Air Operations Support Technician

Overview

As a member of the military, Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) provide air maintenance support primarily in the areas of aircraft servicing and handling, general maintenance tasks, maintenance programs and projects, employment and training, supply and tool procurement/management, quality management, technical publication management, and maintenance records management. In supporting aircraft maintenance, AOS Techs perform pre and post flight inspections, aircraft handling tasks such as parking, towing, marshalling, starting, refueling, and cleaning of aircraft. AOS Techs in the Reg Force may also perform airfield and base security duties, including site and aircraft security, guard and access control duties.

Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) provide support in the areas of:

• Aircraft servicing and handling
• Aircraft Maintenance Control & Records
• Technical Publications Library
• Quality Management
• Employment and Training
• Tool Crib
• Consumable Stores
• Project Management
• Airfield and base security

Work environment

Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangars, shop environments and on the flight line. In geographic terms, employment can vary from CAF bases and wings within Canada, including the Arctic, to overseas locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments. They will also be called upon to perform some duties in airborne aircraft. AOS Techs are subject to the same environmental conditions as all others at sea while performing duties on board ship and specific environmental clothing and equipment is required; and AOS Techs are subject to the same environmental conditions as all others in the field. In deployed field conditions, shops are set up on tent lines where specific environmental clothing and equipment are required.

Entry plans

Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation. The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Air Operations Support Technicians first attend the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario. The Common Core course provided at this location is approximately 35 training days in duration.

This training will help prepare you for the basic roles and responsibilities of the Air Operations Technician. The course includes interactive lectures, guided exercises, practical exercises and demonstrations. During this course, Air Operations Technicians will receive instruction and training in the following areas:

• Workplace Safety Practices
• Assisting with Aircraft Maintenance
• Airworthiness Policy and Documentation
• Inspection of Electrical Wiring
• Common Servicing and Elementary Tasks

Further training is required once posted to the unit including fleet specific servicing courses. As they progress in their career, Air Operations Support Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training in areas such as Employment and Training procedures, Aircraft Maintenance and Control procedures, Airworthiness, Quality Management, Project Management, and Career Management. They may also be afforded the opportunity to complete additional advanced training as the occupation evolves.

Part time options

As a member of the Reserve Force, Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) provide air maintenance support primarily in the areas of assistance to Search and Rescue (SAR), airfield and base security, transport, and general duties. When working at Search and Rescue (SAR) Squadrons, Reserve Force AOS Techs maintain serviceability of a variety of SAR and medical equipment, set up and tear down parachute drop zones, transport equipment and personnel by vehicle or boat, and assist with diving exercises. AOS Techs also perform airfield and base security duties, including site and aircraft security, guard, and access control duties.

Reserve Air Operations Support Technicians (AOS Tech) will provide support in the areas of:

• Aircraft servicing and handling
• Assistance to Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Airfield and base security
• Transport and general labour

If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment. Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required, arrangements will be made by the home unit. Typically, Reserve Force members work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 92.8 % of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.

Related Careers

• Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator
• Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technician
• Priority Application Processing
• Aerospace Control Operator
• Priority Application Processing

Key skills/competency

• Aircraft Maintenance
• Aircraft Servicing
• Aircraft Handling
• Flight Inspections
• Airfield Security
• Tool Management
• Quality Management
• Technical Publications
• Logistics Support
• Military Operations