Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Structures

Overview

If you’re interested in airplanes and how aircraft are designed and built, enjoy taking components apart and putting them back together to make them better, are detail oriented, love a challenge and want to participate in a dynamic and fast-moving field, this program may be for you. 

The Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Structures program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance structures engineers and technicians in Nova Scotia's aerospace industry, specifically in the field of aircraft structures. With the increasing use of composite materials in aircraft construction, there is high demand for individuals who have the knowledge and skills associated with these materials. 

The Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Structures program provides you with the opportunity to gain skills in aircraft metal and composite assembly and repair which are essential in the maintenance, repair, overhaul, inspection and testing of aircraft structural components and systems. You learn to:

• Complete inspection, maintenance, assembly, structural repair work and documentation on airplanes and helicopters in accordance with health and safety regulations, manufacturers' specifications and Canadian Aviation Regulations.  
• Apply approved inspection, fabrication and repair techniques to composite and metallic structures while using appropriate industry documents and specialized tools safely and to Canadian Aviation Regulation standards.
• Evaluate the structural integrity of airframes prior to, during and following disassembly to prevent further damage.
• Use written instructions, schematics, manufacturers' specifications, technical drawings, manuals and computer-based information while performing routine and unscheduled tasks.
• Generate damage reports, shop sketches and rectification statements in logbooks and work orders, and use design criteria to generate damage repair schemes.

Choose NSCC

• You learn in our facility that closely simulates a hangar-like structure with shops and spaces designed for work-like settings.
• NSCC is recognized as an Approved Training Organization by Transport Canada (TC) and authorized to deliver specific programs of study leading to licensure as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)   . Graduates who meet TC training standards qualify for 10 months of credit towards the total 36 months required for a licence with an “S” rating, which is associated with aircraft structures.
• Your faculty have strong industry connections and provide opportunities to learn from industry experts in specialized areas of study.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• A firm grasp of basic mathematics and an interest in working with tools are important for success in this program. 
• Many employers in the aerospace industry require a current, official Criminal Record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment. 
• The Aviation Institute attendance policy conforms to Transport Canada policy for Approved Training Organizations. To preserve a high standard of maintenance and flight safety, students who miss more than five per cent of the program through absences will not qualify for the experience credit. 
• If you're chemically sensitive, it's important to note that chemicals (including paint, solvents, adhesives and other chemical compound products) are commonly used by aircraft maintenance structures technicians.

September 2024

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus Classes at Aviation Institute	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent. 
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View details

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

This program is not offered at regular NSCC tuition.

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Structures

Career options

Graduates of the Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Structures program can find employment with various airlines, aircraft manufacturers and repair/overhaul facilities in Nova Scotia and throughout Canada and North America.

As an aircraft maintenance structures technician, you may find work in:

• Defence services
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing facilities
• Scheduled and non-scheduled air transportation industries

Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

• Graduates may be eligible for credit toward licensure from Transport Canada.
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Find out more

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

AMEG 1600 - Workplace Safety
The student is introduced to compliance with safety regulations, identification and reduction of fire hazards, and the maintenance and safe use of equipment and tools. This course also includes confined spaces, WHIMS, MSDS, use of personal protective devices, hazardous situations. Safe working techniques while working around aircraft are conducted.

AMEG 1601 - Human Factors
This course introduces students to the impact of human factors in aircraft maintenance and the application of techniques used to eliminate errors caused by human factors.

AMEG 1602 - Canadian Aviation Regulations
The student is introduced to the general provisions of Canadian Aviation Regulations, aircraft identification and registration. This course is a comprehensive study of Airworthiness, Technical records and Aircraft Maintenance.

AMEG 1603 - Publications
The student is introduced to the standards for publications, use of publications and the types of publications in the Aviation industry.

AMES 1101 - Mathematics
This course instructs students in imperial and metric systems of measurement, decimal-fraction conversion and the geometric and trigonometric functions utilized by the aviation structural technician.

AMES 1106 - Aircraft Systems
The student is introduced to the various aircraft systems including hydraulic, pneumatic, air conditioning, fuel, ice and rain protection, fire protection and emergency systems.

AMES 1112 - Aerodynamics, Aircraft Components and Functions
The course covers basic physics, properties of atmosphere, fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft design and aerodynamics. The student is introduced to forces and axes of flight, control and stability of aircraft, high speed flight and propulsion systems.

AMES 1113 - Tools and Materials
This course introduces students to the various aircraft hardware and fasteners as well as the ferrous, non-ferrous, and non-metallic materials used in aircraft construction. The proper selection and safe operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and various shop equipment is also covered.

AMES 1201 - Fastener Installation
Students will identify, select, and install various fasteners used in the construction of aircraft. Hands-on training is emphasized.

AMES 1202 - Assembly
The student is introduced to aircraft assembly procedures and techniques. A wide variety of tools and equipment is used and the emphasis is placed on hands-on training.

AMES 1205 - Structural Damage Assessment
The student is introduced to the proper procedures to identify, assess, and repair aircraft structural damage.

AMES 1206 - Sheet Metal Repairs
This course will introduce the student to the various techniques and procedures used in aircraft sheet metal repair.

AMES 1207 - Sheet Metal Fabrication
This course draws together the skills learned in prior courses to allow the learner to perform hands-on training in sheet metal fabrication techniques and procedures.

AMES 1208 - Corrosion
The student is introduced to the different types of corrosion found in the aircraft structure and is given the opportunity to practice the identification, prevention and treatment of corrosion. This course introduces the student to the various techniques and procedures used in corrosion assessment and evaluation.

AMES 1209 - Aircraft Drawing Interpretation
The student is introduced to the various blueprint components and given the opportunity to interpret and create aircraft drawings.

AMES 1300 - Composite Repairs
This course introduces the students to the various types of repairs utilized in composite structures. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning.

AMES 1301 - Composite Fabrication
This course introduces the student to the various composite fabrication processes and techniques utilized in composite aircraft construction. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning.

AMES 1304 - Fluid Lines and Conduits
This course discusses the fluid lines and fittings found in various aircraft systems. Topics include proper identification, selection, marking, and repair of fluid lines.

AMES 1305 - Windows and Lenses
This course introduces the student to the various types of glass and plastics used in the construction of aircraft windscreens and windows and the approved maintenance practices.

AMES 1306 - Tubular Structure
The student is introduced to tubular construction of aircraft including the associated evaluation and structural repair procedures and techniques.

AMES 1312 - Wood and Fabric Structures
The student is introduced to all aspects of wood and fabric aircraft structure assembly, assessment and repair.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1022 - Safety Basics – Working at Heights
The student is introduced to hazards and responsibilities concerned with working at heights in the workplace. Guardrails, travel restraints, roof work, fall arrest components will be discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.