Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Calendar 
    
2022-2023 Academic Calendar [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Learn More About Aircraft Structures


This program is Transport Canada approved and meets the criteria for training and examinations to become  an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Category ‘S’ (Structures). Graduates who complete the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License are then eligible to assess, plan and undertake structural repair of aircrafts and receive and 11-month time credit toward the three-year requirement to complete your AME-S certification.  

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

Upon successful completion of the program to required standards you will receive recognition by Transport Canada for training and technical tests required for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer-Structures (AME-S) licence. You will also receive an 11-month time credit toward the three-year requirement to complete your AME-S certification.

NIC instructors and staff stay current with industry regulations and demands. As a corporate member of PAMEA, the Pacific Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association, the program works with aircraft structures engineers and professionals to represent the industry at a national level.

Career Opportunities

An Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) develops an understanding of, and is knowledgeable in, the fabrication and repair of metal skins and structures along with the repair and installation of components made from wood, plastics and composite construction.

The program is Transport Canada approved and meets the criteria for training and examinations to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Category ‘S’ (Structures). Graduates who complete the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license are then eligible to assess, plan and undertake structural repairs of aircraft.

NIC graduates are in high demand. They are working locally, throughout BC and Canada, and as far away as Australia. Where do your dreams take you?

Work Experience

You may have an opportunity to complete an optional one-month work experience session (non-credit) in the field of aircraft structural repairs.

Supply List

Students are also responsible for obtaining the following basic supplies:

Personal Protection Equipment

  • CSA approved safety footwear
  • WCB approved safety glasses
  • WCB approved hearing protection
  • painting respirator

Classroom Supplies

  • three - 2”, three-ring binders
  • pencils, pens, erasers
  • fine line felt markers
  • non-scientific calculator
  • measuring tape - imperial

NIC is pleased to make tools available to you in exchange for a $100 refundable tool deposit. This deposit is not included in the cost of tuition and will be returned at the end of the term if all tools and tags are returned in an acceptable condition. Tools will not be distributed without proof of payment from the Registration office.

To Be Successful

  • You 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 an educational advisor to discuss upgrading or Grade 12 completion options offered at NIC. In addition, 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 tradesperson. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the program.
  • 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.
  • You will be required to stay focused for prolonged periods.