What they do
Structural aircraft maintenance engineers mainly focus on metal forming and joining processes, working on the frame of the aircraft. They are responsible for inspecting, maintaining and repairing the structural frame, the internal ribs, engine cowlings and checking for cracks in the wings, tail and fuselage. This involves pre-flight examinations and evaluations of aircraft systems to detect and diagnose faults and prevent malfunction. When changes are made, they put the aircraft through a series of tests to ensure it is functioning properly and in safe condition for flights.
Working conditions
Structural aircraft maintenance engineers work in a range of environments such as indoors in workshops or the hangar, or on the flightline where aircraft await departure. Working conditions in the hangar are well ventilated and strict safety regulations ensure that risks are minimised.
Structural aircraft maintenance engineers can work long hours, do shiftwork, work on weekends and may be on call.
Tools and technologies
Aircraft maintenance engineers (structural) focus on the structure or airframe of the craft, including wings, tail, control surfaces and fuselage. They work with sheet metals, hi-tech fibre reinforced materials and composites. They perform metal forming or joining processes, and will use power tools and specialised machinery to repair aircraft sheet metal.
How do I become one?
Education and training
To become an aircraft maintenance engineer specialising in structures, you need to complete an apprenticeship. The aircraft maintenance engineer (structures technician) apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.
An aircraft maintenance engineer can only work on aircraft under the supervision of a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME).
Apprenticeships and traineeships
As an apprentice or trainee, you are employed and get paid while you complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You'll do a combination of on the job training - gaining hands on skills, knowledge and experience - and structured training with a registered training provider such as TAFE.
You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.
Required registration and licensing
To become a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) in Western Australia, you will need to undertake exams set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority or by an approved Maintenance Training Organisation or be enrolled in a A, B1 or B2 license training course.