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Aviation Machinist Overview
 
Aviation Machinist Overview

Aviation machinists are trades-people who work in a team or individually to fabricate, repair, rework or modify aircraft parts, components and specialized tooling. They accomplish their work by using complex machinery to maintain the preciseness of the work.  They have in-depth knowledge of material working behavior. They must also be familiar with exotic and specialized materials used in the aviation industry.

Aviation machinists will work many different materials and many different processes common to the aviation field. They will work extensively with aluminum alloys, titanium, stainless and specialty steels. They will also work with other exotic and composition materials not normally found in the general machining fields. 

Aviation machinists must be able to read engineering drawings, and be intuitive to the thought process of developing and carrying out the steps required to machine parts or components. They should be able to think on their feet and be able to use the tools at hand.  Many times, machinists are called on in the design phase of a project because of their knowledge of materials, processes and fabrication techniques.

Aviation machinists should be conscious of the fact that the parts and components they work on a re critical to the lives of the aircraft passengers. They must treat their job as a profession and develop ethical and moral responsibilities in their day to day work activities. 

Certification Requirements 

To qualify for certification with CAMC, the applicant must possess the necessary knowledge and skills and have acquired a minimum of sixty (60) months in the occupation, or in the tool-making trade (including apprenticeship or other formal training) and practical knowledge of all mandatory tasks in Blocks A, B, C, D, E, F, G and Task 19 in Block I.  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 Aviation Machinist course as part of the minimum sixty (60) months, on a month-for-month basis.

Evaluator Instructions 

An Evaluator is an aviation practitioner with experience in the same occupation as the applicant seeking registration; 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 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/subtask in a satisfactory manner and in compliance with the current standards including:
    • Meeting the appropriate knowledge requirements
      for the level of certification;
    • 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 knowledge requirement levels to carry out the mandatory tasks and sub-tasks. Any supporting documentation that can attest to the candidates work experience and education (e.g., certificates, diplomas, letter of employment) should be included. 

Tasks Common to Most Aviation Machinists

(note that sub-tasks for each task are not shown below) 

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

Block B — Basic Knowledge
Task 2 - Interprets Aircraft and Related Manufacturers’ Manuals, Engineering Drawings and Other Documentation as Required by an Approved Maintenance Organization
Task 3 – Takes Measurements of Parts, Including Dimensions, Angles, Radii and Threads
Task 4 – Performs Layout of Paints and Centres, Straight, Parallel and Intersecting Lines, Angles, Polygons, Circles and Regular or Irregular Contours
Task 5 – Selects, Uses and Maintains Hand and Power Tools for Shop and Aircraft Applications
Task 6 – Identifies and Selects Materials for Aviation Related Applications
Task 7 – Demonstrates Knowledge of Heat Treatment, Testing and Processing of Metals
Task 8 – Selects Cutting Fluids, Compounds, Coolants and Lubricants
Task 9 – Develops Sequence of Operations for Work in Shops and Hangars
Task 10 – Selects Cutting Tools for Specific Aviation Related Machining Operations 

Block C — Bench Work
Task 11 - Performs Bench and Fitting Operations
Task 12 – Disassembles and Re-assembles Mechanical Components  

Block D — Sawing
Task 13 – Sets Up and Operates Power Sawing Equipment 

Block E — Drilling Machine Operations
Task 14 – Sets Up and Operates Drill Presses and Drilling Machines 

Block F — Lathe Operation
Task 15 – Sets Up and Operates Lathes and Vertical Turning Lathes 

Block G — Milling
Task 16 – Sets Up and Operates Vertical Milling and Vertical Ram Milling Machines
Task 17 – Sets Up and Operates Horizontal and Universal Milling Machines 

Block H — Jig Boring and Horizontal Boring
Task 18 – Sets Up and Operates Jig Boring and Horizontal Boring Mills 

Block I — Grinding
Task 19 – Sets Up and Operates Surface Grinders
Task 20 – Sets Up and Operates Universal Cylindrical Grinders 

Block J — Electrical Discharge Machines
Task 21 – Sets Up and Operates Electrical Discharge Machines  

Block K — Computerized Numerical Control Machining
Task 22 – Sets Up and Operates Computerized Numerical Control Machines
Task 23 – Prepares Manual Parts Program