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Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Unlicensed (ITAC)
An Aircraft Maintenance Technician is the person who performs aircraft inspections and troubleshooting, including review of airframe structures, engines and aircraft systems. They also replace defective parts, interpret technical manuals, drawings and blueprints, test aircraft systems, record problems and actions taken to rectify them, and maintain an accurate statement of the maintenance history of the aircraft.
Troubleshooting includes reviewing structural, mechanical, or hydraulic systems to identify problems. Other responsibilities include testing repaired equipment for proper performance, cleaning and lubricating equipment, and other routine maintenance work. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians need to perform repairs and inspections to match statutory or regulatory requirements - the tracking and logging of the activities is an integral part of this trade.
An Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Unlicensed designation may work or qualify as:
- Aircraft Engine Technician
- Individuals with knowledge of either field/shop level maintenance on various engines. Type training or certification may be required depending upon employer.
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Aircraft Engine Test Operator
- Individuals employed to test engines for quality control, safety and operability.
Click on the topics below:
| WHAT CERTIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED? |
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Diploma: As for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - M License.
Apprenticeship: Completion of a 4 year program including 7,200 workplace hours. After completion of training, a passing grade on exams will result in the BC Certificate of Apprenticeship by ITAC.
Apprenticeship option available through CAMC..
Apprenticeship option available through the BC Industry Trade and Apprenticeship Commission (ITAC) although candidates should check with CAMC and ITAC to ensure his/her specific ITAC apprenticeship program qualifies toward CAMC certification.
Licensing: Aircraft Maintenance Technicians must be licensed by Transport Canada see Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - M License. Certification from ITAC
Recurrent Training: Further specialized aircraft type training may be required/provided by employer.
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| WHAT ARE THE CORE COMPETENCIES OF THE POSITION? |
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The following core competencies are required:
- Grade 12 Completion
- English 12
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Algebra 11 or Trade Math 11
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Physics 11 or Science and Technology 11
- Strong digital electronics skills and systems knowledge
- Keyboarding
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Problem solving
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Good physical condition since heavy lifting and climbing may be required
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Manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
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Must not be afraid of heights as they may work on the top of jet wings and fuselages
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Fluent written and verbal English is mandatory
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| WHAT TYPE OF WORK EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED BEYOND CERTIFICATION? |
An Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Unlicensed must expect a requirement for several years of on-the-job training to progress in the trade.
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| WHAT ARE THE WAGES? |
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Apprentice:
$13.00 - $18.00 per hour
$2,790.00 - $3,370.00 per month
$33,500.00 - $40,400.00 per year
Journeyman:
$19.00 - $24.00 per hour
$49,600.00 per year
Note: Although these are starting salaries, they are also the wages paid to workers who have invested time in getting up-to-date training.
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| WHAT ARE THE WORKING CONDITIONS? |
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians - Unlicensed can expect to work on the aircraft in the hangar and on the flight line. Adverse conditions may include weather extremes, noise, odours, and danger. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians - Unlicensed can also expect full time work.
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| WHERE ARE THE JOBS? |
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians - Unlicensed are predominately employed by major airlines, large repair and overhaul organizations, rotary operations, and military operations. There is also opportunities within small avionics shops run by self-employed Technicians. |
BCIT - Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category M |
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The program has multiple class start dates throughout the year. Each class attends the program for 16 continuous months with a short break at Christmas and in August. The program is designed to follow a national and international set of standards and is approved by Transport Canada. Graduates may be credited with 18 months experience towards the 48 months industry experience required by Transport Canada to obtain an AME "M" license. The student will attend lectures approximately 50 per cent of the time, while gaining hands-on experience 50 per cent of the time. The course is conducted in a large, well-equipped hangar at the Vancouver International Airport. The campus has a wide selection of tools and training aids, and more than 18 aircraft. The student will perform a variety of tasks, ranging from the use of basic hand tools through troubleshooting of an operable aircraft.
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| ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS |
High School Diploma with the following subjects:
English 12 or Communications 12
Academic Math 11
Applicants must also meet one of the following entrance requirements:
English language proficiency
General Mechanics 11 (C+)
Automotive Mechanics 11 (C+)
Physics 11 (Pass)
BCIT Mechanical Aptitude Test
BCIT pretest is acceptable for English and Math and Mechanical aptitude
Good colour vision and an interest in mechanics is recommended
Note: Mature students may be given special consideration, subject to interview and testing by instructional staff.
Note: Applied Academics courses taught in BC high schools are acceptable as entrance requirements for BCIT programs.
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| PROGRAM LENGTH |
16 months Full-time. |
Northern Lights College - Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program |
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The program has 2 intakes (September and February) of 17 students each year. The course duration is a total of 1800 hours of both practical and theory training meeting the requirements of Transport Canada. It is divided into 3 semesters of approximately 5 months each, thereby requiring the students to attend classes for 15 months. Due to the program being approved by Transport Canada, graduates also receive an 18 month experience credit towards the 48 month experience requirement for an AME license.
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| ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS |
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High School Diploma with the following subjects:
Grade 11 Math (C+)
Physics (or equivalent) (C+)
Mature students with related experience, which does not have the above academic background, are required to write an assessment exam and participate in an assessment interview so as to determine academic admissibility. CAAT Test
Prospective students must have a medical check-up which indicates the student:
Is physically and mentally fit
Has good vision
Have no serious allergies to petroleum products
Is able to maintain balance while climbing ladders and work stands
Is capable of standing on a concrete floor for long periods of time
Note: The program does not reject applicants with colour blindness
Note: A valid medical certificate for a pilot's license is also accepted in lieu of a medical check-up
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| PROGRAM LENGTH |
15 months Full-time. |
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