Opportunity
Are you a problem solver? Do you love working with metal and machinery? As an Aircraft Structures Technician in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), you’ll maintain and repair military aircraft in Air Force bases in Canada and around the world.
OverviewAircraft Structures Technicians are members of the air maintenance team who handle, service and maintain CAF aircraft structures and components like aviation life support equipment. Aircraft Structures Technicians are skilled in metal and composite repair, refinishing, painting, machining and welding. They are integral to aircraft servicing, supply, tool control and safety. Their primary responsibilities include:
Inspecting aircraft structures
Restoring or repairing defects using unique aircraft fastening hardware, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, composite materials, chemicals, adhesives, paints and textiles
Manufacturing and installing aircraft structural components for prototype projects
Welding base metals, alloys and casting materials
Manufacturing original aircraft equipment, components or replacement items
Fabricating and repairing aircraft structures
Conducting corrosion control inspections of ferrous and non-ferrous materials
Maintaining life support equipment, ejection seats, fire suppression and oxygen systems
Performing aircraft handling tasks, including parking, towing, marshalling, starting, refuelling, cleaning and de-icing
Preparing and maintaining aircraft documentation and statistical data
To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must:
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada
Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
For the paid education programs you may be 16 years old (with parental consent)
For the Primary Reserve you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student
Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec (some jobs need higher levels of education)
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.
Basic Military Qualification
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, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.
Aircraft Structures Technician Training
Aircraft Structures Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 65 weeks and includes:
Shop mathematics and the use of measuring tools
Interpretation of mechanical drawings and blueprints
Metallurgy and identification of base metals, alloys and composite materials
Fabrication of aircraft parts and 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
Maintenance of life-support equipment, ejection seats, fire suppression and oxygen systems
Available Specialty Training
Aircraft Structures Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
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
Aircraft-specific courses
Cryogenic Bulk Storage and Handling
Recovery and Salvage Team Member
Available Advanced Training
As they progress in their career, Aircraft Structures Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
Technical Administration
Leadership and Management
Required Education
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec, including: Grade 10 General Math or Math 416 / Cultural, Social and Technical 4 in QuebecForeign education may be accepted.
Direct Entry Officer Plan
Ideal candidates will already have a diploma. If you have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into any on-the-job training program that is required, following Basic Training. Basic Training is required before being assigned.
Join the CAF
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