Aviation Systems Technician

Overview

As a member of the military, Aviation Systems Technicians handle, service, and maintain Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) aircraft, ground equipment and associated support facilities. Aviation Systems Technicians are responsible for the maintenance of aircraft aviation systems including propulsion, airframe, basic electrical, and their related components. They also perform the following duties:

• Test, inspect and repair aviation systems
• Perform quality assurance checks
• Prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data
• Perform aircraft handling tasks which include:
  • Parking
  • Towing
  • Marshalling
  • Starting
  • Refueling
  • Cleaning
  • De-icing
• Operate aircraft support equipment

Work environment

Aviation Systems Technicians work at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangers, in airborne aircraft, and on the flight line. They may also work with tactical helicopter field units and on board ships. In the course of their career, Aviation Systems Technicians will be required to work shifts and periods of overtime. Employment can vary from CAF wings and bases within Canada, including the Arctic, to locations worldwide in response to NATO and UN commitments.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

Qualifications

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 General Math or Math 416 / CST 4.

The ideal candidate will already have a college diploma or Red Seal for a related civilian occupation. The CAF will assess your training and experience and optimize your progression following basic training.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Non-commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP).

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

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, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Aviation Systems Technicians attend training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario where they complete Common Core which includes common mechanical and aircraft servicing training over 8 weeks. After some time at a Squadron they will return to CFSATE and take their Trade Training over 23 weeks and includes:

• Theory of flight (fixed and rotary wing)
• Basic electrical
• Aircraft structures
• Propulsion systems
• Wiring and soldering
• Aircraft servicing
• Aircraft instrumentation
• Aircraft publications
• Aircraft safety
• Flight controls
• Hydraulic, fuel, brake and de-icing systems
• Environment control systems

Applicants who enrol under the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) will have the opportunity to complete a portion, or all of their Basic Occupational Qualification Training at an approved Canadian college, university, or other postsecondary establishment.

Aviation Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal course and on-the-job training, including:

• Instructional Technique
• Aircraft Specific Type Courses
• Aircraft Engine Type Courses
• Life Cycle Materiel Management
• Aircraft Fluid Handling
• Corrosion Identification and Control
• Technical Writing
• Technical Inspection and Quality Assurance
• Flight Safety Investigators Course

As they progress in their career, Aviation Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Technical Administration
• Leadership and Management Courses

Part time options

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at an Air Force Wing in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Aviation Systems Technicians serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force. When employed on a part-time or term basis usually serve at CAF bases and tactical units at locations within Canada.

Related Careers

• Ammunition Technician
• Air Weapons Systems Technician
• Accelerated Pay Increment
• Aircraft Structures Technician

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

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