Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

• Certificate II in Aeroskills

YOU CAN'T FLY WITHOUT THEM
It may not be as glamorous as being a pilot but aircraft maintenance engineers are just as vital to the aviation industry as their high-flying colleagues.

Usually the only time we think of an aircraft maintenance engineer is when something goes wrong. A helicopter crashes or a small plane has to make an emergency landing and all of a sudden the question is raised, 'Was there something wrong with the plane?' Well, its the job of an aircraft maintenance engineer to make sure planes, helicopters and all manner of aircraft are fit and well and ready to fly. ''With our training, we don't look at a plane as a whole,'' says a 40-year veteran of the industry. ''We always look at it from the parts!''

DIFFERENT AREAS OF MAINTENANCE
Depending on their area of specialisation, an aircraft maintenance engineer will inspect, maintain and/or repair the airframe and engine systems, the electrical and instrument systems, or the body of the aircraft. Alternatively, they may choose to work on sections of the aircraft only (rather than on the aircraft itself) overhauling, repairing and modifying components in a workshop. These tradespersons are often referred to as 'aircraft mechanics', who have not traditionally been subject to licensing and are often paid less.

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There are 45% of Aircraft maintenance Engineers who have Certificate III or Certificate IV, 23% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas and 7% have Bachelor Degrees. While there are 24% who have no post-school qualifications it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to get the best possible chance of employment.

TAFE SA offer the Certificate II in Aeroskills and an Advanced Diploma of Aviation. For further information about these and related courses go to the TAFE SA website at http://www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

The University of Adelaide offers a Bachelor of Engineering (Avionics & Electronic Systems Engineering).

SA Apprenticeships are available in this occupation for further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship Website at http://www.employment.sa.gov.au or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
By acquiring a variety of engine and/or system licences and initially choosing carefully their area of specialisation, an aircraft maintenance engineer may vary and improve their prospects of employment. Regular travel may not be part of the deal, but some aircraft maintenance engineers do lead an exciting life. ''Its the opportunities you take that get you into a particular job,'' explains Gordon, who after 18 years as an industry professional now works as a consultant. ''I've been to Germany just to issue a piece of paper!'' Gordon's work has also taken him to Fiji, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Not bad for a young man who ''didn't like aeroplanes at all'' and, on his first flight, was sick at every stop!

Transport and Storage

To be updated.

THE TASK AT HAND
On the aircraft, an aircraft maintenance engineer may maintain, inspect and undertake fault diagnosis of landing gear, brakes, hydraulic systems, instrument and radio systems, autopilot, integrated flight or radar systems, environmental control systems or fire detection and prevention systems. Or they may carry out a variety of metal forming or joining processes using hand or power tools to produce or repair aircraft sheetmetal. Meanwhile, back in the workshop, others will be overhauling, testing and modifying airframe and engine components, gas turbines or piston engines, pneumatic and hydraulic devices, power distribution systems, or radio communications and navigation system components. There's more variety in general aviation. You get to work on big and small, as well as new and old aircraft and there's more happening in terms of new developments - small turbine engines are getting smaller and better and in avionics (radio) things are really changing.''

COMMON CONDITIONS
Whether working for a major airline or a small charter company, you can expect the work to be smelly and noisy. Most aircraft maintenance engineers work indoors in hangars or outdoors on airfields and, when required, may work long hours or weekends to get work finished on time. They may also be on-call and may be required to work in all kinds of weather conditions. ''Imagine doing ramp checks in Toronto at minus 8 degrees!'' shivers Gordon, remembering time spent in Canada. Despite a worldwide shortage of skilled aircraft maintenance engineers, there is a reluctance to employ apprentices, according to Rod Warnock, a course coordinator. ''When the big companies like Qantas are not recruiting, it makes it very difficult to place apprentices in general aviation.''

THE RIGHT STUFF
Being a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer carries with it a lot of responsibility. As Gordon says, ''After all, you could kill people. ''There's also a lot of stress. Accountability, too, is a serious issue - a breach of the Act could land you in jail. ''Whatever you're working on, you'll need to have the right licence or be working under proper supervision. You'll also need to feel comfortable working at heights (on platforms around aircraft) and in confined spaces. Good hand-eye coordination along with neat, accurate work, good observation skills and an ability to concentrate are also essential.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (SA)
PO Box 126 PBC Adelaide SA 5950
Ph: 13 17 57 (Toll Free)
Internet Address: http://www.casa.gov.au

Defence Force Recruiting Centre (SA)
Fifth Floor 55 Currie St Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8237 6222 or 13 19 01 (Toll Free)
Internet Address: http://www.defencejobs.gov.au

FOR THE LOVE OF IT
The salary for a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer varies but is usually between $45,000 and $55,000 plus per year, while an 'aircraft mechanic' can generally expect to earn less. An experienced aircraft maintenance engineer in a supervisory position may earn as much as $60,000 and some very highly experienced airline engineers can sometimes earn as much as $100,000 or $110,000 per annum.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au