ANZSCO ID: 3231

Alternative names: Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Tradesperson,

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

An aircraft engineer must be methodical, meticulous and love hands-on work. Aircraft engineers enjoy bringing all their training and experience together to find and fix a physical problem – and of course there is the instant satisfaction of seeing your hard work really take off!

To become an aircraft maintenance engineer, you would need:

Duties and Tasks

Aircraft maintenance engineers install, maintain and repair aircraft engines; airframes; airframe systems; electrical, instrument and radio systems; and aircraft structures and surface finishes.

As an aircraft maintenance engineer, you might:

Working conditions

Aircraft maintenance engineers work full time; overtime and weekend work is common.

Aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. They must often meet strict deadlines to maintain flight schedules. The environment can be loud because of aircraft engines and equipment. Workers frequently bend, stoop, and reach from ladders and scaffolds.
  
Aircraft maintenance engineers must wear protective clothing, such as overalls, safety glasses and ear muffs. In some cases, especially when working on the tarmac, they may also have to wear high visibility clothing.

Tools and technologies

Employment Opportunities

Licensed aircraft maintenance engineers are particularly in demand, especially ones who are Australian-qualified. To gain an aircraft engineer’s licence, you need to meet technical training and proficiency requirements, have an understanding of aviation regulations, legislation and have gained the relevant practical experience.
  
The more qualifications and variety of engine/system/type licences you have, the better your employment and career opportunities. Australia’s aircraft engineer trade qualifications conform to international standards, so you could find yourself working for a global maintenance company with the opportunity to work anywhere in the world.

You could have a satisfying career keeping Australia’s fleet of more than 15,000 private and commercial aircraft flying safely.

Did You Know? Life on the Job - Daryl, 30 - CAMEO What does an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer do? Daryl is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer for a section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). He predominantly works on twin turboprop-engine aircraft. Daryl performs routine maintenance checks, inspects the aeroplanes for any defects, replaces or repairs parts if necessary and runs functional checks on aircraft systems (such as on engines and instruments). Daryl is also involved with the modification and adaptation of medical equipment so that it can be stowed, and used, safely in the aircraft by paramedics, doctors and nurses. "There's a lot of crossover with other fields," Daryl says. "Designing modifications for the aircraft medical equipment means working with doctors and medical teams and other specialists." How did you become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer? "I'd always wanted to be a pilot, ever since I was a little kid," says Daryl. He completed his Commercial Pilot's Licence, but as a side project to training as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. "I got accepted to work for one of the airlines and gained a lot of experience." Daryl says he got into being an aircraft engineer by default but that he loves the job and "I still get to fly too". What does a typical working day involve? Most aircraft engineers are subject to shift work or peculiar hours, as "aircraft in the RFDS operate 24/7," Daryl explains. He works 40-to-50 hours a week, on weekdays and weekends. His shifts vary from 6am to 2pm or noon to 8pm. "And then, you're often on-call from 8pm to 6am," he says. "In the morning we usually carry out basic safety checks, general servicing and repair outstanding defects or faults," Daryl says. The engineers do a daily inspection, looking over the entire aircraft, checking that the "lights and heated probes are working correctly", checking engine oils and tyre pressures, and cleaning the windscreen. Daryl is also involved in planning and scheduling aircraft maintenance. RFDS - Some Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Source: Facebook) What are some of the pros and cons of the job? Daryl says that it's extremely rewarding to be part of a team that's helping people. "The planes I'm working on aren't just taking people on holidays but are immediately helping someone when they're medically in need," Daryl says. Another positive is that the technical aspects are extremely varied - from aircraft structure, systems and instruments to electrical, radio systems and engines. "One of the downers is that occasionally you're exposed to people who might be badly injured. It makes you stop and think that your own life isn't so bad," he muses. "Being on-call can interfere with your life. Like when someone calls at 2am while you're asleep, but you have to try and understand what they're talking about and then come up with coherent answers." Daryl also mentions that the all-consuming nature of the job places a lot of demands on his time, which sometimes makes it hard to fit extra study into his routine. What sort of skills and qualities do you need? "You have to be willing to read a lot of technical data," Daryl says, "And be someone who enjoys a lot of systems and how they all inter-relate. You have to be interested in the concepts, laws and theories of how things work." Other useful attributes include "being good with your hands" and having a genuine interest in aviation and aeroplanes. Are there any tips for getting a job as an aircraft maintenance engineer? Daryl suggests that, "If you wish to become a licensed engineer be prepared to do plenty of extra study and exams, in your own time, to gain the initial licences." (Source: Was at Youth Central )

