Aircraft Technician Airforce Au

If you’re someone who enjoys fixing things, then consider a career as an Aircraft Technician. You’ll be trained on sophisticated aircraft systems such as landing gear, fuel, pressurisation, propulsion and much more.

Job Details

Other Ranks (Technical)

The Aircraft Trade is responsible for the on-going maintenance of aircraft, airframe systems, engines and engine systems at either flightline or workshop level. Accordingly, within normal employment and supervisory guidelines, Aircraft Technicians are employed on duties which include aircraft flight line handling and replenishment; inspection, removal and installation of aircraft components at all levels of maintenance; disassembly and reassembly of aircraft components; preparation and use of aircraft support equipment; identification and demanding of aircraft spares; preparation and packaging of technical equipment for transportation; amendment and maintenance of technical publications; inspection, maintenance, servicing, repair and fault diagnosis of landing gear and braking systems, air-conditioning, pressurisation and surface ice control systems, hydraulic and pneumatic power systems, fuel systems, fire warning, detecting and extinguishing systems, turbo-shaft, turbojet and auxiliary power plant and associated systems.

Working Conditions. The working environment varies because of the nature of the work encountered. Members are often exposed to outdoor conditions and inclement weather, cramped or awkward working positions, confined working spaces, poor light conditions, and aircraft, machinery and equipment noise and vibration. Where possible, work is performed in shelters, hangars or workshops that offer protection from inclement weather. Workshops may be of the open structure or climate controlled type, depending on the maintenance performed. Work may involve being deployed to other bases in Australia and overseas. Work is often performed outside normal hours.

You may at times during your career, have the opportunity to also work on aircraft belonging to the Navy and Army and be employed within Navy or Army Units.

Hazards. Inherent hazards exist in tasks associated with aircraft and engine operations, explosive ordnance, electrical supplies, toxic materials, Ionising and non-Ionising radiation and cryogenic liquids. Tasks require constant care and development of safe working habits to avoid injury. Minor cuts and bruises may be sustained, but the possibility exists of sustaining more serious injury from machinery, plant, equipment and operational aircraft systems. Personal protective equipment is provided where necessary, and its use is enforced.

Physical Effort. Some handling of both light and heavy tools and equipment is involved in daily tasks, with an occasional requirement for considerable strength for lifting and handling equipment, jigs, machinery, tools and components. While the physical effort required is normally low, on occasion, heavy and awkward objects must be manoeuvred in confined spaces.

Manual Dexterity and Physical Co-ordination. A high level of physical co-ordination and manual dexterity is required to perform tasks that involve the operation of hand and power tools, and machinery. Close tolerance fits of components, sometimes large and heavy, also requires that dexterity and co-ordination be of a high order.

Speed and Accuracy of Movement. A high degree of accuracy of movement is required for most tasks; however, rapid response or great speed of movement is not normally required.

Contact with Others. Aircraft Tradespeople are required to frequently interact with other technical trades, engineering officers, aircrew and civilian staff.

Probability and Consequence of Error. The probabilities of error normal to all engineering trades exist. The consequences of error can be severe in relation to property damage and could result in serious injury or death, and loss of high value assets. Errors in workmanship may also lead to expensive wastage of components and/or materials.

Responsibility for Money and Material. The job does not involve any responsibility for the care of money. However, accounting responsibilities require the custody and correct use of valuable technical equipment, tools, machinery, publications, materials, job items and other military assets.

Trade Criticality. The duties of an Aircraft Tradesperson are critical to the operational effectiveness of the RAAF. The trade performs a critical role in exercising judgement to ensure continued integrity of the airframe, engine and associated systems. A high standard of workmanship is necessary to satisfy airworthiness requirements with the RAAF.

Handling of Classified Documents and Equipment. During the course of duties, Aircraft Tradespeople may be required to handle classified documents and equipment.

Weapon Systems. Aircraft Tradespeople are employed (almost exclusively) within one of the following Weapon Systems:

• Fighter (F/A-18 Hornet), Hawk, PC9);
• Surveillance (AP3C Orion, Wedgetail B737 AEW&C);
• Strike (F/A-18F Super Hornet); and
• Transport (C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, KC-30A, King Air 350 (B300).