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What They Do
Aircraft Structures Technicians are members of the air maintenance team who handle, service, and maintain Canadian Forces’ aircraft and associated equipment. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of aviation life support equipment, aircraft structures and related components.
Aircraft Structures Technicians are skilled in metal and composite repair, refinishing, painting, machining and welding. They are integral members of the aircraft maintenance operation in the areas of aircraft servicing, supply, tool control and safety. Their primary responsibilities are to:
- Inspect aircraft structures and related components
- Restore or repair defects using unique aircraft fastening hardware, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, composite materials, chemicals, adhesives, paints and textiles
- Manufacture and install aircraft structural components for prototype projects
- Weld base metals, alloys and casting materials, using oxyacetylene, electrical arc, inert gas and resistance welding techniques and equipment
- Manufacture original aircraft equipment, components or replacement items from base metals using special cutting tools, engine lathe and milling machines
- Fabricate and repair aircraft structures using composite, fibreglass, textiles, leather, plastic and synthetic components
- Conduct corrosion control inspections of ferrous and non-ferrous materials
- Perform aircraft handling tasks, including parking, towing, marshalling, starting, refuelling, cleaning and de-icing.
- Prepare and maintain aircraft documentation and statistical data
Working Environment
Aircraft Structures Technicians provide aircraft structural maintenance during Army, Air Force and Navy operations. Inspections and repairs are carried out on the aircraft; however, aircraft component maintenance is normally performed in a hangar or a shop. They are usually stationed at Canadian Forces Wings and Bases within Canada, including the Arctic, but may be deployed to locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments.
Career Development
Aircraft Structures Technicians provide aircraft structural maintenance during Army, Air Force and Navy operations. Inspections and repairs are carried out on the aircraft; however, aircraft component maintenance is normally performed in a hangar or a shop. They are usually stationed at Canadian Forces Wings and Bases within Canada, including the Arctic, but may be deployed to locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments.
The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Aircraft Structures Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 38 weeks and includes:
- Shop mathematics and the use of measuring tools
- Interpretation of mechanical drawings and blueprints
- Metallurgy and identification of base metals, alloys and composite materials
- Fabrication of aircraft parts and aircraft sheet metal repair
- Performing cutting and drilling operations
- Machining external and internal surfaces using engine lathe and milling machines
- Installation of non-permanent fasteners
- Refinishing metal, synthetic and composite surfaces
- Identification of types and use of paints, sealants, epoxies and mixing agents
- Welding
- Aircraft servicing
- Maintenance of life-support equipment, ejection seats, fire suppression and oxygen systems
Aircraft Structures Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
- Quality Assurance – Special Metal Welding
- Advanced Composite Repair
- Technical Writing
- Non-Destructive Testing
- Life Cycle Material Management
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Turning Centre
- CNC Machining Centre – Operation
- CNC Machining Centre – Programming
- Helicopter Rotor Blade Repair
- Advanced Selective Brush Electroplating
- Aircraft-Specific Courses
- Cryogenic Bulk Storage and Handling
- Recovery and Salvage Team Member
As they progress in their career, Aircraft Structures Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
- Technical Administration
- Leadership and Management Courses
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Canada. Foreign education may be accepted.
If you already have a college diploma, the Canadian Forces will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into the any required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military occupation training is required before being assigned.
Non-commissioned Member Subsidized Education Program
Because this position requires specialty training, the Canadian Forces will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCM SEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full-pay in exchange for working with the Canadian Forces for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the Canadian Forces and the appropriate college. For more information, click on Paid College.
This position is available for part-time employment through the Reserves. Reservists generally work part-time for a Reserve unit in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.
Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required in order to specialize skills, arrangements will be made by the home unit.
It is also possible to set up an “Individual Learning Plan” to take courses leading to a college diploma related to this job, and upon successful completion, be reimbursed for up to 50% of tuition and other mandatory costs. Education fees for successfully completed courses are reimbursed as long as the student was a Reservist during the entire duration of the course.
Typically, Reservists work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.
