How to become an aircraft mechanic or aircraft inspector
Official title: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
Also called: Aircraft mechanic, Airframe mechanic, Aircraft inspector, Preflight mechanic, Helicopter mechanic, Structures mechanic, Aero-engine mechanic, Flight line mechanic, Flight test inspector, Aircraft body repairer, Aircraft engine tester, Aircraft skin repairer
Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments, and by airlines and other aircraft operators. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Aircraft mechanics
- 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
- Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on specific aircraft systems such as engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems and specific kinds of aircraft, such as light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. A college diploma in aircraft maintenance or Completion 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 Saskatchewan, 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.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship. A college diploma in aircraft maintenance or Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program is usually required. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
- Licence or registration: Aircraft mechanics and inspectors who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $76,050 a year The middle half earn $58,500 to $87,750.
- About 18,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 21,700 are projected by 2033. (+17.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- Railway carmen/women
- Machine fitters
- Elevator constructors and mechanics
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Questions people ask
How do I become an aircraft mechanic or aircraft inspector?
Completion of secondary school is required. A college diploma in aircraft maintenance or Completion 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 Saskatchewan, 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.
How much does an aircraft mechanic or aircraft inspector earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $76,050 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $58,500 to $87,750.
Is an aircraft mechanic or aircraft inspector a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2033, from about 18,500 to about 21,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an aircraft mechanic or aircraft inspector?
Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Apprenticeship.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03