Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors

(NOC 7315)

in All Trades and Transportation

Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair, or overhaul and certify that these systems meet standards of performance and safety. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors work for aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul businesses, and by airlines and other aircraft operators. Nova Scotia's aviation industry focuses on maritime aviation, composition fabrication, and electronic assemblies. Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on specific aircraft systems like engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems and specific kinds of aircraft like light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters.

Job Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 85 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

  • Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$32.87

Median

$42.69

Maximum

Annual Pay

$45,321

Minimum

$65,603

Median

$91,792

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$37.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair, or overhaul and certify that these systems meet standards of performance and safety. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors work for aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul businesses, and by airlines and other aircraft operators. Nova Scotia's aviation industry focuses on maritime aviation, composition fabrication, and electronic assemblies. Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on specific aircraft systems like engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems and specific kinds of aircraft like light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters.

Job 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.
  • Complete and document routine maintenance.
  • Order and maintain inventory of parts and supplies.

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 and reports.

Sample job titles

  • aircraft engine mechanical systems technician
  • aircraft engine tester
  • aircraft inspector
  • aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
  • aircraft maintenance technician
  • aircraft mechanic
  • aircraft structural repair technician
  • flight test inspector

Skills

  • This work requires excellent spatial and form perception, agility, and coordination. You must be physically fit and have good eyesight and hearing. The ability to follow instructions and perform with a high degree of accuracy is essential. An interest in electronics, machine work, and general mechanics may be helpful.

Job requirements

  • High 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.
  • Industry certification from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some jobs in this group is available, but voluntary.

Other considerations

  • Aircraft mechanics may progress to foreman/woman, shop supervisor or aircraft inspector. With experience, aircraft inspectors may progress to shop inspector or supervisor. Aircraft mechanics and inspectors may add further endorsements to their AME licence allowing them to inspect and certify a broader range of aircraft and aircraft systems. AME licences are issued in the following categories: M-Small and Large Aircraft, E-Electronic Systems, S-Aircraft Structures. AME licences are issued in the following categories: M-Small and Large Aircraft, E-Electronic Systems, S-Aircraft Structures.

By the numbers

Quick look

915

employed in 2016

98.9%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

7.1%
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92.9%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
40.2

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
94.7%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

59.6%

Halifax

$67,871 median annual income
27.9%

Annapolis Valley

$65,620 median annual income
8.7%

North Shore

$58,433 median annual income
2.2%

Cape Breton

N/A
1.6%

Southern

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

48.3%

Transportation and warehousing

25.9%

Public administration

16.1%

Manufacturing

4.0%

Wholesale trade

2.3%

Other services (except public administration)

What is the age of Employment?

27.0%

45-54

26.0%

25-34

22.0%

35-44

14.0%

55-64

8.0%

15-24

3.0%

65+

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

49.5%

College Diploma

$61,993 median annual income
28.0%

Trade Certification

$66,481 median annual income
15.4%

High school

$65,717 median annual income
2.7%

Diploma Below Bachelor

N/A
2.7%

Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income
25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income
22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income
18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income
2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technician

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all aircraft components other than engines, propellers, avionics, and instruments. They include courses in layout and fabrication of sheet metal, fabric, wood, and other materials into structural members, parts, and fittings, and replacement of damaged or worn parts such as control cables and hydraulic units.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.

Regulating body:
Transport Canada - Civil Aviation Services
Dartmouth, NS

Contacts

Transport Canada, Civil Aviation
Enfield, NS
Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace
Ottawa, ON

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.