Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors
(NOC 2244)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyAircraft and avionics mechanics and technicians install, adjust, repair, and overhaul aircraft instruments, electrical or avionics systems on aircraft. This group also includes avionics inspectors who inspect instrument, electrical and avionics systems following assembly, modification, repair or overhaul. They are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments and by airlines, the armed forces and other aircraft operators.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 75% of Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $68,773. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$41,344
Minimum$67,910
Median$85,115
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Aircraft and avionics mechanics and technicians install, adjust, repair, and overhaul aircraft instruments, electrical or avionics systems on aircraft.
This group also includes avionics inspectors who inspect instrument, electrical and avionics systems following assembly, modification, repair or overhaul. They are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments and by airlines, the armed forces and other aircraft operators.
Job duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some jobs in this group:
- Aircraft instrument mechanics and technicians repair and overhaul, install, calibrate and test aircraft instruments.
- Aircraft electrical mechanics and technicians repair and overhaul, modify, install and test aircraft electrical systems and equipment.
- Avionics mechanics and technicians troubleshoot, repair and overhaul, test, modify, install and inspect aircraft electronic systems and components including communications, navigation, and autoflight equipment.
- Avionics inspectors inspect and test aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics systems and ensure that the installation, maintenance, repair and overhaul of these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety.
- Aircraft mechanics and technicians employed in repair and overhaul shops service and test electrical, electronic, and instrument components. Avionics mechanics and technicians working in maintenance hangars troubleshoot, repair, install and inspect aircraft systems and components.
Sample job titles
- aircraft electrician
- aircraft instrument technician
- aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) - avionics
- avionics mechanic
- avionics technician
- electrical and electronics technician - avionics
- instrument inspector and tester - avionics
- instrument overhaul and repair mechanic - avionics
Skills
For these jobs, you should be interested in technology and discovering how things work. Good mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and patience are necessary. You must be able to work under pressure and be able to collaborate and cooperate with others as part of a team. Effective oral and written communication skills are also important.
Job requirements
- Aircraft instrument and avionics mechanics and technicians require completion of a two- to three-year college program in avionics or electronics.
- Aircraft electrical mechanics and technicians require completion of a college program as an electrical or electronic technician.
- Four years of on-the-job or company apprenticeship training is required for all mechanics and technicians in this group.
- Avionics inspectors require completion of a two- to three-year college program in avionics or electronics and three to five years of experience as an avionics mechanic or technician.
- Avionics inspectors, mechanics and technicians who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence (category E – avionics) issued by Transport Canada.
- Industry certification is available from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some jobs in this group.
- Avionics inspectors, maintenance technicians and mechanics may acquire further endorsements to their AME licence allowing them to inspect and certify a broader range of aircraft and avionics systems.
- An AME licence can be obtained by fulfilling the education and training requirements as stated above and passing Transport Canada AME examinations.
Other considerations
Progression to supervisory positions within specific areas of expertise is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Annapolis Valley
Halifax
North Shore
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public Administration
Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Transportation and Warehousing
Wholesale Trade
Professional Business Services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
55-64
45-54
25-34
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$88,160 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ATrades certificate
$89,926 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Electrical, electronic and communications engineering technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. These programs include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Electromechanical and instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians - Other
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Electromechanical and Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
Industrial electronics technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical/electronic equipment used in industry and manufacturing. These programs include courses in installing, maintaining and testing various types of equipment.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Instrumentation technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in developing control and measurement systems and procedures. These programs include courses in instrumentation design and maintenance, calibration, design and production testing and scheduling, automated equipment functions, applications to specific industrial tasks, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Employment requirements & contacts
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