Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S)

Why Choose North Island College?

• Practical experience. With a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills, you’ll attend classes in a shop that is organized and run to industry standards, and you’ll be well-prepared for entry into the workplace.
• Put your skills to work. Depending upon their performance, students may complete a four-week work experience session in the field of aircraft structural repairs. With a work experience session, you’ll gain valuable hands-on knowledge, professional contacts and confidence before entering the workforce.
• Great instructors. Experienced, licensed instructors work closely with the aerospace industry to ensure that NIC’s curriculum is relevant, current, and comprehensive.
• Want to go further? As a graduate, you'll receive recognition by Transport Canada for formal training and both technical tests required for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer-Structure (AME-S) license, plus time credit towards the three-year requirement to complete your AME-S certification.

Program Highlights

The Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) program consists of approximately 1,150 hours of shop and classroom instruction, beginning with the basic theory of flight. Students learn about aircraft systems, construction and Transport Canada regulatory requirements. They build and repair sheet metal, tubular, composite, wooden, and fabric aircraft structures. Graduates develop a strong foundation of skills and knowledge in all aspects of aircraft sheet metal work.

Students who have successfully completed the program to required standards receive recognition by Transport Canada for training and technical tests required for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer–Structures (AME-S) license. Graduates also receive an 11-month  time credit towards the three-year requirement to complete the AME-S certification.

Career Opportunities

The aerospace industry in BC is currently involved in a comprehensive strategy to address forecasted shortages of trained personnel. This program, with industry input and commitment, is designed to assist in meeting this shortfall. Opportunities are open in the field of aircraft repair manufacturing and servicing. Graduates qualify for high-demand jobs locally and around the world. Employment opportunities may include, but would not be limited to, aircraft repair and servicing, aircraft manufacturer, composite component repair, aircraft parts manufacturing, and aircraft parts technician.

Work Experience

Depending upon their performance, students may complete a one-month work experience session in the field of aircraft structural repairs.

Supply List

• Coveralls
• Safety Footwear
• Safety Glasses
• Work Gloves
• Painting Respirator
• Sufficient Note Books
• All Necessary Pencils, Pens, Erasers, etc
• Scientific Calculator (see Instructor)
• Geometry Set (see Instructor)
• Measuring Tapes Metric and Imperial
• Hearing Protection
 

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum C+ in English 11, TPC 11, NIC ENG 052 or equivalent; and
2. Minimum C+ in Principles of Math 10, Applications of Math 11, NIC MAT 033, or equivalent; or
3. Successful NIC assessment testing in English and math.

To Be Successful

• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
• Many employers require grade 12 completion as an employment standard. If you do not meet this requirement we encourage you to contact a Student Advisor to discuss upgrading or grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition to the stated prerequisites Secondary school equivalent courses in Science, Physics and Drafting are considered an asset.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality trades person. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
• Prospective students should be aware that trades programs require good hand/eye coordination, good binocular vision, strong abilities in spatial and mechanical reasoning along with good math and communication skills.
• There is also an expectation of physical activities such as lifting, working on ladders and scaffolding or in confined spaces and under various weather conditions. Prospective students should also have the ability to stay focused for prolonged periods.
 

Program Requirements

• ASM-100 Program Orientation & Workshop Safety
• ASM-101 Regulation, Documentation & Technical Information
• ASM-102 Structural Materials & Heat Treatment
• ASM-103 Tools & Equipment
• ASM-104 Sheet Metal Fabrication
• ASM-105 Standard & Special Fastener Identification & Installation
• ASM-106 Sheet Metal Repairs & Damage Assessment
• ASM-107 Surface Preparation & Corrosion Control
• ASM-108 Fluid Lines & Conduits
• ASM-109 Aircraft Systems, Structures & Designs
• ASM-110 Composite Repairs & Fabrication
• ASM-111 Tubular Repairs (welding excluded)
• ASM-112 Wood Structure & Repair
• ASM-113 Fabric Repairs
• ASM-114 Thermoplastics
• ASM-115 Human Factors

Completion Requirements

As it is the intention that graduates of this program will work in the aerospace industry, this program will incorporate expectations governing evaluation and attendance as developed by this industry.

1. All theoretical and practical post examination reviews will be conducted and corrected to 100% with the intent of demonstrated competency in each subject area.
2. Post examinations will be applied to that portion of a topic where a student has achieved less than 70%. Regular and consistent attendance is mandatory.