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Aircraft Engineer

Aircraft engineers maintain and repair the engine, body, cabin, systems, wings, and other parts of aircraft.

Tasks & duties

Aircraft engineers may do some or all of the following:

regularly check the engines, airframe (body of an aircraft) and mechanical systems of aircraft
inspect aircraft, look for and diagnose faults
repair or replace faulty parts
replace parts that have to be changed after being in use for a certain length of time
test parts to make sure they work
service aircraft
keep records of repairs
follow set procedures
have all work inspected and approved by licensed aircraft engineers

Specialisations

Helicopter Engineer

Helicopter engineers maintain and repair the systems, rotors, body and other parts of helicopters.

Skills & knowledge

Aircraft engineers need to have:

knowledge of the structure of aircraft mechanical systems (including jet and propeller engines), and hydraulic and pneumatic (compressed air) systems in aircraft
an understanding of how aircraft fly (aerodynamics) and how metals react during flight
an understanding of the maintenance requirements of the aircraft they are servicing
the ability to diagnose and solve mechanical problems
excellent mechanical and technical skills
knowledge of approved repair techniques and procedures
knowledge of aircraft safety rules and safe work practices

Entry requirements

To become an aircraft maintenance engineer you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship in Aeroskills (Avionics/Mechanical/Structures). Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. However, some employers will hire staff without qualifications and provide on-the-job training, as well as helping staff to gain qualifications during their employment.

After graduating with an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) trade certificate and gaining the necessary experience, you may undertake further training to become a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME). The qualification for a LAME is a Diploma in Aeroskills plus specific training and experience on aircraft. Alternatively, examinations set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) along with documented experience can be utilised in place of the diploma qualification. The CASA examination is only available until 2015. An aircraft maintenance engineer can only work on aircraft under the supervision of a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer.

Secondary education

Three years of secondary education in English, maths and science, is needed to enter tertiary training.

Training on the job

Many aircraft engineers are trained and gain their qualifications on the job.

Registration

Not all aircraft engineers have to be licensed, but CAA requires all engineering and maintenance work carried out on aircraft to be done under the supervision of a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME).

To become licensed, you must satisfy CAA you have sufficient skills, knowledge and experience to work on particular types of aircraft. This involves:

paying fees
sitting a series of exams
being approved as a fit and proper person by the director of CAA
undergoing a medical examination

Useful experience

Previous experience in mechanics, panel beating, or working with sheet metal is useful for aircraft engineers. It may also be useful to have a heavy vehicle driver's license.