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.

AMTS 1120 - Non-Metallic Structures Foundations
This course introduces composite materials used in the aircraft industry such as wood, fabric, and thermoplastics. Basic fabrication techniques to use with composite materials and repairing basic wood joints, fabrics such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass will also be developed.

AMTS 1121 - Non-Metallic Structures
This course focuses on repairing traditional composite fiberglass including kevlar and carbon fiber. Students will continue building their knowledge about different composite structures, and will learn about molds, repair methods, and core materials.

AMTS 1122 - Workplace Safety
Basic requirements for safety in aviation is the focus of this course. Human factors in aircraft maintenance like fatigue and stress, safe practices using chemicals and fuels, as well as fire hazard awareness, and fire safety equipment use are also key topics. Note: Successful completion is a requirement for participation in shop activities in other courses.

AMTS 1125 - Metallic Structures Foundations
Safely working with metal is vital to any aircraft Structures student. Identifying a variety of metals and metalworking techniques, and safely using hand and power tools can be expected in this course. Identifying rivets, as well as measuring, installing, and removing structural fasteners will be practiced.

AMTS 1126 - Metallic Structures - Repairs I
Continue to improve aviation structures skills like driving, bucking, and removing rivets. Additional skills like removing damaged parts, repairing aircraft skin, cutting of a variety of joints, and ensuring the processes and materials used meet industry standards are also vital learning in this course.

AMTS 1127 - Metallic Structures - Assembly and Fabrication I
Fabrication of sheet metal components is fundamental in the aircraft industry. This course offers additional learning about layout procedures. Students will build skills using special rivets and bolts and will bend and form sheet metal with a variety of hand and machine tools.

AMTS 1128 - Employment Readiness
Learning to work more effectively in teams and in an inclusive workplace are important skills in the aviation industry. Students will build communication skills and will learn about employment interview formats, as well as researching companies.

AMTS 1130 - Industry Practices I
Ever wondered how to read aircraft technical drawings or blueprints? Or maybe draw aircraft shop sketches? This course offers the opportunity to learn about those topics, as well as discuss what makes aircraft fly, as well as introduce aviation regulations and basic maintenance requirements.

AMTS 1131 - Industry Practices II
Jacking and standard ground handling procedures for fixed and rotary wing aircraft will be addressed in this course. Aviation standards and regulations including those from the Airworthiness Manual and Canadian Air Regulations addressing specialized maintenance, major repairs, service difficulties, service bulletins and technical records will be reviewed.

AMTS 1135 - Aircraft Maintenance Essentials I
This course offers practice installing fasteners, fabricating fluid lines, and cleaning aircraft components. Students will learn to properly identify and use fasteners, fluid line components, hand and power tools, and maintain clean and safe shop areas and aircraft.

AMTS 1136 - Aircraft Maintenance Essentials II
This course addresses the causes and controls of corrosion in aircraft structures. Non-destructive testing, and the importance of all types of inspections to maintain safe aircraft will be highlighted. Students can also expect to paint a variety of aircraft components throughout this course.

AMTS 2000 - Metallic Structures - Repairs II
Students will apply many of the skills learned during the program in this course. Multiple and various repairs to metallic structures using the proper tools, and processes will be completed. Advanced repair techniques and special fasteners will also be used.

AMTS 2001 - Metallic Structures - Assembly and Fabrication II
This course focuses on fastening sheet metal components into an assembly, as well as modifying and inspecting sheet metal structures.

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.