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Avionics) inspect, test, align, repair and install aircraft electrical and avionic system components. Aircraft maintenance engineers inspect, maintain and repair the various electrical/electronic, mechanical and structural components of planes and helicopters. They carry out routine pre-flight checks to ensure that an aircraft is safe and passengers will not be endangered. More detailed inspections are also carried out on each aircraft, where each component is examined and tested for damage and faults. Where problems are detected, aircraft maintenance engineers assess whether the component can be repaired, or if it needs to be replaced entirely.

Avionics engineers work on aircraft electrical, instrument, communication and navigation systems. These systems include complex computer technology and involve high-tech equipment such as radar, electrical
generators, navigation, communications, fly-by-wire, auto flight and digital systems, to name just a few.

ANZSCO ID: 323111

Alternative names: Avionics Technician; Airframe Mechanic, Powerplant Mechanic;

Specialisations:

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Electrical)
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Instruments)
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Radio)
• Avionics Technician (Defence)
• Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Electrical)
• Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Instruments)
• Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Radio)

  
  

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail

• Strong working knowledge of aviation and power tools, computers, diagnostic equipment, and x-ray machines

• Design interpretation

• Collaborative working

• Methodical working

• Mathematical skills

• Flexibility to work long hours

• Great communication, problem-solving skills and diagnostic skills

(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

• dismantles, inspects, tests, repairs and reassembles aircraft engines, ancillary motors and engine accessories, electrical systems and sub-assemblies of aircraft frames

• installs electrical circuits and equipment

• tests aircraft communication equipment, aircraft instrumentation and electronic systems using electronic testing equipment and specialised apparatus

• replaces and tests aircraft oxygen system components

• assembles parts and sub-assemblies of aircraft frames

• conducts routine pre-flight inspections of engines, aircraft frames and mechanical systems

• maintains records of action taken

• may manufacture aircraft electrical, instrument and radio hardware components.

Working conditions
  
Avionics aircraft maintenance engineers work in a range of environments such as indoors in workshops or the hangar, outdoors on the airfield, or on the flightline where aircraft await departure. Working conditions in the hangar are well ventilated and strict safety regulations ensure that risks are minimised.

They may work long hours, do shiftwork, work on weekends and may be on call.
  
Tools and technologies

Aircraft maintenance engineers use power tools such as pneumatic drills, grinders and riveters. Hoists are used to remove engines and other aircraft components, which can then be dismantled and tested using specialised equipment to check electrical signals and corrosion. In some cases components may be x-rayed or checked using magnetic inspection equipment to check for cracks that the naked eye may not notice.
   
Aircraft maintenance engineers must wear protective clothing, such as overalls, safety glasses and ear muffs. In some cases, especially when working on the tarmac, they may also have to wear high visibility clothing.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an aircraft maintenance engineer specialising in avionics, you need to undertake an apprenticeship in aircraft maintenance engineer (avionics). The apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.

Many aircraft maintenance engineers (AME) begin their careers with an airline, the Australian Defence Force or a general aviation maintenance organisation. Whether you work in civil aviation or the military, you should focus on studying towards gaining a Certificate IV in Aeroskills qualification (trade specific). Although this qualification does not directly qualify for a licence issued by CASA, if completed through a CASA approved Part 147 Maintenance Training Organisation (MTO) it can form part of the pathway toward the issue of a licence, provided CASA examination standards are met.

