Overview

You will be a member of the air maintenance team that handles, services and maintains Canadian Forces aircraft, ground equipment and associated support facilities.  

Main Benefits

• Professional training provided for approximately 54 weeks
• Opportunities for advancement

What They Do

Aviation Systems Technicians (AVN TECH) are responsible for the maintenance of aircraft aviation systems including propulsion, airframe, electrical, weapon, and aircraft life support and their related components. They also test, inspect and repair aviation systems; perform quality assurance checks; prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data; perform aircraft handling tasks such as parking, towing, marshalling, refueling and cleaning; and operate aircraft support equipment. 

Qualification Requirements

Personnel considering employment in this military occupation should enjoy the challenge of mechanics and electrical systems and be able to quickly master new procedures and routines. AVN TECHs require physical strength and manual dexterity, as well as the ability to perform detailed work based on a regular routine. They must be reliable, responsible and self-motivated, and enjoy working as a member of a closely knit team. A sense of responsibility, dependability and initiative are also necessary attributes.

Training

The first stage of training for all new recruits is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

On completion of the BMQ, AVN TECHs attend training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario. This training takes approximately 54 weeks and includes:

• Theory of flight (fixed and rotary wing)
• Common mechanical training
• Electricity
• Aircraft structures
• Propulsion systems
• Wiring and soldering
• Aircraft servicing
• Aircraft life support equipment
• Aircraft instrumentation
• Aircraft publications
• Aircraft safety
• Flight controls
• Hydraulic, fuel, brake and de-icing systems
• Environment control systems 
• Aircraft weapons systems
• Explosive safety and storage

Working Environment

AVN TECHs are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organisations, in maintenance hangers, shop environments and on the flight line which exposes them to extreme heat, cold, light, fumes and noise, under wet, dusty and dirty conditions.  During flight line operations, personnel are constantly exposed to aircraft noise, exhaust fumes, and fuel odours.  While carrying out aircraft or equipment maintenance, the odours of fuel, lubricants, solvents, paint and battery acid are encountered on a daily basis.  In addition there is often a need to work in confined, dirty or oily areas on aircraft in order to remove, repair, inspect or install components or wiring. 

In the course of their career, AVN TECHs will be required to work shifts and be exposed to extended periods of overtime. They will also be called upon to perform some duties in airborne aircraft. When employed with land or sea forces, they are subject to the same living conditions as soldiers and sailors. In geographic terms, employment can vary from Canadian Forces Wings and Bases within Canada, including the Arctic, to locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments.

Opportunities For Advancement

Qualified Aviation Systems Technicians enjoy excellent opportunities for advanced training and promotion. They may be posted at a Canadian base or station or be deployed on missions all over the world.

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