Aviation Systems Technician

Opportunity

Are you interested in engineering and working hands-on with aircraft? A career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as an Aviation Systems Technician lets you handle, service and maintain CAF aircraft, ground equipment and associated support facilities.

Overview
Aviation Systems Technicians are responsible for maintaining aircraft aviation systems, like propulsion, airframe, basic electrical and all related components, as well as:

• Testing, inspecting and repairing aviation systems
• Performing quality assurance checks
• Preparing and maintaining aircraft forms and statistical data
• Performing first-line servicing tasks such as marshalling, parking, towing, starting, refuelling, cleaning and de-icing
• Operating aircraft support equipment

To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada
• Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
  • For the paid education programs you may be 16 years old (with parental consent)
  • For the Primary Reserve you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student
• Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec (some jobs need higher levels of education)

Paid Education Options

Non-commissioned Subsidized Training and Education Program

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. Non-commissioned Subsidized Training and Education Program students attend Basic Training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salaries, including medical and dental care, along with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Work Environment

Aviation Systems Technicians work at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangers, in airborne aircraft and on the flight line. They may also work with tactical helicopter field units and on ships. Technicians will sometimes be required to work shifts and periods of overtime and can work in CAF wings and bases within Canada, the Arctic, and locations around the world in response to NATO and UN commitments.

Basic Military Qualification

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.

Aviation Systems Technicians Training

Aviation Systems Technicians attend training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario, where they complete Common Core: eight weeks of common mechanical and aircraft servicing training. After some time at a squadron, they will return to Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering and take their Trade Training over 23 weeks. This includes:

• Theory of flight (fixed and rotary wing)
• Basic electrical
• Aircraft structures
• Propulsion systems
• Wiring and soldering
• Aircraft servicing
• Aircraft instrumentation
• Aircraft publications
• Aircraft safety
• Flight controls
• Hydraulic, fuel, brake and de-icing systems
• Environment control systems

Available Specialty Training

Aviation Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training for topics like:

• Instructional Technique
• Aircraft Specific Type Courses
• Aircraft Engine Type Courses
• Life Cycle Materiel Management
• Aircraft Fluid Handling
• Corrosion Identification and Control
• Technical Writing
• Technical Inspection and Quality Assurance
• Flight Safety Investigators Course

Available Advanced Training

As they progress in their career, Aviation Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Technical Administration
• Leadership and Management Courses

Required Education

Direct Entry Officer Plan

Ideal candidates will already have a diploma or Red Seal for a related civilian trade. If you already have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may optimize your progression following Basic Training. Basic Training is required before being assigned.

Please note that, if successful in the application process, you will be entering service in either the Regular Force (full-time employment) or Primary Reserve Force (part-time employment) of the Canadian Armed Forces as a military member.

• Regular Force: Upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career.

• Primary Reserve Force: You will be joining the Primary Reserve Force through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends with possibilities of full-time employment.

To learn more about the various ways to join the Canadian Armed Forces, visit: https://forces.ca/en/how-to-join/#wj

Join the CAF

To learn more about becoming an Aviation Systems Technician, visit www.forces.ca, talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.

Explore over 100 different career opportunities at www.forces.ca/en/careers.