Aircraft Instrument Mechanics & Inspectors

Description

You love the thought of working with aircraft–not so much the large and cumbersome parts like engines or hydraulic systems, but more the neat and compact stuff like radar, flight data recorders (black boxes), navigation, and communication systems.

If so, here are some jobs to look into: aircraft instrument mechanic or technician; aircraft electrical mechanic or technician; avionics mechanic or technician; or avionics inspector. These repair and safety specialists make sure everything is all set to take flight.

The work of these technicians, mechanics, and inspectors is very important. Pilots depend heavily on the systems they work with. The bottom line: what these workers do affects the safety of the crew and its passengers.

They double-check everything. If they're not sure about how to fix something, they find out from someone else, act responsibly, and ensure the repairs get done. They can't hurry the job just because there's a planeload of people waiting to take off–better safe than sorry!

Specific duties

There are four main classifications in this occupation, and they each specialize in different areas, as explained below:

• Aircraft instrument mechanics and technicians repair, overhaul, install and test instruments that are used for things such as measuring temperature and pressure.
  
• Avionics mechanics and technicians repair, overhaul, modify, adjust and test aircraft electronic systems and equipment, including communications and navigation equipment.
  
• Avionics inspectors examine and test instrument, electrical and avionics systems to make sure they meet all safety and performance standards.
  

Related careers

You might be also be interested in these careers that have similar educational and/or training requirements, or that share similar duties.

• Aircraft Mechanics & Inspectors
• Electrical Engineering Technologists & Technicians
• Engineers, Aerospace
• Industrial Instrument Technicians & Mechanics
• Metal Products Supervisors

High school path

A CareerMATTERS consultant suggests these high school courses would be helpful. They are not pre-requisites to post secondary programs, nor are they necessary to obtain employment. You should consult with your school counsellor to make the best choices for your own career path.

Recommended Courses
Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
English
ENG1P English, Grade 9, Applied	ENG2P English, Grade 10, Applied	ENG3E English, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	ENG4E English, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
Math
MPM1D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 9, Academic	MPM2D Principles of Mathematics, Grade 10, Academic	MEL3E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	MEL4E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
Science
SNC1P Science, Grade 9, Applied	SNC2P Science, Grade 10, Applied	SNC3M Science, Grade 11, University/College Preparation	SNC4M Science, Grade 12, University/College Preparation
Optional
TTI1O Integrated Technologies, Grade 9, Open	TTJ2O Transportation Technology, Grade 10, Open	TTJ3E Transportation Technology, Grade 11, Workplace Preparation	TTJ4E Transportation Technology, Grade 12, Workplace Preparation

* students should consult their counsellor for appropriate Technology options in Grades 11 and 12

* a job shadowing/co-op experience is recommended

* students planning technical school/college training might consider college-level courses

Post-secondary options

• To become an instrument and avionics mechanic or technician, you must graduate from a two- or three-year college program in avionics or electronics, or enter a four-year apprenticeship program. You will also need several years of on-the-job training.
  
• As an electrical mechanic or technician, you must complete an electrical or electronic technician's program and have several years of on-the-job training.
  
• Mechanics and technicians who sign maintenance releases (a form saying that the aircraft they've worked on meets safety standards) must have an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence from Transport Canada.
  
• To be an inspector, you must graduate from a two- to three-year college program in avionics or electronics; have three to five years of experience as an avionics mechanic or technician, and hold an AME licence in avionics.
  
• Seneca College offers a Bachelor of Applied Technology Flight Program. See details at Seneca's Web site, accessible through the Colleges section of CareerMATTERS.
  

There may be several different paths to a career. Post-secondary education or training programs will help, but they are not a guarantee. You should research your options carefully before deciding on any program of study. Click here for a comparison chart of institutions or accreditations.

The following programs offered at Ontario post-secondary institutions may be helpful in pursuing a career in this field. In addition to the institutions listed here, please refer to "For more information" (at left) for a list of organizations and associations that may also offer programs of study.

Institution	Programs offered
College
Algonquin College	Electronics Engineering Technician Electronics Engineering Technology Microelectronics Manufacturer
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley (Pembroke)	Electronics Engineering Technician
Canadore College	Aircraft Structural Repair Technician Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance Aviation Technician - Avionics Maintenance
Centennial College	Aviation Technician (Aircraft Maintenance)
Centennial College - Ashtonbee Campus	Aviation Technician (Aircraft Maintenance)
Centennial College - Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre	Electronics Engineering Technician Electronics Engineering Technology
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning	Bachelor of Applied Technology - Integrated Telecommunication and Computer Technologies (Co-op) Electronics Engineering Technician (Optional Co-op) Electronics Engineering Technology-Telecommunications Systems (Optional Co-op)
Confederation College	Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance Electronics Engineering Technician - Computers
Durham College	Electronics Engineering Technician Electronics Engineering Technology Mechtronics - Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
Durham College - Skills Training Centre (Whitby)	Electronics Engineering Technology - Instrumentation

Page 1 of 3

1  2   3   4  >

Career path

Wondering how you could prepare for a career in this field? Or what else you might do once you have some experience?

There are many interesting sources of employment: airline companies, aircraft and parts manufacturers, defence services, architectural or engineering companies and the federal government.

Employers

These are examples of the places, businesses and industries that employ people in this field:

machinery and equipment wholesalers
architectural, engineering and other scientific companies
electronic equipment manufacturers
defence services
aircraft and parts manufacturers
federal government
scientific and professional equipment manufacturers
airline companies
service firms to air transport companies

Work environment

Technicians and mechanics usually work indoors, sometimes in a repair shop or on an assembly line. Inspectors and some mechanics work both inside and outside–on the tarmac.

Because most flights occur during the day, repair work often happens at night. There are electrical hazards, but safety equipment greatly reduces the risks. Inspecting aircraft can mean crawling through tight, awkward places.

Common job titles

Also Known As....

Aircraft electrical technician
Avionics inspector
Instrument inspector–aircraft
Instrument overhauler
Repair mechanic

For more information

Links to associations, organizations, unions and other places that may be able to provide more information.

• Aerospace Industries Association of Canada

• Apprenticeship: Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
  Information about apprenticeship opportunities in Ontario including training info, contacts, etc.

• Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council

• Canadian Technology Human Resources Board
  Be sure to check out their Look Ahead, Get Ahead (under Career Choices on left nav.) for terrific info about wide-open choices available.

• Ontario Job Futures
  Information on occupations common to Ontario. Includes job descriptions, employment outlook, salaries, etc. (Government of Ontario)

• Take Flight Videos
  We're including this aviation-video producing company here for its impressive number of links to sites about airplanes, flight training, aircraft maintenance, exhibitions and events, airports, airshows, aviation art, aviation history and museums, hobbies, safety and schools.

• Transport Canada