See Did You Know below to see the new degree course offered between Aviation Australia and Central Queensland University.

Employment Opportunities

Aircraft maintenance engineers may be employed by Approved Maintenance Organisations in general aviation, domestic and international airlines, aerospace companies and the Australian Defence Force.

Did You Know? Australian Aviation 20 August 2021 Queensland-based Aviation Australia and CQUniversity have joined together to launch the first dual-award aircraft maintenance degree in the nation – and third in the world. The course was developed to address the rapidly growing demand for licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, especially as the industry evolves from the pandemic. Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Aircraft Maintenance – Avionics) and a Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Avionics in three years. Half will be delivered by Aviation Australia and the rest by CQUniversity. Aviation Australia chief executive officer William Horrocks said the organisation developed the course to ensure graduates grow with the dynamic evolution of the industry. “The field of aviation and aerospace is rapidly growing, and education and training providers are still only scratching the surface of the future potential applications for aviation technologies,” he said. For the first 1.5 years, students will study with Aviation Australia in undertaking a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Avionics. According to the organisation, it is the only approved European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) course outcome available in Australia. The second half of the degree will be taught by CQUniversity for all practical aspects of learning, including flight control, navigation, auto-flight, communication and avionics systems. Additionally, students will also get hands-on experience with maintenance materials and asset management. Students will also gain “deeper understanding” in unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). CQUniversity’s vice-chancellor, Professor Nick Klomp said “graduates need a strong combination of theoretical knowledge, technical skills and hands-on experience to forge a successful career in the rapidly evolving aviation industry”. Aircraft maintenance has been inching towards greater demand in the past few years. Global demand analysis by industry players – Boeing Pilot and Technician outlook 2020-2039 – forecasts higher demand for skilled labour in avionic technology in the Asia-Pacific region. While COVID-19 impacted the industry, Australian Industry and Skills Committee expects MRO services will increase by 2.7 per cent in the coming years as airlines and defence upgrade fleets. While most aircraft were grounded due to the pandemic, all jets still required maintenance to safely fly again. Bachelor students who have met requirements can apply for a CASA-certified Australian Remote Pilot License (RePl). The course will be delivered through on-campus and online learning at Aviation Australia’s Brisbane Campus. The CQUniversity element will be delivered in Cairns or online. This is a landmark move in the Australian aviation industry, as aircraft maintenance study has been predominately offered through short courses or part of another degree.

Mechanical engineers work on aircraft engines and aircraft systems such as electrical flight controls, undercarriage and braking systems, fuel, hydraulics, cabin pressurisation and more. Many of these systems are now computer controlled which means that aircraft maintenance engineers require thorough training in modern aircraft systems technology.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) inspect, test, repair and install aircraft hydromechanical and flight system components and aircraft engines, subassemblies and components.

ANZSCO ID: 323112

Specialisations:

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Airframes)
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Engines)
• Aircraft Technician (Air Force, Army)
• Aviation Technician Aircraft (Navy)
• Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Airframes)
• Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Engines)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• a high level of technical knowledge, and the ability to read and understand technical information
• good concentration skills
• to pay attention to detail
• a strong sense of responsibility
• good communication skills to explain faults to others
• the ability to work quickly and accurately
• physical fitness
• a logical and methodical approach to solving problems
• manual dexterity
• good teamworking skills
• a willingness to keep your knowledge and skills up to date
• an awareness of changes in technology and safety regulations
• to enjoy working both indoors and outdoors, as well as in all types of weather conditions

(Source: was at Jobs in Aviation)

Duties and Tasks

An aircraft mechanic (mechanical) overhauls, inspects, repairs, modifies and tests airframe and engine components in a workshop environment, after they have been removed from the aircraft. These include landing gears; wheels and brakes; fuel, pressurisation, pneumatic and hydraulic devices; flight control surfaces and power control packages; environmental control components; piston and gas turbine engines; propellers and rotor blades; transmissions; and associated engine components. They may also perform flight simulator maintenance.

