Aircraft Structures Technician

Overview
As a member of the military, Aircraft Structures Technicians are members of the air maintenance team who handle, service and maintain Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) 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.

Responsibilities

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

Maintain life support equipment, ejection seats, fire suppression and oxygen systems

Perform aircraft handling tasks, including parking, towing, marshalling, starting, refuelling, cleaning and de-icing.

Prepare and maintain aircraft documentation and statistical data

Work Environment
Aircraft Structures Technicians provide aircraft structural maintenance during Navy, Army and Air Force 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 CAF wings and bases within Canada, including the Arctic, but may be deployed to locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit.

Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry Plans
Direct Entry Options
Paid Education Options

The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec including Gr 10 General Math or Math 416 / CST 4 in Quebec. The ideal candidate will already have a college diploma; the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into any required on-the-job training program following basic training.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Non‑Commissioned Member Subsidised Training and Education Programme (NCMSTEP)

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma programme at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP 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 CAF for a period of time.

If you choose to apply to this programme, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training
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…