After serving a number of years as an Aircraft Technician (or an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer), the next step is to enter a management role, to be responsible for leading a group of skilled technical people who maintain aircraft to the highest industry standards. Though you are leaving a “hands- on” technical position, Maintenance Manager is anything but a desk job.
Besides overseeing the people performing the work, the Maintenance Manager oversees the entire process of preparing an aircraft, ensuring proper procedures and meeting deadlines. Engine ground running, taxiing aircraft to the ramp for departure, undercarriage swings/testing, meeting deadlines and dealing with time pressure, unexpected engine changes — these may be all in a day’s work.
Leadership and the ability to “think fast on your feet” are essential to this position, as is being able to foster good morale, discipline, and productivity within your team of technicians and operators. A Maintenance Manager is not only a master of technical skills but also an expert in people skills.
When you say “yes” to this job, a complex, constantly evolving, challenging world awaits you. If you are a natural leader with keen interpersonal and technical skills, then the role of Maintenance Manager is what you want to aim for.
Pathways
- Completion of Secondary School (required)
- Experience as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician or licensed AME, depending on company policy (required)
- Completion of Aviation Manager Course (an asset)
- In-house specific aircraft endorsement or training (may be required)
- CCAA Certification (an asset)
Helpful Tips
- Extensive knowledge of safety requirements and legislation, rules and regulations
- Leadership skills
- Meeting deadlines and dealing with time pressure
- Strong mathematical skills
- Managerial and inventory experience
Associated Titles
- Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief (Line or Heavy)
- Aircraft Maintenance Team Leader
- Cell Leader
- Director of Maintenance (DOM)
- Maintenance Control Coordinator
- Person Responsible for Maintenance (PRM)
- Shift Manager, Maintenance Control