What Does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Do?

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers ensure that aircrafts are safe to fly. These engineers focus on servicing and maintaining fixed-wing as well as rotary-wing aircrafts.

Trade Code NOC Classification Restricted/ Unrestricted TQAA/ ACA Red Seal Journeyman: Apprentice Ratio
610C 7315 Unrestricted ACA No 1:1

Job - Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Strong mechanical inclination and understanding of industry specs and standards
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, manuals and schematics
  • Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems to diagnose issues
  • Adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures
  • Monitor towing and taxiing of aircrafts
  • Maintain operation and repair or troubleshoot internal aircraft systems including, air conditioning, auto flight, communication, navigation; as well as electrical and fire protection systems
  • Toubleshoot and repair piston, turbine engines, flight controls, fuel, hydraulics, landing gear and brake systems, engine indicating and control systems as well as engine runups
  • Maintain structural aircraft equipment including, fabric, metal, and composite structures; propellers;
  • Prepare and document aircraft weight and balance reports

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To work as a Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, an apprentice must have their Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent. Grade 12 English and Mathematics should be included as well as a co-op or OYAP component in a related field.

The apprenticeship for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer includes a 7,200 hour apprenticeship. Once completed, candidates must also acquire an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license issued by Transport Canada to prove their airworthiness.

What’s Your Future as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers work both indoors and outdoors, meaning, you should be comfortable in both conditions. They are required wherever aircraft are maintained.  They are employed with passenger and freight air carriers and with aircraft-related specialty repair shops, flight training schools, aeronautical product manufacturers and component shops.

Employment for this trade is expected to be fair through to the year 2009. The forecast beyond shows average job growth with job seekers matching retirees' leaving the occuption. Canada's Job Futures summarizes the outlook for this trade.

Wage Rate

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers earn an between $13-$36 /hr, depending on experience. On average earning $20 /hr. This wage does not including overtime and benefits. See labourmarketinformation.com for more details.

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer For You?

Do you enjoy working outdoors in variable weather conditions?

Yes      No

Do you have a keen attention to detail?

Yes      No

Do you have strong communication skills?

Yes      No

Are you physically fit?

Yes      No

Are you a strong team player but also able to work independently?

Yes      No

Are you mechanically inclined and can understand the operation of complex systems?

Yes      No

Are you safety conscious?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Avionics Technician
  • Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician
  • Truck & Coach Technician
  • Technical Inspectors 

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