An aircraft maintenance engineer (mechanical) maintains, services, inspects, tests and undertakes fault diagnosis of airframe, engine (including propellers and rotors) and electrical systems, components and accessories on aircraft. These include landing gears; wheels and brakes; skids; pneumatic and hydraulic systems; fuel systems; flight control systems; environmental control and pressurisation systems; fire detection and prevention systems; oxygen systems; containerised cargo handling systems; doors and windows; lighting systems; and ice and rain protection systems.

Working conditions

Mechanical aircraft maintenance engineers work in a range of environments such as indoors in workshops or the hangar, outdoors on the airfield, or on the flightline where aircraft await departure. Working conditions in the hangar are well ventilated and strict safety regulations ensure that risks are minimised.

Mechanical aircraft maintenance engineers can work long hours, do shift work, work on weekends and may be on call.

Tools and technologies

Mechanical aircraft maintenance engineers work in a range of environments such as indoors in workshops or the hangar, outdoors on the airfield, or on the flightline where aircraft await departure. Working conditions in the hangar are well ventilated and strict safety regulations ensure that risks are minimised.

Mechanical aircraft maintenance engineers can work long hours, do shift work, work on weekends and may be on call.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Mechanical Diploma students learn the skills to maintain jet engines, brake and undercarriage systems, structural components, cabin pressurisation, fuel and pneumatic components, flight controls, hydraulics and much more.

To become an aircraft maintenance engineer specialising in mechanics, you need to undertake an apprenticeship in aircraft maintenance engineer (mechanical). The apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.


Apprenticeships and traineeships
   
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

Employment Opportunities

Aircraft maintenance engineers may be employed by Approved Maintenance Organisations in general aviation, domestic and international airlines, aerospace companies and the Australian Defence Force.

Did You Know? Sven Glanzner - Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) - CAMEO QANTAS Link Brisbane I was working in a dead-end job, when a friend talked me into looking into aircraft maintenance engineering. I was always pretty good at mechanical things, but I just didn’t have the confidence when it came to writing. And, I’ve always been interested in anything that flies. I can’t help it; if I hear an engine overhead, I still look up. So, I went to South Metropolitan TAFE, spoke to the lecturers, and enrolled in the Aeroskills Certificate II a few months later. I decided to take my career further and complete a 12 month course. I may have done well at TAFE but starting work was a bit of a shock because there was so much I didn’t know. But I worked towards my goal, and the rest of the team really took the effort to teach and train me. I think this is when everything started to fall into place. After 4 years, I finished my apprenticeship and got the job I have now, at QantasLink in Brisbane. I just got in the car and made a road trip of it, Perth to Brisbane, taking my time and stopping in places I’d never been before. It made me realise the kinds of opportunities that my career could give me. A normal day on the job for me would be anything from airframe and hydraulic inspections to engine maintenance and engine changes. We do all types of maintenance as well as troubleshooting if there’s a defect. I love the troubleshooting the most – actually fixing things and changing critical components, like defect rectifications for an engine or propeller system. You feel like you have achieved something. You go home and you know what you’ve been doing matters. I actually enjoy everything I do – it gives me a great sense of achievement. I’ve started studying for my diploma which will give me even more options for my future. I’m still pretty hard on myself – I figure I have to be to get licensed. But I would definitely recommend a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer. It’s really the kind of job that can bring you a great future, if you put in the hard work. (Source: CASA, pg 11)

Structures engineers repair and manufacture parts for the body of an aircraft. They may work with high-tech composite materials, ranging from aircraft-grade metals to new generation materials such as carbon fibre, boron and Kevlar, the same materials found in space vehicles and Formula 1 race cars.

