocks, batteries and brake pads. They consider the extent of wear and the parts' operational lives. (2)

Oral communication

Listen to announcements made over public address systems. (1)
Discuss parts and supplies with storekeepers and parts clerks, e.g., speak with aviation partspersons to ascertain the availability of parts and supplies. (1)
Talk to supervisors about a variety of topics such as assignments, hours of work, work loads, safety protocols and housekeeping practices. (2)
Exchange information with flight schedulers, e.g., talk to flight schedulers to determine the arrival and departure times of planes and to update them on the status of emergency repairs so departure times can be scheduled. (2)
Communicate with aircraft owners and pilots to answer questions, explain maintenance procedures and gather information, e.g., gather detailed information from aircraft owners and pilots to determine repair requirements. (2)
Exchange technical repair and troubleshooting information with apprentices, co-workers, supervisors and manufacturers' service representatives, e.g., explain to apprentices how control cables are correctly tightened and talk to technical representatives from aircraft manufacturers to learn how to troubleshoot unusual faults. (3)

Thinking

Problem Solving

Encounter incorrectly completed and inadequately documented repairs. They report documentation problems to supervisors and restart their work once the required documentation is available. (1)
Have to delay jobs due to equipment breakdowns and lack of parts. They inform supervisors of the delays and carry out other work until equipment repairs are completed and the needed parts arrive. (2)
Are unable to complete and inspect repairs because data such as specifications and instructions are unavailable. They consult with service managers, co-workers, suppliers and colleagues for advice, and research websites to locate useable information. (2)
Are unable to meet repair and inspection deadlines due to scheduling changes and heavy workloads. They enlist the help of co-workers, work overtime to complete high priority work and ask supervisors to prioritize repairs. (2)

Decision Making

Decide to replace, refurbish and repair parts, e.g., decide to replace parts that are worn beyond allowable specifications. (1)
Select the parts, tools and equipment required to perform tasks and determine the order in which repairs are carried out. They consider the scope of repairs, manufacturers' specifications, availability of parts and equipment, and procedures established by regulatory bodies. (2)
Select the service, reporting and inspection procedures required for various types of repairs. They consider their own certification levels, types of repairs being performed and the regulations and protocols established by employers, regulatory bodies and manufacturers. (2)
May decide to issue airworthiness certificates, e.g., consider the results of repair and maintenance activities, and the dangers posed by deficiencies before allowing aircraft to fly. (2)

Critical Thinking

Judge the accuracy of readings taken using diagnostic equipment, e.g., evaluate the accuracy of navigational diagnostic testing equipment readings by screening sets of readings for anomalies. (1)
Judge the condition of aircraft parts and components. They consider parts' service lives, the presence of defects such as dents, loose connections and contamination, and the degree to which parts meet specifications for parameters such as size, pressure and electrical output. (2)
May evaluate the performance of apprentices. They consider apprentices' abilities to follow proper record keeping, testing and repair protocols, diagnose and troubleshoot faults, locate information such as specifications and complete repairs efficiently. (2)
Evaluate the severity of defects and the effects they will have on the safe operation of aircraft, e.g., evaluate the effects that hail and bird strikes have on the structural integrity of components such as engine inlets. (3)
Evaluate the quality and adequacy of completed repairs, e.g., evaluate their own work by considering the degree to which they followed proper repair and test protocols, the quality of workmanship and the results of post-repair inspections and tests. (3)

Job Task Planning and Organizing

They organize their daily job tasks to accomplish the work assigned to them by supervisors and schedulers. They are generally assigned one work order at a time but may be required to plan tasks for multiple repair jobs and to ensure the efficient use of labour, parts and equipment. Those working in line-maintenance departments are frequently required to modify job task plans to perform and inspect repairs to aircraft that are unexpectedly grounded due to serious mechanical faults. (2)

They may organize the activities of apprentices and helpers to ensure tools and equipment are used properly and that regulations established by employers, manufacturers and certifying bodies are followed. (2)

Significant Use of Memory

Remember a system's basic parameters and operating tolerances.
Remember the faults associated with error and trouble codes for various types of equipment.

Finding Information

Find information about aircraft maintenance and repair histories by speaking with aircraft owners, pilots, supervisors and co-workers and by reviewing previously completed work orders, snag cards and maintenance logs. (2)
Find information about repair and reporting procedures. They discuss problematic repairs with co-workers and supervisors. They read service manuals, process standards documents and updates, bulletins, special instructions and airworthiness directives issued by engineers, manufacturers and Transport Canada. (2)
Find information about needed repairs and maintenance tasks. They review maintenance logs, work orders and snag cards, and collect data from onboard computers and databases. They speak with supervisors, co-workers and pilots. They conduct diagnostic tests and perform extensive inspections. (3)

Digital technology

Word Processing

Not a requirement for this occupation.

Spreadsheet Software

Not a requirement for this occupation.

Bookkeeping, Billing and Accounting Software

Not a requirement for this occupation.

Communication Software

Use communications software, e.g., use email applications to exchange information and documents with co-workers, supervisors, engineers and manufacturers. (2)

Data Bases

Use databases to access information, e.g., access their organization's databases to locate inventories and flight schedules, and to retrieve specifications and technical drawings. (2)
Use databases to input information, e.g., input information into databases to complete a variety of entry forms such as snag cards, maintenance logs and airworthiness reports. (2)
Use databases to optimize workflow, e.g., use corporate aircraft maintenance planning software to access the maintenance schedules required by manufacturers. (3)

Presentation Software

Not a requirement for this occupation.

Graphics Software

May use graphics software, e.g., use graphics software incorporated into scan tools to access data displays such as signal values. (2)

Internet

Use the Internet to access training courses and seminars offered by training institutions, unions, suppliers and employers. (2)
Use Internet browsers and search engines to access technical service bulletins, electrical codes, specifications and troubleshooting guides. (2)
Use Internet browsers to access and share information on Web forums and blogs. (2)
Search through Internet websites and navigate several menus to locate technical data such as pin assignments on integrated circuit chips. (2)

Programming and System Design

Upload data from onboard computers, e.g., upload data and trouble codes from onboard computers to determine an aircraft's operating conditions and status. (1)
Download programs onto onboard computers, e.g., use laptops supplied by manufacturers to upload updates to navigation-related programs onto onboard computers. (1)
May install and service distributed control system (DCS) software to control system parameters such as speeds, outputs, pressures and temperatures. (3)

Other Digital Technology

Use diagnostic equipment such as dynamometers to troubleshoot and repair engine faults. (1)
Use electronic scanning equipment to access data such as fault codes from onboard computers and sensors. (1)
Use a variety of digital hand such as multimeters. (1)
Use built-in flight test equipment to troubleshoot faults and access trouble codes, e.g., use onboard test equipment to interrogate onboard systems and isolate electrical faults. (2)

Other Essential Skills:

Working With Others

Aircraft mechanics usually work independently to perform their job tasks but may be assigned jobs that require two or more workers to complete They coordinate job tasks with parts clerks, avionics, propulsion and instruments technicians, schedulers, dispatchers and other aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors to ensure repairs are completed properly, and shop space and tools are used efficiently. (2)

Continuous Learning

Aircraft mechanics must continually update their technical skills and keep abreast of changes to regulations and repair procedures. They are required to re-certify competencies and complete varying amounts of technical and safety training yearly in accordance with guidelines established by manufacturers, employers and certifying bodies such as Transport Canada. They keep up to date on changes to regulations by speaking with supervisors, co-workers and colleagues and by reading service letters, updates, aircraft maintenance manuals, bulletins and restriction directives, airworthiness directives and quality instructions. (3)