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Aircraft Structures Technician
OVERVIEW
You will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the aircraft structures and related components. This occupation encompasses a variety of skills and abilities relating to tasks such as metal and composite repair, refinishing, painting, machining and welding.
WHAT THEY DO
The Aircraft Structures Technician (ACS TECH) is a member of the air maintenance team that handles, services and maintains Canadian Forces aircraft and associated equipment. The ACS TECH is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the aircraft structures and related components. This occupation encompasses a variety of skills and abilities relating to tasks such as metal and composite repair, refinishing, painting, machining and welding.
Carry out inspections of aircraft structures and related components
Fix defects by repair or replacement using unique aircraft fastening hardware, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, composite materials, chemicals, adhesives, paints and textiles
Manufacture and install aircraft structural components required for prototype modifications and 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 or repair aircraft structures using composite, fibreglass, textiles, leather, plastic and synthetic components
Carry out corrosion control inspections of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, on and off aircraft structures
Prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data
Act as an integral member of the aircraft maintenance operation in the areas of aircraft servicing, supply, tool control and safety
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
ACS TECHs must have the strength and stamina to handle the heavy materials and equipment required to manufacture, modify and repair aircraft structural components. They must enjoy working with tools, machines and equipment, and be able to quickly master new procedures and routines. ACS TECHs require very good visual acuity, manual dexterity and excellent hand and eye coordination. They must also be capable of performing repetitive tasks and working to exact standards. A sense of responsibility, dependability and initiative are necessary attributes.
TRAINING
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for everyone is the 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course 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 CF physical fitness standard, as a result, the training is physically demanding. BMQ covers the following topics:
Policies and regulations of the Canadian Forces;
CF drill, dress and deportment (the “three D's”);
Basic safety;
First aid;
Personal survival in nuclear, biological and chemical conditions;
Handling and firing personal weapons;
Cross-country navigation; and
Personal survival in field conditions.
Basic Military Occupational Training
On completion of the BMQ, Aircraft Structures Technicians attend Basic Military Occupational (MOC) Training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 38 weeks and includes:
Shop mathematics
Interpretation of mechanical drawings and blueprints
Use of measuring tools
Metallurgy
Identification of base metals, alloys and composite materials
Fabrication of aircraft parts
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
The first stage of training for everyone is the 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course 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 CF physical fitness standard, as a result, the training is physically demanding. BMQ covers the following topics:
Basic Military Occupational Training
On completion of the BMQ, Aircraft Structures Technicians attend Basic Military Occupational (MOC) Training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 38 weeks and includes:
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities for career progression and advanced training are good for ACS TECHs who can work to the demanding standards required in the trade. As a member of a ship's crew or peacekeeping force, the Aircraft Structures Technician could be called upon to serve anywhere in the world.
INITIAL EMPLOYMENT
Upon completion of basic occupational training and a period of on-the-job training at their first unit, personnel will receive training on the equipment applicable to their unit. On each subsequent posting they will receive the appropriate training.
SPECIALTY TRAINING
Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition can undertake advanced military occupational training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available. Below are some examples of training related to this military occupation.
Advanced Training Courses
Technical Administration
Leadership and Management Courses
Specialty Training Courses
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
Advanced Training Courses
Specialty Training Courses
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
ACS TECHs provide aircraft structural maintenance during base, field and shipborne operations, in all weather conditions. Inspections and repairs are routinely carried out on elevated platforms or in confined areas of the aircraft. However, aircraft component maintenance is normally performed in a hangar or shop. ACS TECHs are required to lift and move heavy stock, materials, parts and equipment, and are regularly required to work long hours in a standing position. The ACS TECH will also be exposed to noise, fumes, dust, odours, carcinogenic materials and welding flashes. Compounding these difficult conditions is the possibility of having to work while wearing restrictive personal protective equipment. In geographic terms, employment can vary from Canadian Forces Wings and Bases within Canada, including the Arctic, to locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Aircraft Structures Technicians' health, safety and morale are closely monitored.
RELATED CIVILIAN OCCUPATIONS
The civilian occupation, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Structures (AME-S), is closely related to the duties of a Canadian Forces Aircraft Structures Technician.