Structural aircraft maintenance engineers mainly focus on metal forming and joining processes, working on the frame of the aircraft. They are responsible for inspecting, maintaining and repairing the structural frame, the internal ribs, engine cowlings and checking for cracks in the wings, tail and fuselage. This involves pre-flight examinations and evaluations of aircraft systems to detect and diagnose faults and prevent malfunction. When changes are made, they put the aircraft through a series of tests to ensure it is functioning properly and in safe condition for flights.

ANZSCO ID: 323113
  
Specialisations: Aircraft Structural Fitter (Air Force, Army)
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• enjoy technical and engineering activities
• medically fit, with good hearing and vision (colour blindness may make people unsuitable for some aircraft trades)
• good hand-eye coordination
• able to concentrate for long periods
• neat and accurate
• attention to detail
• able to work in confined spaces and at heights on platforms around aircraft (for some specialisations)

(Source: Okanagan College)

Duties and Tasks

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures) - fabricates, maintains and repairs sheetmetal, bonded and non-metallic composite material, and components on pressurised and non-pressurised aircraft. They must be familiar with airframe, engine and electrical components. They carry out a wide variety of metal forming and joining processes using hand and power tools, and work with various fibre-reinforced plastic materials.

Working conditions

Structural aircraft maintenance engineers work in a range of environments such as indoors in workshops or the hangar, or on the flightline where aircraft await departure. Working conditions in the hangar are well ventilated and strict safety regulations ensure that risks are minimised.

Structural aircraft maintenance engineers can work long hours, do shiftwork, work on weekends and may be on call.

Tools and technologies

Aircraft maintenance engineers (structural) focus on the structure or airframe of the craft, including wings, tail, control surfaces and fuselage. They work with sheet metals, hi-tech fibre reinforced materials and composites. They perform metal forming or joining processes, and will use power tools and specialised machinery to repair aircraft sheet metal.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an aircraft maintenance engineer specialising in structures, you need to complete an apprenticeship. The aircraft maintenance engineer (structures technician) apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.

An aircraft maintenance engineer can only work on aircraft under the supervision of a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME).

Apprenticeships and traineeships
  
As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You spend time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.

Employment Opportunities

Aircraft maintenance engineers may be employed by Approved Maintenance Organisations in general aviation, domestic and international airlines, aerospace companies and the Australian Defence Force.

(Source: Your Career)

Aircraft mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.

ANZSCO ID: 323

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become an aircraft mechanic and service technician, you would need:

• technical and mechanical aptitude
• medical fitness, with good hearing and vision
• good hand-eye coordination
• the ability to concentrate for long periods
• neatness and accuracy
• attention to detail
• no issues with working in confined spaces and at heights on platforms around aircraft.

(Source: Aviation Week)

Duties and Tasks

• examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems
• conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations
• inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation
• read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components
• maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance
• modify aircraft structures, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.

Working conditions

Most aircraft mechanic and service technicians work full time; overtime and weekend work is common.

Aircraft mechanic and service technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. They must often meet strict deadlines to maintain flight schedules. The environment can be loud because of aircraft engines and equipment. Workers frequently bend, stoop, and reach from ladders and scaffolds.

Tools and technologies

Aircraft Mechanic Must Have Tools
https://youtu.be/Ju6ECbA3o-Y

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an aircraft mechanic you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship in Aeroskills (Avionics/Mechanical/Structures), including completing one or more components of the VET Aeroskills Training Package.

Employment Opportunities

Air traffic is expected to gradually increase; however, new aircraft are generally expected to require less maintenance than older aircraft. Airlines may continue to outsource maintenance work to specialised maintenance and repair companies both domestically and abroad. Increased specialisation will allow maintenance facilities to use their resources more efficiently and this will therefore limit growth in the number of jobs available.

There have been numerous Aviation magazine articles (eg. Skies Mag) stating that there is a shortage of AME Technicians due to COVID and retirement of current AME Technicians.