72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
TEER 2Occupations usually requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2 years or more, or supervisory occupations
Lead statement
Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Apprentices are also included in this occupation.
Main duties
- Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems to identify problems and adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures
- Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems
- Install or modify aircraft engines and mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems
- Dismantle airframes, aircraft engines or other aircraft systems for repair, overhaul and cleaning, and reassemble
- Perform and document routine maintenance
- Order and maintain inventory of parts and supplies.
- Inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and ensure that these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety
- Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, repair and overhaul, or modification of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures
- Maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records of aircrafts.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- A college diploma in aircraft maintenance orcompletion of a four-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
- Several years of on-the-job training are required for aircraft mechanics.
- Aircraft mechanics and inspectors who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada.
- Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in Ontario, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.
- Industry certification from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some occupations in this unit group is available, but voluntary.
- Aircraft inspectors require several years of experience as an aircraft mechanic.
Example job titles
aircraft engine mechanic · aero-engine mechanic · mechanical systems aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) · aircraft mechanical systems maintenance technician · aircraft sheet metal technician · aircraft mechanic · aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics) · aircraft inspector · aircraft systems inspector · aircraft engine inspector · flight test inspector
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $24.48 | $39.00 | $52.88 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $20.19 | $37.00 | $72.12 |
| Nova Scotia | $24.99 | $39.00 | $50.00 |
| New Brunswick | $29.30 | $39.53 | $54.60 |
| Quebec | $28.00 | $39.00 | $57.00 |
| Ontario | $22.00 | $38.00 | $52.66 |
| Manitoba | $20.10 | $33.12 | $45.67 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.00 | $40.00 | $51.00 |
| Alberta | $36.50 | $44.50 | $51.90 |
| British Columbia | $28.00 | $39.00 | $51.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.