Aircraft Maintenance Technician at Algonquin College

Propel your intrigue for aviation into a career.

The two-year Aircraft Maintenance Technician Ontario College Diploma program gives you hands-on experience to help propel you into your future. You study at the Ottawa campus as well as at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum.

Through a series of classroom-based courses and extensive practical labs, you acquire the skills specific to becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. Learn through the repair and maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems within an aircraft, including:

• hydraulics
• fuel systems
• environmental instrumentation
• engine
• control surfaces and undercarriage
• repair of the aircraft body

Because of an expected higher-than-normal retirement rate of licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and the recent growth in the aviation sector, an increasing number of job opportunities is expected.

To become a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Transport Canada requires you to complete two years of basic training at an approved institution followed by 48 months of full-time employment and proof that specific maintenance tasks have been completed. Graduates of this program with high academic standing are eligible for accelerated accreditation by Transport Canada, which provides an 18-month experience credit towards a Transport Canada AME license.

You should be prepared for entry-level positions, which may be available in smaller airports or centres, and may include rotating shift work.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Function well both individually and in a team environment.
• Possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Are able to effectively handle physically demanding situations.
• Have an appreciation for precise and accurate work.
• Are mechanically inclined.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment as an aircraft maintenance technician in areas of local, regional and national manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overall of aircraft and components.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Inspect and service aircraft systems utilizing current and relevant theories and principles.
2. Inspect, test, troubleshoot and repair aircraft and components.
3. Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections on aircraft systems, structures, instruments, and related components to airworthiness standards.
4. Install aircraft engines, parts, components and structures as part of routine and unscheduled maintenance.
5. Diagnose malfunctions or other problems in aircraft systems, structures, instruments, and related components using technical manuals, technical drawings and standards of performance and safety.
6. Complete structural and non-structural repairs and modifications by following applicable procedures and safety precautions, and meeting airworthiness standards.
7. Perform component analysis using appropriate measuring devices to determine wear and fatigue repair or replacement tasks in order to maintain the aircraft`s airworthiness and safety.
8. Perform maintenance, repair and modification procedures on aircraft systems, structures, instruments, and related components to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness.
9. Dismantle and reassemble airframes, aircraft engines and other systems for inspection and repair.
10. Interpret written instructions, schematics, manufacturer`s specifications, technical drawings, manuals, and computer based information while performing routine and unscheduled tasks.
11. Maintain detailed inspection, repair, maintenance, and certification records and reports to meet Canadian aviation regulations and logbook requirements.
12. Perform all duties in a manner that ensures adherence to Canadian aviation regulations, airworthiness standards and workplace safety.
13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

English Language Requirments

• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.