72404 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors

What this occupation covers

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.

Official main duties

The NOC profile lists 10 main duties for this code.

• 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.
• 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 aircraft.

Do not copy these lines into your reference letter. The letter has to describe what you actually did, in your employer’s words. DUTYPROOF flags wording lifted from the NOC as something to review, and an officer reading a letter that mirrors the NOC reads it the same way.

What DUTYPROOF screens for

This is DUTYPROOF’s screening threshold, not IRCC’s decision. For this NOC, screening requires at least 2 of its 10 official duties to be evidenced in your own words, plus the required letter elements. IRCC asks that you performed the actions in the occupation’s lead statement and a substantial number of its main duties — so treat the duty coverage as the number that matters, not the badge.

Codes this one is confused with

The NOC profile names these itself. Choosing the wrong code of a look-alike pair is the most common way genuine work experience fails to establish eligibility.

• 93200 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
• 72405 Machine fitters
• 22313 Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
• 72020 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
• 22231 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
• 22230 Non-destructive testers and inspectors

Excluded from this code

• Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (See 93200 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors)
• Aircraft engine assembly fitter (See 72405 Machine fitters)
• Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors (See 22313 Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors)
• Aircraft mechanics and inspectors foreman/woman (See 72020 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)
• Airworthiness inspector (See 22231 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers)
• Non-destructive test technician (See 22230 Non-destructive testers and inspectors)

Job titles filed under this code

A title on this list does not by itself put your experience in this code — the duties in your letter decide that.

aero-engine mechanic · aero-engine technician · aircraft accessories mechanic · aircraft accessories overhaul mechanic · aircraft accessories overhaul technician · aircraft accessories repairer · aircraft accessories repairman/woman · aircraft body repairer · aircraft composite and sheet metal repairer · aircraft engine accessories overhaul mechanic · aircraft engine inspector · aircraft engine mechanic · aircraft engine mechanical systems overhaul inspector · aircraft engine mechanical systems technician · aircraft engine overhaul inspector · aircraft engine overhaul mechanic · aircraft engine repair and overhaul mechanic · aircraft engine technician · aircraft engine tester · aircraft gas turbine engine technician · aircraft hydraulics inspector · aircraft hydraulics mechanic · aircraft hydraulics shop technician · aircraft hydraulics technician

Employment requirements

• 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.