Aviation Systems Technician

Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes; Toronto; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A national defense organization is looking for Aviation Systems Technicians to maintain and service aircraft within the Canadian Armed Forces. Candidates will handle testing, inspection, and repairs of aviation systems while working at various locations including air bases and tactical units. Successful recruits can expect specialized training and development opportunities. Part-time positions are also available for the Primary Reserve.

Benefits

Paid education options

Medical and dental care

Training opportunities

Pension plan for Reserve members

Qualifications

• Completion of provincial education requirements for Grade 10.
• Ideal candidates have a college diploma or related civilian qualifications.
• Must be able to pass basic military training.

Responsibilities

• Test and repair aviation systems and aircraft components.
• Perform quality assurance checks on aviation systems.
• Conduct aircraft handling tasks including refueling and cleaning.

Skills

Aircraft maintenance

Quality assurance

Technical writing

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4

College diploma or Red Seal in a related field

Tools

Aircraft support equipment

Technical manuals

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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, and De-icing
• Operate aircraft support equipment

Work environment

Aviation Systems Technicians work at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangars, in airborne aircraft, and on the flight line. They may also work with tactical helicopter field units and on board ships. They will work shifts and 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

The minimum required education is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec including Gr 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 training and experience and optimize 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 (Basic Training) at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training covers core skills required of all trades and maintains CAF physical fitness standards. Aviation Systems Technicians attend training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario, where they complete Common Core over 8 weeks. After time at a Squadron, they return to CFSATE for Trade Training over 23 weeks and study the following topics:

• 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 enrolled under NCMSTEP may 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 specialized skills through formal courses 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 progress continues, qualified Aviation Systems Technicians may 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 relocate, though relocation can be voluntary. They may volunteer for deployment on a mission within or outside Canada.

Additional information

Aviation Systems Technicians serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Part-time or term employees usually serve at CAF bases and tactical units in locations within Canada. Reserve members are trained to the same level as Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same units and roles.

Find a Recruiting Centre

Reserve Force members usually begin training with their home unit to meet basic professional military standards. After basic military training, occupational training for the Aviation Systems Technician qualification takes about 54 weeks at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario. Air Reserve members are trained to the same level as Regular Force members and may qualify for a pension plan.

Related Careers

• Aircraft Structures Technician
• Air Weapons Systems Technician
• Ammunition Technician