Personal Certification >> Occupational Standards Print this page   Send this page to a friend     A   A   A 
Aircraft Maintenance Technician Overview
 
Aircraft Maintenance Technician Overview

The Aircraft Maintenance Technician’s primary responsibilities include: inspect and test aircraft systems to ensure they are in proper working order; diagnose malfunctions or other problems in the aircraft or in mechanical components or systems including engines, hydraulic systems, flight control systems and fuel systems, as per technical manuals, drawings or blueprints; disassemble aircraft systems and remove defective components; assemble and/or install replacement parts, components and structures, as per technical manuals, drawings or blueprints; record problems and the action taken to rectify them, maintaining an accurate record of the maintenance history of the aircraft.

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians must have good literacy and numeracy skills. They need to be able to refer to and follow the technical manuals which are written in terse abbreviated language. They must be able to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints. Problem solving skills are important in handling challenging and complex aircraft system snags. This diagnostic skill also requires sound knowledge of the aircraft systems, aerodynamics, aircraft structures and basic applied mechanics. The technicians must understand the inter-relationship between the components in the aircraft. Much of the technician’s work is hand work and consequently, manual dexterity and strong manual skills are important. Technicians must be able to use a wide range of hand and power tools. Keyboarding skills are also important as more and more of the aircraft records are computerized.

There exists a diversity of training and working environments available to Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, i.e., general aviation, large air transport carriers, rotary operations and, military aviation.

Consequently, this standard identifies the full range of tasks which an Aircraft Maintenance Technician could be exposed to and expected to perform.

Certification Requirements 

To qualify for certification with CAMC, the applicant must possess the necessary knowledge and skills and have acquired a minimum of forty-eight (48) months in the occupation.  The tasks in the logbook were made as generic as possible to accommodate the largest amount of work environments and equipment/tools but do not necessarily cover all tasks performed by individuals. 

CAMC will apply credit for completion of a CAMC-accredited Aircraft Maintenance Technician course as part of the minimum forty-eight (48) months, on a month-for-month basis.

AME technicians holding a current M1/M2 licence are exempt from completing the CAMC logbook but must send a copy of their Transport Canada licence with their application.

Evaluator Instructions 

The evaluator plays a key role in the CAMC certification system by mentoring, witnessing and attesting to the applicant’s successful completion of required tasks. An Evaluator is an aviation practitioner with experience in the same occupation as the applicant seeking certification; who can attest that the applicant has accomplished the required tasks competently.

Evaluators are appointed by the Council based on recommendations by the applicant’s employer. To nominate an individual for evaluator status, the employer must forward a formal letter of nomination to the CAMC Registrar, along with a completed Evaluator Data Form. A resume outlining the individual’s background and experience in the occupation is also required.

Individuals approved by the Council to act as evaluators receive a copy of the national occupational standard for their occupation, as well as a certificate and wallet card confirming their status as an  evaluator.

The duties of the evaluator include:

  • Supervising the applicant performing the task/subtask.
  • Filling in the appropriate Evaluator Data Sheet in the logbook.
  • Attesting that the applicant has completed each task/sub-task in a satisfactory manner and in compliance with the current standards including:
    • Identifying the appropriate standards;
    • Selecting and properly using the correct tools;
    •  Performing the task without supervision;
    • Completing all necessary documentation.

    The evaluator is responsible for ensuring that the applicant meets all of the requirements for certification, including training, experience and competency to carry out the mandatory tasks and sub-tasks without supervision. Any supporting documentation that can attest to the work experience (e.g., certificates, diplomas, letter of employment) should be included.

    Tasks Common to Most Aircraft Maintenance Technicians
    (note that sub-tasks for each task are not shown below)

    Block A — Safety
    Task 1 - Demonstrates Safe Working Practices and Techniques   

    Block B — Air Regulations and Documentation
    Task 2 - Complies with Air Regulations
    Task 3 - Completes Aircraft Maintenance Documentation

    Block C — Aircraft Servicing and Operations
    Task 4 - Services Aircraft
    Task 5 - Services Oxygen System
    Task 6 - Services Aircraft Tires and Wheels and/or Skids and/or Floats and/or Skis
    Task 7 - Checks Aircraft Primary Batteries
    Task 8 – Fuels and Defuels Aircraft
    Task 9 – Performs User Maintenance and Operates Ground Support Equipment
    Task 10 – Performs Other Related Aircraft Ground Servicing Operations

    Block D — Power Plant
    Task 11 – Maintains Engines (Reciprocating and Gas Turbine)
    Task 12 – Maintains Engine Fuel Systems and Components
    Task 13 – Maintains Engine Anti-Ice System and Components
    Task 14 – Maintains Engine Ignition Systems and Components
    Task 15 – Maintains Engine Fire Extinguishing Systems and Components
    Task 16 – Maintains Exhaust Systems and Components
    Task 17 – Maintains Engine Oil Systems and Components
    Task 18 – Maintains Engine Indicating Systems 

    Block E — Propellers
    Task 19 – Maintains Propellers

    Block F — Aircraft Structures
    Task 20 – Maintains Airframe Structures

    Block G — Rotorcraft
    Task 21 – Maintains Rotorcraft

    Block H — Aircraft Systems
    Task 22 – Maintains Landing Gear Systems and Components
    Task 23 – Maintains Airframe Fuel Systems and Components
    Task 24 – Maintains Hydraulic and High Pressure Pneumatic Systems and components
    Task 25 – Maintains Low Pressure Pneumatic Systems and Components
    Task 26 – Maintains Flight Control Systems and Components
    Task 27 – Maintains Cabin Environment Systems and their Related Components
    Task 28 – Maintains Ice and Rain Protection Systems and their Related Components
    Task 29 – Maintains Fire Protection and/or Detection Systems and Related Components
    Task 30 – Maintains Doors, Interiors and Emergency Equipment

    Block I — Electrical and Avionic Systems
    Task 31 – Maintains Electrical and Avionic Systems

    Block J — Unscheduled Inspections
    Task 32 – Performs Unscheduled Inspections

     

     

  •