Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) have the critical task of keeping fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircrafts operating safely and efficiently. It is an important job – lives depend on the AMT. Servicing, repairing, and overhauling aircraft components and systems are the primary tasks of the AMT, who works on airframes, engines, propellers, and aircraft instruments, etc. Aircraft Maintenance is a challenging and exciting career – fast, intense, deadline-driven, and very high tech.
AMTs must understand the inter-relationship between the components in the aircraft; they work on jets, propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters of all makes and models. They require sound knowledge of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, aircraft structures and basic applied mechanics. AMTs use their troubleshooting skills to identify problems on the aircraft, including problems with aircraft components and systems, or with mechanical components and systems such as engines, hydraulic systems, flight- control systems and fuel systems, airframes, electrical systems, propellers, avionics equipment, and aircraft instruments. They disassemble and replace defective parts; interpret technical manuals, drawings and blueprints; record problems and the actions taken to correct them; and maintain an accurate statement of maintenance history of the aircraft. They also test, clean and lubricate repaired equipment.
To keep aircraft in peak operating condition, AMTs perform scheduled maintenance and inspections that have to meet strict industry regulations. When it comes to being an AMT, there can be no exception: you have to be a perfectionist with excellent communication skills and an unshakable commitment to safety. Work environments include working directly on the aircraft in the hanger, on the ramp, or on flightline, and bench repair.
AMTs have to be front-runners in the field in order to keep up with rapid advances in this high-tech work environment. If you’re looking for a challenging career with limitless potential, be sure to look into becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician.
Pathways
- Completion of Secondary School (required)
- Completion of an Aircraft Maintenance Technician program at a college or approved training organization, or completion of an Aircraft Maintenance Journeyperson (apprenticeship) program (required)
- After 48 months of experience, AMTs can apply to Transport Canada to write the regulatory exam for a category “M” licence to become an Aviation Maintenance Engineer with a specialization in Maintenance (AME-M)
Helpful Tips
- Ease with heights and able to maintain balance while climbing ladders and work stands
- Good manual dexterity and strong manual skills – able to use a wide range of hand and power tools
- Computer skills
- A perfectionist with excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- Works well with strict deadlines and record-keeping in a fast, intense, deadline-driven, and very high tech work environment
- Sound knowledge of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, aircraft structures and basic applied mechanics
Associated Titles
- Aircraft Engine Technician
- Aircraft Engine Test Operator